Thursday, April 23, 2020

Strategic Analysis of Target Corporation

Corrective Measures The firm is involved in a law suit in which it has been accused of disposing off hazardous waste illegally. In a law suit that was ruled in 2011, a California judge ruled that the firm is liable for illegal disposal of hazardous waste since 2002 and should pay a penalty of $22.5 million while at the same time undertaking corrective measures concerning waste disposal. The firm took the corrective measures positively. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis of Target Corporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition to corrective measures, Target Corporation is environmental friendly since it is concerned with conservation of the environment. To this end, the firm has undertaken measures to reduce carbon emission as well as minimize energy consumed. For instance, it has adopted energy efficient LED lights and motion sensors in the refrigerators in a bid to protect the environm ent (Target Inc., â€Å"lawsuit†, 2011). Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Structure Target has strong corporate governance practices that are embedded in the original corporate guidelines that were set by the company’s founders, 50 years ago. At the top of the firm is the board of directors that understands that corporate governance practices must evolve continuously in order to balance the ever changing interests of the company’s stakeholders such as the management, the Board and the consumers among others (Target Inc., â€Å"Business Conduct†, 2013). The board of directors is independent and the candidates for the board seats are selected with regard to the success they have achieved in their fields of specialization. The tenure directors retire based on age and a maximum period of serving in the board. This is accompanied by a separate period of five years for retired directors. It is the duty of the board to conduct annual review of the fir m’s management and succession planning (Target Inc., â€Å"Corporate Governance Guidelines†, 2011). The board of directors of Target Corporation is helped by the management team of the firm that is headed by the company’s chief executive officer. The top executives in management are offered ownership of stock in the firm while part of compensation is in terms of long term equity awards. In addition, the executives are subjected to incentive compensation that is based on the achievement of set goals. Concerning corporate responsibility, Target Corporation has adopted policies in which it is involved in the community’s welfare. Through its initiatives, the firm participates in giving back to the community and serving the community in various ways. For instance, the firm gives 5% of its profits annually to the community. According to Target Corporation (2006), this is about $4 million weekly. In addition, Target supports a strong, healthy and safe community that constantly consumes its products (Target Inc., â€Å"Issues Advocacy†, 2013).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Policies and Procedures Policies of an organization could be determined through set procedures on performance of the operations of the firm. The firm is involved in civic activities in the country. The company has policies of uniting the country in all its activities. To enhance this, members of the firms have been engaged in various civic activities such as stepping up for national service where the members went and served in their respective communities (Target Inc., â€Å"Corporate Political Contribution†, 2013). 10,000 volunteers participated in the UNITE America in Service event that was held on 19 January 2013. They packed 100,000 care kits to benefit members of the U.S. forces. In another event, Target Corporation worked together with the U.S. Department of Justice to host a symposium that supported the cooperation of public and private companies in enhancing public safety (Target Inc., â€Å"Civic Activity†, 2013). Politically, Target has a policy that allows its management to use funds set aside by the management as political contributions especially if the management feels that the funds will help advance company issues and therefore enhance meeting of the company’s goals. Based on this, Target has contributed funds for political purposes in its financial periods. It has also established TargetCitizens PAC contributions in which it receives voluntary contribution towards this purpose. This is always good for the company as it enables the firm to be politically connected, which is essential for business operations of the firm. Sustainability Initiatives With respect to sustainability, Target Corporation has established various policies that ensure that the firm conserves the environment. Target Corpo ration has established sustainable living through its manufactured products and services offered. First, the firm minimizes the energy consumed by utilizing equipment that consumes less energy such as LED lights and motion sensors in the refrigerators. Target promotes healthy communities through its health programs. This is followed by production of sustainable products such as the seafood assortment that are wholly consumed and if they are disposed, they decompose thereby causing no threat to the environment. Wastes are recycled to ensure there is no harm to the environment while efficiency in operations ensures that quality products are manufactured. The production process utilizes clean energy that is environmental friendly (Environment, 2013).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Analysis of Target Corporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Community Programs Various community programs Supported by T arget involve community giving, support of veterans, civic activities and engaging in training and development (Community Event, 2013). In addition, the corporation is targeting to increase the number of customers by providing cheap products and services to the customers in their residing places. Examples are the Target family matinee, Target free Sundays and Target free second Tuesdays. The firm sells its products in such activities at a low price that only meets production cost while capitalizing on increased awareness. These activities enhance customer loyalty since Target shows that is caring concerning customers’ needs. References Target Inc., â€Å"Business Conduct†. (2013). Business Conduct Guide. Retrieved from: http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/65/65828/BusinessConductGuide.pdf Target Inc., â€Å"Civic Activity†. (2013). Discover Target. Retrieved from: https://corporate.target.com/discover/civic-activity Target Inc., â€Å"Community Even t†. (2013). Corporate Responsibility. Retrieved from: https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/community-events Target Inc., â€Å"Corporate Governance Guidelines†. (2011). Corporate Governance. Retrieved from: http://investors.target.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=65828p=irol-govhighlights Target Inc., â€Å"Corporate Political Contribution†. (2013). Political Engagement. Retrieved from: https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/civic-activity/political-contributionsAdvertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Target Inc., â€Å"Environment†. (2013). Environmental Sustainability: Our Commitment. Retrieved from: https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/environment Target Inc., â€Å"Issues Advocacy†. (2013). Corporate Responsibility: Issues Advocacy. Retrieved from: https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/civic-activity/issues-advocacy Target Corporation. (2006). Target Corporation Corporate Responsibility Report. Retrieved from: http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/65/65828/corpgov/Corporate_Responsibility_0606.pdf Target Lawsuit. (2011). Company Settles California Lawsuit over Illegal Waste Disposal. Huff Post Los Angeles. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/target-lawsuit-company-se_n_831161.html This essay on Strategic Analysis of Target Corporation was written and submitted by user Davion Snider to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Commodore George Dewey in the Spanish-American War

Commodore George Dewey in the Spanish-American War Born December 26, 1837, George Dewey was the son of Julius Yemans Dewey and Mary Perrin Dewey of Montpelier, VT. The couples third child, Dewey lost his mother at age five to tuberculosis and developed a close relationship with his father. An active boy who was educated locally, Dewey entered the Norwich Military School at age fifteen. The decision to attend Norwich was a compromise between Dewey and his father as the former wished to go to sea in the merchant service, while the latter desired his son to attend West Point. Attending Norwich for two years, Dewey developed a reputation as a practical joker. Leaving the school in 1854, Dewey, against his fathers wishes, accepted an appointment as an acting midshipman in the US Navy on September 23. Traveling south, he enrolled at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. Annapolis Entering the academy that fall, Deweys class was among the first to progress through the standard four-year course. A difficult academic institution, only 15 of the 60 midshipmen who entered with Dewey would graduate. While at Annapolis, Dewey experienced firsthand the rising sectional tensions that were gripping the country. A known scrapper, Dewey took part in several fights with Southern students and was prevented from engaging in a pistol duel. Graduating, Dewey was appointed a midshipman on June 11, 1858, and was assigned to the steam frigate USS Wabash (40 guns). Serving on the Mediterranean station, Dewey was respected for his devoted attention to his duties and developed an affection for the region. The Civil War Begins While overseas, Dewey was given the opportunity to visit the great cities of Europe, such as Rome and Athens, before going ashore and exploring Jerusalem. Returning to the United States in December 1859, Dewey served on two short cruises before traveling to Annapolis to take his lieutenants exam in January 1861. Passing with flying colors, he was commissioned on April 19, 1861, a few days after the attack on Fort Sumter. Following the outbreak of the Civil War, Dewey was assigned to USS Mississippi (10) on May 10 for service in the Gulf of Mexico. A large paddle frigate, Mississippi had served as Commodore Matthew Perrys flagship during his historic visit to Japan in 1854. On the Mississippi Part of Flag Officer David G. Farraguts West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Mississippi participated in the attacks on Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the subsequent capture of New Orleans in April 1862. Serving as executive officer to Captain Melancton Smith, Dewey earned high praise for his coolness under fire and conned the ship as it ran past the forts, as well as forced the ironclad CSS Manassas (1) ashore. Remaining on the river, Mississippi returned to action the following March when Farragut attempted to run past the batteries at Port Hudson, LA. Moving forward on the night of March 14, Mississippi grounded in front of the Confederate batteries. Unable to break free, Smith ordered the ship abandoned and while the men lowered the boats, he and Dewey saw to it that the guns were spiked and the ship set afire to prevent capture. Escaping, Dewey was later reassigned as executive officer of USS Agawam (10) and briefly commanded the screw sloop of war USS Monongahela (7) after its captain and executive officer were lost in a fight near Donaldsonville, LA. North Atlantic Europe Brought east, Dewey saw service on the James River before being appointed executive officer of the steam frigate USS Colorado (40). Serving on the North Atlantic blockade, Dewey took part in both of Rear Admiral David D. Porters attacks on Fort Fisher (Dec. 1864 Jan. 1865). In the course of the second attack, he distinguished himself when Colorado closed with one of the forts batteries. Cited for bravery at Fort Fisher, his commander, Commodore Henry K. Thatcher, attempted to take Dewey with him as his fleet captain when he relieved Farragut at Mobile Bay. This request was denied and Dewey was promoted to lieutenant commander on March 3, 1865. With the end of the Civil War, Dewey remained on active duty and served as executive officer of USS Kearsarge (7) in European waters before receiving an assignment to the Portsmouth Navy Yard. While in this posting, he met and married Susan Boardman Goodwin in 1867. Postwar Moving through assignments on Colorado and at the Naval Academy, Dewey steadily rose through the ranks and was promoted to commander on April 13, 1872. Given command of USS Narragansett (5) that same year, he was stunned in December when his wife died after giving birth to their son, George Goodwin Dewey. Remaining with Narragansett, he spent nearly four years working with the Pacific Coast Survey. Returning to Washington, Dewey served on the Light House Board, before sailing for the Asiatic Station as captain of USS Juniata (11) in 1882. Two years later, Dewey was recalled and given command of USS Dolphin (7) which was frequently used as the presidential yacht. Promoted to captain on September 27, 1884, Dewey was given USS Pensacola (17) and sent to Europe. After eight years at sea, Dewey was brought back to Washington to serve as a bureau officer. In this role, he was promoted to commodore on February 28, 1896. Unhappy with the climate of the capital and feeling inactive, he applied for sea duty in 1897, and was given command of the US Asiatic Squadron. Hoisting his flag at Hong Kong in December 1897, Dewey immediately began preparing his ships for war as tensions with Spain increased. Ordered by Secretary of the Navy John Long and Assistant Secretary Theodore Roosevelt, Dewey concentrated his ships and retained sailors whose terms had expired. To the Philippines With the beginning of the Spanish-American War on April 25, 1898, Dewey received instructions to immediately move against the Philippines. Flying his flag from the armored cruiser USS Olympia, Dewey departed Hong Kong and began gathering intelligence regarding Admiral Patricio Montojos Spanish fleet at Manila. Steaming for Manila with seven ships on April 27, Dewey arrived off Subic Bay three days later. Not finding Montojos fleet, he pressed into Manila Bay where the Spanish were located near Cavite. Forming for battle, Dewey attacked Montojo on May 1 at the Battle of Manila Bay. Battle of Manila Bay Coming under fire from the Spanish ships, Dewey waited to close the distance, before stating You may fire when ready, Gridley, to Olympias captain at 5:35 AM. Steaming in an oval pattern, the US Asiatic Squadron fired first with their starboard guns and then their port guns as they circled around. For the next 90 minutes, Dewey attacked the Spanish, while defeating several torpedo boat attacks and a ramming attempt by Reina Cristina during the fighting. At 7:30 AM, Dewey was warned that his ships were low on ammunition. Pulling out into the bay, he soon learned that this report was an mistake. Returning to action around 11:15 AM, the American ships saw that only one Spanish vessel was offering resistance. Closing in, Deweys squadron finished the battle, reducing Montojos fleet to burning wrecks. With the destruction of the Spanish fleet, Dewey became a national hero and was immediately promoted to rear admiral. Continuing to operate in the Philippines, Dewey coordinated with Filipino insurgents led by Emilio Aguinaldo in attacking the remaining Spanish forces in the region. In July, American troops led by Major General Wesley Merritt arrived and the city of Manila was captured on August 13. For his great service, Dewey was promoted to admiral effective March 8, 1899. Later Career Dewey remained in command of the Asiatic Squadron until October 4, 1899, when was relieved and sent back to Washington. Appointed president of the General Board, he received the special honor of being promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Navy. Created by a special act of Congress, the rank was conferred on Dewey on March 24, 1903, and back-dated to March 2, 1899. Dewey is the only officer to ever hold this rank and as a special honor was permitted to remain on active duty beyond the mandatory retirement age. A consummate naval officer, Dewey flirted with running for president in 1900 as a Democrat, however several missteps and gaffs led him to withdraw and endorse William McKinley. Dewey died at Washington DC on January 16, 1917, while still serving as president of the US Navys General Board. His body was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on January 20, before being moved at his widows request to the crypt of Bethlehem Chapel at the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral (Washington, DC).

Sunday, March 1, 2020

4 signs that your manager is the problemâ€not you

4 signs that your manager is the problem- not you Are you having problems at work? If so, you’re not alone, and it’s not something you should ignore. Most of us spend a significant portion of our lives at work- way too much time to be constantly unhappy or submerged in an uncomfortable environment. And the truth is, there’s a wide array of possible explanations for why you’re having issues- including many that aren’t really your fault, and might be a problem of poor management. Much like our family members, the vast majority of us don’t get to pick our bosses, which means that we’re often in the passenger seat regarding who we report to on a daily basis. In a perfect world, our managers would be great people and shining examples of professionalism, individuals whom we can aspire to emulate as we learn and grow on the job.Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and most of us aren’t lucky enough to work with perfect managers. In fact, some of us find ourselves wo rking alongside problematic managers who really exert a negative energy and adversely impact the ability of others to do their jobs.Does this sound like the situation you’re in? If so- or if you’re finding yourself unhappy at work and are unsure if the problem lies with you or your manger- then keep a lookout for the following 4 signs that just might indicate that your manager is indeed the source of the problem.Everyone is having similar issuesAlthough your knee-jerk reaction to a less than ideal work environment might be that the problem lies in others and not you, you should take a step back and try to gain some perspective on the situation. If you think your manager might be the source of your problem at work, then listen to what others are saying. If you’re the only one who’s having a problem with your manager, then maybe the situation isn’t as black and white as you think, and you may benefit from taking a deeper look at your involvement and role (hopefully in an effort to make improvements). However, if others are also reporting problems (or show dismay at how your manager does business on a daily basis), it’s a good indication that they are the problem- not you.Productivity is downOne of the truly unfortunate side effects of having a problematic manager is that not only are they difficult to work with, but they also tend to negatively impact the workflow and productivity of the department or team they lead. This impact can be profound and quite apparent- everything from decreased efficiency and productivity to poor intradepartmental and interdepartmental communication and collaboration can result from the ill effects of an unchecked managerial bad seed. If your team or department is in chaos and productivity is down- and your manager simply refuses to right the ship or is unable to- then it’s pretty clear that there’s a problem.People are unhappyWhen a team reports to a problematic manager and the situation goes unchecked for too long without a course correction, the end result is often a sharp dip in morale alongside an uptick in stress and anxiety- not a recipe for employee happiness. And when employees are unhappy, it’s hard to imagine anything positive, productive, or innovative resulting. If the people who report to your manager are unhappy, then it doesn’t take an HR professional to deduce that there may be a problem at the top that needs to be addressed.People are leavingAn extreme result of employees being too unhappy for too long is that they tend to jump ship and seek out opportunities on different teams, in other departments- and at other companies. Are you noticing a trend of employees who report to your manager fleeing their positions in droves? If so, then it’s a classic red flag that there’s an unresolved problem with your manager that needs to be addressed.If you’re having a problem at work, the only path to improvement is t o first diagnose the problem, including from where- or who- the issue originates. Use the signs covered here to help you determine if the problem lies in your manager, so you can start the process of working towards a satisfying resolution for you and your career.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

You Decide Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

You Decide - Research Paper Example People in developed world are happy with the advancement in technology while developing countries are struggling to keep up with the advanced technology. In the end, developed countries will have to reach an agreement to reduce their energy use in favor of developing countries due to growth in population in these countries, thus an increased demand on energy use to improve their livelihood. The world will require much energy supply in the coming 21st century. Nuclear energy has the potential to meet this demand. The most dominant sources of energy that have been used in developed and developing nations include fossil fuel, coal, oil, natural gas and in some countries they have used hydroelectric power, nuclear power and biomass. Air pollution in china has been on the increase due to energy use over the past decades, especially in urban areas and rural areas due to coal industries that are located in the countryside. It is stipulated that china has three of the ten most polluted cities which are not in accordance with world health organization air quality guidelines in the world (Abramsky, 2010). For example; Shenyang air pollution that took place 20 years ago due high levels of particulates and sulphur oxide in the atmosphere, which reduced visibility. The government of china has not only an obligation to address the problems of provision of basic services to increased numbers of people, develop economically but also address environmental problems of air pollution caused by rapid economic growth. A group of experts from various field in energy sector met in 2003 to discuss the way forward to reduce air pollution as part of energy policy in china. This led to incorporation of air pollution as an important matter when carrying out national planning. Planners in china have been able to look at the impacts of various choices of

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason' Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason' - Movie Review Example She was so immersed with her heart's interest that she did away with her old ways for a new lifestyle. She began to help herself out with books that she thought would help her develop and evolve into a confident personality. Bridget spent her leisure time struggling to read and understand things which she eventually tried to internalize. She took care of every detail of her personal appearance. Eventually, she began to work harder to ascend in the hierarchy of achievements in her chosen career. She dreamt dreams that almost everyone her age does, but, often, though success seems arms away, it is just as illusive as a castle in the sky. She got jilted by her fianc. She had other relationships, but, it always winded up with breaking her heart. She had friends like Rebecca. But, Rebecca was not trustworthy. Rebecca broke her heart because she developed great attraction to Mark. Rebecca was a flirt and did nothing to discontinue, until she broke up Bridget's and Mark's relationship. It was sad, but, life has to go on for Bridget. In the movie, the Bridget Jones story was portrayed as a romantic comedy fairy-tale that commenced in her mother's social gathering. Bridget was a euphoric young lady, so avid for her man who was a human rights Lawyer. Unfortunately, she lost him to a woman who was an associate in the Law firm her boyfriend was working. This brought Bridget a challenge, to do better at work as a television reporter. However, her television network boss turned her into a clown. Screen clips were focused on her bulluptous, but, seductive bottoms. She once was convinced to do an advertisement event on sky diving. Drably, she was dropped into a pond of dirt. She took all of it in a stride believing in her innocence it was all part of the work she contracted to earn what she needs for the living.The movie went on with the various experiences Bridget Jones went through as well as the ups and downs in her career. Until when she went on to a country in Asia for a vacation, which turned out again as another miserable episode in her young life, she was not configured to have been frustrated nor distressed. After all, her mom and dad were always around, more than willing to embrace her back. But, she maintained her desire to live an independent life which winded up with her true love Mark. Conclusion: Books like novels are written by authors and surely reflect the ideas of the author. The movements of characters depend upon the intention or the moral lessons the author tries to project. As well, as the story plot develops, the writer adds fascinating episodes to reach a climax at one point. And eventually, comes up with a concluding chapter that keeps the reader satisfied. While the movies are written by an author, but the story is depicted on screen with the huge influence of a director. So, variations or story twist are expected for a screenplay to draw the interest of movie fanatics. Movies do have plots, climax, and ending but, recently the fad is to keep the audience hanging for another episode. Besides, movies are

Friday, January 24, 2020

The Narrator of One Hundred Years of Solitude Essay -- One Hundred Yea

The Narrator of One Hundred Years of Solitude Who is this narrator of One Hundred Years of Solitude? He or she knows the whole history of the Buendias better than any of them know it. But the narrator is not quite omniscient. For example, the opening sentence (quoted earlier) and Pilar's insight into the "axle" of time are two of the very few places where the narrator claims to be able to read a character's thoughts. Generally, we get to know characters from close observation of what they say and do, and we have to infer what they may be thinking. The narrator's knowledge also fails us in the one great unresolved mystery: Jose Arcadio, elder son of the founder, is murdered in his bed, but no one ever knows by whom. The narrator is also ignorant of who guns down all of the colonel's illegitimate sons and, in fact, seems as surprised as we are when the last survivor from among these sons appears in Macondo and is also shot down. There are two likely candidates for narrator. One is Melquiades, the gypsy magician and wise man...

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Role of Medieval History in Modern Day

A common story plot in modern day films portraying Middle Age themes is a damsel in distress being saved by a knight in shining armor. For instance, the popular animated children’s movie, Shrek, follows the story line of Shrek and his partner, Donkey, going off on a journey in order to save a princess imprisoned in a tall castle tower and guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. The entire plot setting is based roughly around the same time frame as the actual middle ages, so the elements of medieval culture in this movie are clear.The guarded castles, mythical creatures, and feudal system enforced between the peasants and royalty are all elements of medieval culture. One major scene that depicts the essence of the Middle Ages best is when Shrek leads Lord Farquaad to Fiona as an exchange for guaranteed privacy of Shrek’s swamp. Two main aspects of this scene to focus on is the interaction between Lord Farquaad and Shrek and also the use of Princess Fiona as an object of trad e for Shrek’s reward.Traditional ranking of nobles and commoners are rooted within the Middle Ages, and although Shrek acts rather brutish and unpolished in Lord Farquaad’s presence, there is still an act of submission as depicted by Shrek’s delivery of Fiona. It was typical of knights in the middle ages to battle against one another or perform favors and acts of bravery in order to gain favor in the eyes of a King. Lord Farquaad’s use of Shrek as a way of obtaining Princess Fiona would then give Shrek an opportunity to gain favor in Lord Farquaad’s eyes so that his request of gaining back full ownership of his swamp would be granted.Due to the treacherous nature of retrieving Fiona, this would constitute as one of many acts of valor that many knights would partake in at the time. Princess Fiona’s part in this scene is as an object of bargaining, as shown when Shrek brings Lord Farquaad to her in order to fulfill his side of the arrangement. It should be noted that Princess Fiona’s hand in marriage was necessary for Lord Farquaad to gain full control cover a larger jurisdiction and for him to have the title as King bestowed upon him.The use of marriage as a way of combining kingdoms and making negotiations derive from medieval culture and also emphasize the importance that the feudal system played during this time. Although Lord Farquaad had enough power to grant or take away land from landowners, such as the fairy tale creatures, the only way for him to become a real king was to marry a princess, which in this case would have been Princess Fiona.Similar situations like this regularly occur in modern popular culture, such as the film The Princess Diaries 2, where Princess Amelia is being urged by the Genovian government to marry someone who holds an official title as a prince in order for her to become a true queen. It has become common knowledge in today’s society that a Princess or Prince cannot hold th e title as a Queen or King until they are married—this particular idea originating from the Middle Ages.By looking at these examples, one can see how ideals from the Middle Ages carried over into modern day popular culture. In fact, modern day knighting still takes place in the British government and is still based off of recognition of service and contributions to the British nation. The Order of the British Empire is perhaps the most common knighthood given today and is frequently awarded to British scientists, educators, doctors, and even Paul McCartney. This tradition is significant evidence of the carry over of Middle Ages in contemporary culture.However, one of the many misconceptions of the medieval times is the mistreatment and the demeaning of woman as being a prominent thing in society. This is portrayed in the treatment of Princess Fiona as a means for bargaining, and one should note that her objections to being married to Lord Farquaad held little to no weight whe n it came down to her fate. Aside from Princess Fiona, the amount of parts where women held significant character roles were almost nonexistent and further pushed the stereotype of how medieval women were disregarded in medieval times.On the contrary, women, such as St. Joan of the Arc, held positions of high authority in the time of the Middle Ages and were not treated with as little esteem as modern society thinks today. This kind of thinking encourages the damsel-in-distress scenario where the woman is rendered helpless and waiting for a strong and able man to come and save her. Such depictions associated with medieval society are emphasized over and over until the image of an incompetent woman is incorporated into the general consensus of what medieval times were like.The use the medieval times as the setting for Shrek also played along with stereotypical Middle Ages as being a time of ignorant common people that blindly followed the rule of the king without any question. The ov erall appearance that the environment in Shrek gives off is a place that is unorganized and unhygienic, much like what modern society thinks of the middle ages today. Setting Shrek in the Middle Ages effectively played out the stereotypes and general idea of what medieval society means to popular culture.The exaggerated difference of living conditions between peasants and royalty, the disregard of women, the bartering by marriage, and even the uneducated and dirty lifestyles of many commoners exemplify common misconceptions of the Middle Ages that many people in society take as fact. Popular culture, in turn, starts to immediately associate a time of ignorance and uncleanliness as being characteristic of the Middle Ages—whether they are true or not.