Marketing Analysis Apple Company - 866 Words

Apple Company from this analysis has a competitive advantage in the e- commerce market of possessing the hardware product and software service lines. The closest resemblance to apple market strategy when dealing with products comes from the Amazon Company, because their scale of operating activities and sales force is similar to that for Apple Inc. Fortunately the product or service that is best positioned in the market is that from Company of Apple, who are present on both physical and online e-commerce marketing. The company holds the largest market share and has the best year on year growth. Customers have commented that the durability of products and services are much more improved when compared to others in the all industry, and the issue raised both Apple Company and Competitive companies both have a much concern on presence and e-loyalty of the customer base. For the company to successfully reduce the competitiveness from Amazon Company there is need to adopt a well set online selling that will serve all customers in the world. Apple should adopt internet selling, electronic commerce and a faster, widespread and economical means of reaching the target market. Website creation is one of the best methods of reaching customers worldwide. Apple should create many website pages in which the products are displayed together with their prices and their qualities. Apple Inc. Global Internet, e-commerce, and mobile technology adoption E-commerce, use of Internet, and use ofShow MoreRelatedInternational Marketing Of A Us Company1078 Words   |  5 Pages International Marketing of a US Company: Apple, Inc. Nick Gildea, Susie Kim, Courtney Kurkemelis, Lexie LaSala 12 February 2015 Professor Min Lu Monmouth University â€Æ' Table of Contents Executive Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 Apple, Inc. Goes International†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 Advertisement Promotion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Distribution†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Pricing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Success†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Read MoreSwot Analysis Of Apple Company s Management Team1380 Words   |  6 PagesGlobal companies among other large business entities demand complex methods of determining the strengths and weaknesses of the entities. PEST and SWOT are the universally accepted approaches of making decision by managers (Jeynes, 2013). Examples of companies that utilize these tools are the Apple Company Inc. ideally; this is one of the international companies. Its operations get globally vested. 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Apple is among the fastest growing company that has made itself a recognizable consumer name for electronics and gadgets. Investors have always looked forward for investing in Apple due to its strong revenue and high return on investment. Started operating as a traditional computer company, it hasRead MoreApple : A Good Opportunity For Apple1291 Words   |  6 PagesOPORTUNITY Opportunity for the company is to engender products that can give not only contentment to clients but health benefits as well. The company can engender a product that will not cause much harm to the user’s health. The introduction of Apple Watch is a good opportunity for Apple to impress the world the way it did by the introduction o f iPhone on January 9, 2007 by Late Steve Jobs. The growth in smartphone market and cloud service is a really good opportunity for Apple to expand their servicesRead MoreAnalysis of Fortune 500 Leader, Apple Computer1675 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Fortune 500 Leader Apple Computer Executive Summary Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has emerged as the dominant global manufacturer and marketer of advanced personal computer, desktop and consumer electronics products including the iPod, iTouch and iPhone Series of MP3, tablet PC and smartphone products. Apples innovative approach to new product development requires intensive coordination and confidentiality on the part of suppliers, as the company will often move quickly from market test toRead MoreInternal Analysis Apple1602 Words   |  7 PagesInternal Analysis Tangible resources Apple’s tangible resources are extensive and widely documented despite the company’s high level of security in matters of design. The value of analysing the tangible assets of the organisation lies in the determination of the potential for the creation of competitive advantage (Grant 2007). In terms of financial resources, the case quotes Apple’s market capitalisation is approximately US $550 billion, with sales annually over $100 billion. This makes Apple the mostRead MoreApple1199 Words   |  5 PagesErendira Franzen Apple INC. 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We will specially discuss; definition of marketing, introduction of product, situation analysis, marketing strategy, pricing strategyRead MoreSwot Analysis in Apple1256 Words   |  6 Pagesthis matter, one of these is using the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), it is considered an ideal answer. Many companies were trying to apply that solution in their organizations, however the results were not always what they expected, and some organizations failed in performing the SWOT strategy, some companies also succeeded. The Apple Company is known as typical company which is successful in performing SWOT analysis. This essay will argue that it is a perfect

Computers Can Not Have Minds - 1490 Words

Alan Turing, â€Å"father† of modern computers, created the Turing Machine in order to prove, through the use of an imitation game, that computers can think. John Searle argued that the Turing Test is simply just imitating, rather than thinking. Based on Searle’s argument against the Turing Test, I think that computers cannot have minds. Although Turing argues that computers can think, there are many arguments, such as Searle’s Chinese room argument, and defenses that I will present that support Searle and his belief that computers do not understand the information they simulate and cannot think. As stated above, the purpose of the Turing Machine is to prove that computers can think. A Turing Machine is composed of a scanner with a tape made of paper running through it. This paper tape is divided into squares. Each square on the tape contains a symbol, either a ‘0’ of a ‘1.’ The machine, along with two humans, will participate in an imitation game. Human A and the Turing Machine are hidden from view of Human B and have a conversation in order for Human B to try to determine which of the communicators is a robot, if either one is a robot. The machine’s goal is to trick Human B into thinking it (the machine) is the human. Turing states that if the machine is successful, then the machine does have a mind. Turing’s machine has the ability to answer any question presented to it, and Turing saw this ability as a sign of extreme intelligence. On the other hand, Searle argued that thisShow MoreRelatedCan a Computer Have a Mind?1158 Words   |à ‚  5 Pages Can a computer have a mind? This question has been debated for decades by philosophers, mathematicians, physicists etc. Alan Turing, a mathematician, he first addressed the issue of artificial intelligence in his 1950 paper, Computing machinery and intelligence, and proposed an experiment known as the â€Å"Turing Test†Ã¢â‚¬â€an effort to create an intelligence design standard for the tech industry. He also said, â€Å"if we cannot distinguish between the answers a computer gives to questions and the answersRead MoreThe Human Mind and The Computer1131 Words   |  5 PagesComputers, like humans, in some essence have â€Å"minds.† However, when the â€Å"mind† of a computer is contrasted to that of a human’s, we see a big difference. A computers function is to take in information (input), store data (storage), manipulate data (processing), and provide us with information (output). Just like a computer, a human’s mind also has those four distinct functions, but a human’s mind also has three completely different functions. The human mind is capable of thinking, feeling, and wantingRead MoreThe Human Brain And The Functioning Of Artificial Intelligence1587 Words   |  7 PagesFor centuries, philosophers have struggled to explain the nature of knowledge. Traditionally, we have considered our ability to think as the defining distinction between humanity and all other beings. However, the rise of the computer has created a great philosophical dilemma as we now struggle to reconcile the difference between the functioning of the human brain and the functioning of artificial intelligence. The purpose of my essay is to do exactly that – reconcile the difference by defendingRead MoreEssay on Human and Inventions: The Computer Evolution687 Words   |  3 Pagesof time, humans have thought and made many inventions. Repeatedly the newer one is better than the older. Our minds have created many remarkable things, howeve r the best invention we ever created is the computer. computers are constantly growing and becoming better every day. Every day computers are capable of doing new things. Even though computers have helped us a lot in our daily lives, many jobs have been lost because of it, now the computer can do all of the things a man can do in seconds! EverythingRead MoreMinds, Brains, and Science by John R. Searle1815 Words   |  7 Pagesthis day, one of the most influential theories of the mind. While many facets of functionalism has been tested throughout the century, one of the more interesting questions came in the form of computers. Similarly to a human brain, could computers also think? This idea was explored by John R. Searle, in his book titled, Minds, Brains, and Science. The author is a renowned American philosopher, particularly in the philosophy of language and mind, and is currently teaching at the University of CaliforniaRead More Fodors Functionalism Essay1314 Words   |  6 P agesFodor begins his article on the mind-body problem with a review of the current theories of dualism and materialism. According to dualism, the mind and body are two separate entities with the body being physical and the mind being nonphysical. If this is the case, though, then there can be no interaction between the two. The mind could not influence anything physical without violating the laws of physics. The materialist theory, on the other hand, states that the mind is not distinct from the physicalRead MoreArguments Against Physical Machines Jenna Beran1280 Words   |  6 Pagesthe problem of mind and body. He uses the terms intentionality and subjectivity to argue that humans are not physical machines. Subjectivity is the opinions and feelings from experience that is unique to the individual. Intentionality describes how thought can be directed on a particular object. This is consciousness. These terms are what make human beings distinct from physical machines. Moreland argu es that human beings are different from a physical machine because humans have a mind that uses intentionalityRead MoreAn Analysis Of Edgar Allen Poes Maelzels Chess Player 1609 Words   |  7 Pagescalculations but that there is an unbridgeable gap between playing chess and performing calculations. Computers follow a fixed mathematical or algebraic series. Even though there are typically 30 moves that could be made during any given turn, a computer necessarily follows one. A human doesn t proceed by logical necessity; a human chooses their moves. On May 11, 1977, Deep Blue, an IBM computer, defeated Garry Kasparov, the world champion, in a six game match. Speaking of one of the moves made byRead MoreCan Artificial Consciousness be Possible?868 Words   |  4 PagesCan artificial consciousness be possible? In other words, can a machine be conscious and have the same behavior as a human. Artificial consciousness or also can be referred as machine consciousness are machines created by humans that are programmed to have artificial intelligence in the machine’s system. This means that machines are programmed to have the intelligence as a human. However, would it be possible for humans to create a machine that is programmed to have the ability to think, feel, andRead MoreThe Chinese Room Argument1272 Words   |  6 Pageslogical stance on the question is accepting that machines are able to behave as though it has a conscious mind physically, but also arguing that machines will never be able to possess this consciousness as though a human would. This second type of viewpoint is considered Weak Artificial Intelligence, otherwise known as narrow artificial intelligence. Weak AI is acknowledging that machines can simulate consciousness computationally, but that is different from actually obtaining consciousness. One of

Document Analysis Cross of Gold free essay sample

During the 1896 elections the Populist Party had begun to grow ND gain momentum, they had put a senator in office and taken over the Kansas state Legislature. The election of 1896 was known as the battle of the standards because it focused primarily on the gold versus silver standards of money. People wanted quick solutions to the economic crisis and the support Of free silver coinage began to rise in 1894. During the Democratic Convention William Jennings Bryan delivered the Cross of Gold speech. This speech is considered one to the most well known political speeches.This speech when reviewed with the historical context and Brans political point f view creates a great description of what our nation was going through in the early to mid sasss and the importance and significance of the 1986 presidential election. In 1894, 20 Democratic state platforms called for a free coinage of silver despite President Cleveland opposition. We will write a custom essay sample on Document Analysis: Cross of Gold or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Power from the party shifted to the south and its outlook reflected the views of southerners and Democrats became a sectional party, no longer a national party. As a result this left the Democrats without a leader and this is where Bryan got involved.The publicans had defeated their silver platform and wanted the gold standard. Bryan wanted to lead the silver Democrats and felt that he could. He delivered the Cross of Gold speech and won the presidential nomination the next day. This speech is supposed to gain the approval from the Democratic party and to get Bryan into the Presidential election. He was successful at both of these. Bryant main argument in his speech is that the gold standard will not help the nation as it struggles with unemployment and high interest rates and everything else the Panic of 1893 created. The nation needed to get out of this rut and needed to do it now. He believed that silver coinage was the way to accomplish this. When Bryan says Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests, and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. , he makes the point that by accepting the gold standard they loud be killing the nation.And that the gold standard would not bring the nation out of the depression they were in. It would make the nation fail. Another moving quote in this speech is You come to us and tell us that the great cities are in favor of the gold standard; we reply that the great cities rest upon our broad and fertile prairies. Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. This wows that yes the great cities are in favor of the gold standard but they dont understand what the rest of the nation is going through. They are dependent on the farms and agriculture of the U. S. And if the cities fail they can rebuild them and fix them, but if the farms fail there is nothing that can fix this. The farmers are in dire needs of help and the gold standard is not the solution, free silver is.In this speech he also says Ah, my friends, we say not one word against those who live upon the Atlantic coast, but the hardy pioneers who have raved all the dangers of the wilderness, who have made the desert to blossom as the rose-the pioneers away out there [pointing to the West], who rear their children near to Natures heart, where they can mingle their voices with the voices of the birds -out there where they have erected schoolhouses for the education of their young, churches where they praise their Creator, and cemeteries where rest the ashes of their dead-these people, we say, are as deserving of the consideration of our party as any people in this country. It is for these that we speak. We do not come as aggressors. Our war is not a war of conquest; we are fighting in the defense of our homes, our families, and posterity. We have petitioned, and our petitions have been scorned; we have entreated, and our entreaties have been disregarded; we have begged, and they have mocked when our calamity came. We beg no longer; we entreat no more; we petition no more. We defy them.. . This quote has great significance in the way that he talks about how he is not saying anything bad about the people living on the east coast, who still look to England for ideas and beliefs(such as the gold standard).He talks about the pioneers and all they have accomplished, and why they deserve to have a say in the political world just as much as the rest of the nation. He is trying to voice all their thoughts and views in this speech. Bryan fights for the people who are struggling to live and support their families and homes. He says that they must no longer beg or petition but rather defy what they (Republicans) are trying to do. Bryan later lost the presidential election to William McKinley, but the speech hat he gave had greater significance than just getting the Democratic nomination for presidency. This created a dilemma for the populists because they did not think any party would endorse free silver, so now they were faced with a tough choice, nominate their own candidate or side with Bryan.Bryan essentially split up the Populist Party because half of them thought they should side with the Democrats (Bryan), but the other half were purists and wanted to do it all by themselves, he did not win the election but he stopped the third party and changed the way the Democratic Party thinks. Without question, William Jennings Brans Cross of Gold speech was one of the most important and impact speech in all of politics. It changed the ideals of the Democratic party and maintained the traditional two-party system. Without the acts of Bryan would this nation even be afloat still? This speech is truly one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard/read is very meaningful as our nation is in another big recession and makes you look in the past and see how we have persevered and conquered problems in the past and provides hope we will overcome this recession.

Kirk Franklin and Gospel Music

Introduction Music is hugely regarded as the universal language that traverses cultural boundaries and language barriers. It plays different roles in society including: telling stories, educating, and entertaining. There are various forms of music which are unique to different groups of people. African American Music is one of forms of music which boasts of a very rich history.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Kirk Franklin and Gospel Music specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The importance of music to the African American community has been huge from the slavery days up to this day. Many genres of music such as rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel and soul can trace their roots to the Southern plantations where black slaves toiled in the 19th Century. Smith declares that music was the soul of black people and it as the way of communicating oral tradition and instructive messages about everyday life activities (12 03). This music has over the decades evolved and today the African American song tradition is merged with other forms of music to form a new sound. This sound is popularized by most of the mainstream gospel music artists. One of the most popular gospel artists of the new millennium is Kirk Franklin and his contribution to contemporary gospel music is unparalleled. This paper will set out to document the musical contribution of a popular personality in African American song tradition, Kirk Franklin. In particular, the paper will discuss how his music builds on tradition and helps address social realities. Overview of African Gospel Music African American creation in Christian, centered sacred music began to separate itself in the forms of spirituals, shouts, lined-hymns, and anthems in the early as 1800’s. From the good sounds of Shirley Caesar and the Gospel Keynotes to the dancing, different vocals of Kirk Franklin, gospel music does more than just sound good; it literally m oves its listeners (Petrie 1). Whether it’s singing and clapping with the choirs or tapping along with the performers or simply raising hands to the rhythm of the music, gospel is one genre of music that needs to be both seen and heard. Gospel music was once defined as religious; however, gospel has passed by those limits to become an impacting force in American music and popular culture. The gospel music of the African American can trace its roots to the years immediately following the Civil war which resulted in the liberation of slaves. The music has undergone numerous changes from being performed in a cappella to the incorporation of musical instruments.Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cleveland notes that by the 1950’s, gospel music had experienced significant changes and it was typical to hear guitars and brass accompanying the choirs. As a result of the huge demand for gospel music, performers began to record steadily so as to meet the demand (Jackson 185). Contemporary gospel music was first popularized by Edwin Hawkins whose hit song â€Å"Oh Happy Day† combined elements of gospel with Rhythm and Blues. Kirk Franklin’s Contribution Kirk Franklin is generally regarded as a pioneer of the genres of gospel and Christian Hip-hop. He was born in Texas and was raised by his great-aunt who instilled in him a strong church background from his childhood years (Smith 551). As a child, Franklin’s musical talent was apparent and he could read and write music by ear. He joined the Rose Baptist Choir at the age of 11 and became the director of music in later years. However, Franklin broke away from the church as a teenager due to negative peer influences. It took the untimely death of a close friend for him to return to the church where he sought love and strength. He also began to compose and perform music which was h eavily influenced by his childhood struggles. Gospel music has never seen anything like the â€Å"Kirk Franklin Phenomenon†, combining gospel music with Hip Hop. Kirk Franklin’s style of music changed the culture of gospel with the release of his debut album. Kirk Franklin and the Family, his first gospel album sold more than a million copies. This was his attempt to broaden the range of the traditional gospel audience and Kirk Franklin was willing to take heat from the doubters as long as it didn’t get in the way of delivering the inspired message (Harrington 1). Interestingly, the contemporary music that Kirk Franklin is famous for has some traces of the old African-American folk songs that were sung by slaves in the 19th century. As during the early years of black music, the music by Kirk Franklin today’s music still represents a way of communicating values and tradition. Through his music, Franklin extensively borrows from scriptures that offer hope a nd solace especially in times of despair (Waldron 36). Franklin’s success has help push gospel closer to the mainstream while attracting the crucial under-25 audience. That’s always been a much search after how people under-25 make up most of the bad going around, but according to Franklin, it’s a crucial but spiritual, as well (1).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Kirk Franklin and Gospel Music specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Kirk Franklin told the Washington Post in an interview â€Å"We’ve got to stop preaching to one another because the purpose is not to keep ‘the message’ in the church because the church already knows it†. Franklin goes on to say that the Jesus message needs to get out to the young people that don’t go to church. And a lot of those people don’t go to church not because they don’t love Jesus, but because theyâ€⠄¢ve seen the churches do the community such a disservice† In terms of finances and other crazy problems. As a result, Franklin has combined contemporary rhythms and a lasting message into what’s been described as â€Å"heavenly hip-hop† (1). Franklin’s music plays a major role in lifting the spirits of people in the same way the spirituals lifted the spirits of the slaves in the 19th century and the protestors during the civil Rights Era. When composing songs, Franklin tries to stay in touch with what’s going on in the world. Like Andre Crouch 30 years earlier, Franklin has had a lot of criticism for adopting what some might call the devil’s music to deliver the Lord’s message. â€Å"It’s a concept of knowing that we as African American people have always been moved by a beat,† Franklin explains. â€Å"I think a lot of what these young people listen to is not really the message but the beat; unfortunately, those beats a re often poisoned by lyrics that are really destructive, and you can’t listen to those lyrics over and over again and not have it affect you (Harrington 2). Dr. Deforia Lane, author of Music as Medicine and the director of music therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland, told Jet magazine, â€Å"As a people we have used music since the days of slavery to reinforce our faith, to remind us of the things that are important, to focus on the positive as opposed to what is right in front of us and to be able to concentrate on the faith of what we cannot see. Gospel music has a way of driving us back to Christ. You cannot hear a song like Precious Lord or What A Friend We Have in Jesus and not feel the impact† (Waldron 37). Kirk Franklin music has a way of taking what people are thinking or feeling and giving it voice. That is one of the most important ways that music helps in our healing. Other singers agree that in times of struggle, gospel music can help people cope.Adv ertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During the difficult times, the gospel, which is good news, will stand firm to encourage us during our ‘never would have made it’ moments. Smith records that music has always been a source of motivation for Franklin’s life (551). The gospel in general, when applied to life’s challenges, will make you stronger, wiser and better. It will give you emotional strength to make it through any crisis you are facing. Gospel is the music that replaces facts with truth. The facts may be lost jobs and a failing economy, but the truth is ‘God will supply all needs according to His riches in glory. Gospel music is a constant reminder to replace facts with truth. The word of the Lord is truth. Franklin’s music helps sooth the soul during difficult times. The songs sang by the slaves often revolved around the themes of love, peace, oppression and freedom. These themes were inspired by the social and economic realities of the slaves who sang the songs. The mus ic was characterized by a melancholy and heaviness that reflected on the social conditions that existed at the time. The music by Kirk Franklin continues to be inspired by the socio-economic conditions of the people. Franklin’s music resounds with strong social themes of economic crisis and discrimination. This is in line with his reality growing up where he joined a gang and had a close friend killed. He wants people to realize that sometimes â€Å"a no† can be a good thing. â€Å"God closes one door and opens another. He closes doors; He knows what’s behind that door. You want God sometimes to say no; sometimes God needs to say no. Imagine what would have happened if your parents said yes to your every request as a child. Sometimes a ‘no’ is a ‘not yet’ because you aren’t ready yet. You can find the answer in prayer and realize that all things work together for good.† (37). Kirk Franklin achieved his goal of getting youn g African Americans back in church by gospel in hip-hop context. â€Å"His crossover is unique in that nobody took the word ‘Jesus’ out of his music†, notes Milton Biggham, the executive director of gospel powerhouse Savoy Records. Recently, the big news in religious music have gone to white Contemporary Christian artists who sing boring and slow lyrics that could be directed to God or Jesus or just as easily to a mate to strengthen their appeal. However, Kirk Franklin made his mark with hard gospel largely because of the things that other gospel stars lack: charisma, sex appeal, stage presence, ambition, business savvy and street credibility. Since the emergence of Franklin, other artists have followed thus, making a name for them in the gospel world. Gospel producer-artist Kurt Carr told JET Magazine â€Å"Gospel is spiritual music that reminds us that we have God’s peace and favor, even in these difficult times† (Waldron 3). Kirk Franklin’ s gospel music is played at radio stations across the world. His nontraditional approach and urban style has change the way music is song in church. Essentially, his style allowed for the African-American churches to step outside the box thus changing the style of church choirs across the nation. Franklin’s music enables the people to fulfill their desire to express their faith in a dynamic and musical way. His hip-hop gospel and rap style songs appeals to all ages and all ethnicities. In short, Gospel music is a product of the religion, culture, and history that constitute the African American experience. The flair that Franklin brought to the national stage has catapulted in to a national phenomenon that has forever changed the way Gospel music is viewed. A key characteristic of Franklin’s music is that it involves a lot of improvisation. As the lead singer to his group, he takes a very active role sometimes singing entire verses and adding dramatic effects. This is an attribute that was common in the early music performed by African Americans. The music was mostly performed in plantation camps and in the open fields and a key feature was therefore a lack of formality and a lot of improvisation. Smith states that this trait carries on to date and contemporary music singers like Kirk Franklin still incorporates much of the improvisational, rhythmic dynamics of African music (1203). Discussion Gospel music has been a force to reckon with in the African American communities. It helped the slaves to endure their hardships and was used extensively in the Civil Rights Movement years (Ramsey 210). While the original gospel music sang by the slaves has faded to the background, its influence continues to be felt in the 21st century through contemporary gospel music artists. The African American community today is more integrated into the fabric of the larger society than was the case in the nineteenth century. Their music has therefore evolved and today incorporates other styles of music to the traditional spirituals. The music still continues to inspire people and articulate social issues. Kirk Franklin is one individual who has made a huge contribution to African American song tradition. He has successfully managed to adopt elements of secular popular music into gospel music therefore reaching and inspiring an even greater audience. Kirk Franklin has contributed to the progressive development of gospel music through the addition of rap and hip-hop elements to broaden the appeal of the music and its message especially to younger audiences. Conclusion This paper set out to document the contribution that Kirk Franklin has made to African American song tradition. To this end, it has been noted that Franklin’s music has built on the old tradition by incorporating hip-hop and rhythm and blues elements. This has made the music very popular and through his work, gospel music has reached an even wider audience. Gospel music as pre sented by Kirk Franklin and other contemporary artists continues to empower people and impact their lives. It can therefore be deduced that through the work of Kirk Franklin, aspects of African American music traditions will continue to survive for many years to come. Works Cited Cleveland, Jefferson. Songs of Zion. Supplemental Worship 12. Nashville: Abingdon, 1981. Jackson, Marie. â€Å"The Changing Nature of Gospel Music†. African American Review 29, 1995. Ramsey, Guthrie. Race Music: Black Cultures from Bebop to Hip-Hop. California: University of California Press, 2004. Print. Smith, Carney. Encyclopedia of African American Popular Culture, Volume 1. Boston: ABC-CLIO, 2010. Print. Waldron, Clarence. â€Å"In Trying Times, ‘There’s Power In The Music’†. Jet Magazine, 2009. 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