Knots in My Yo-yo String Essay

Knots in my Yo-yo string is an autobiography written by Jerry Spinelli. Jerry Spinelli describes his childhood in first person which allows the reader to feel like he or she is there. To describe the book, the author has written this book to be about his childhood. The community in which the author lived in had impacted his life from being an ordinary Pennsylvania boy to a Newbery Medalist Author. Even the people in his life have helped him reach his career as a writer. I think that the community that the author lived in had some changes on his life. Some of the people that helped affect some changes in the authors life was the authors friends. The authors friends helped him a lot by hoping for him to win the election for president in his school. I also think that his parents had a lot to do with affecting some of the things in the authors life. For example, the author probably would not have his bike that he got for Christmas if his parents did not sacrifice going to the movies or going bowling, so that they could make sure their kids had most of the things they wanted. This is how the authors community had an affect on the authors life. The fact that he was naturally talented gave him an advantage when becoming a writer. Some other reasons why he is such a good writer was because he was not the average kid, he was the kind of kid that paid attention in class, when all the other kids were fooling around. He was very dedicated to his school work. Further more he had a great imagination, and an even better writing ability to have the reader in suspense. Some similarities when writing a book and playing sports is that you always have to be focused.

International Student Identity Essay

Identity is sort of behaviour that can be symbolized by individual or communities by showing how they interact to each other and how they represent their culture of origin. These essay will discuss and analyse some theories of indentity through culture and languange views and then show the reader how these lense might influence international student identity. The structure of essay will be organised as follows; First of all, introduction will explain an overview of it. This is followed by describing the theory of identity. The next section is about discussion of identity by using culture and language focuses. Furthermore, writer will explain the impact of new culture and language to international student’s current and future experience. Finally, a conslusion paragraph will be the final section of the essay. What is Identity? In last three decades, the theory of identity evolves continously. According to Borowski (1976, 501), identity does not have a definite concept. Many scholars explore what identity is. For example, in his paper, Burke and Reitzes (1981) summarise the work of McCall and Simmons (1966), Stryker (1968), and Burke and Tully (1977) to divide the concept of identity in three unique characteristics that are, identities are produced by society, identities are personal sense, and identities are spontaneous and representational character. This distinctive feature is obtained by an individual throughout childhood period to become his/her fundamental character (Sokefeld et. al. 1999, 2). Later on, Fearon (1999, 4) broadly explains that identity of a person can be defined as social identity (a person is recognised by â€Å"rules deciding membership and performed characteristic features or attributes†) and personal category (special feature, might be permanent, that make a person is looked important by society). Furthermore, Hall (1990, 222) argues that the theories of identity keep to be produced, â€Å"which is never complete, always in process and always constituted within, not outside, representation† In addition, there are still challenges to identity theory to have obvious meanings that related to self and society (Stryker and Burke 2000, 284). Culture Identity According to archaeological term (SAA 2008), culture means â€Å"a set of learned beliefs, values and behaviours the way of life shared by the members of a society. † It is performed because there is relationship between each of members (Ferdman 1990, 186). They usually gather in a group of society. For example, if some Javanese people (one of Indonesian ethnics) live outside of Indonesia, they tend to live in a place where other Javanese live. They interact with each other and applying Javanese’s values that they have before. These dispositions maintain and develop their values and applying it in their daily living. Other people who are not a member of that society might look this mind-set as culture identity of that society. In addition, Hall (1990, 229) argues that cultural identities are the special character that emerge from history and culture. For instance, culture identities of England and Ireland are quite same, because they have similar history and culture. Cultural identity represents individual or group’s behaviour. According to Kochman (1987, 220 cited in Ferdman 1990, 190), cultural identity can be represented by ethnic and indirect link between an individual and the group. It has main value that the beliefs and act becomes a symbol of the group, and the member realise that he/she has direct relationship with the most important and unique part of their culture (Smolic 1981, 75-77 cited in Ferdman 1990, 190) . This value is simple, however its â€Å"malleability, imprecision, and multivocality†, make cultural identity become complicated (Cohen 1993, 202). Furthermore, it can be influenced by anything because of cultural identity is unstable (Hall 1990, 229). Language Identity Language is generally used when people interact to each other. Yihong et. al. (2005, 39) state that language is not just to communicate, but It associated with culture which create one’s self-identity. Moreover, it represents the identity of a society (Miller 2000, 69). For example, International students from Indonesia, Middle East countries, or China, will speak by using their native language when they interact to student from same country. Indonesian language, Arabic language, Mandarin or Cantonese languages are their identity. People might know who they are by listening to their conversation. Language and identity can not be separated. Scholars argue that language use and identity is inherent with social practices and membership (Miller 2000, 69). He also affirms that self-representation is a product of language use and identity (Miller 2000, 69). How person speaks, what type of vocabularies, represent the identity of the speaker. For instance, a truck driver will not use same language as a Professor use, and a postgraduate student has different style of language that high school student does. Even though they have same mother tongue, such as English, they speak differently because they come from different society. Their identity shows what and how they differ. International Student Identity People who pursue their study to overseas’ university will have new identity as international student. They become member of student society. During study, each individual enacts its duty as student (Fearon 1999, 19). A student can be seen by another member of society as college student, or the other way around. Furthermore, he or she may establish a self-identity embedded with academic consequences (Reitzes and Burke 1982 cited in Reitzes and Burke 1991, 243). By representing their new identity, they should study hard, submit the assignment on time, do some examinations, interact to other students and lecturer, and so on. Being international student in Australia, a person who comes from country which has different culture and language use will do some adjustments related with culture and language. He or she should accustom with Australian or western culture, and using English language more frequent. These adjustments may be done to make his or her study successful and to make their live during here easy. For instance, using English language to communicate to another student from different country and lecturer or tutor is a must; otherwise he or she can not interact. Another illustration is when he or she has group assignment which requires working with Australian student or western countries’ student. Possibly, Australian people is very common with assertive behaviour (Putnis and Petelin 2007, 3. 3), which can annoy him or her. Instead of the study group is unsuccessful, acceptation to this behaviour should be considered, since it has positive impact to the group. Postgraduate student identity It is very interesting for me to deal with new culture. I have to make a lot of adjustments while I am here. For example, I should say â€Å"thank you† to the bus driver to show my politeness and appreciation. It might be sort of Australian culture which is unusual attitude in my country. Another case is about calling a lecturer or someone who has higher position than me just by mentioning his or her first name. For the first time, it is so unfamiliar for me, because in Indonesia, I have to call them by saying ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ before their name. In spite of the example above, I am very surprised to know that drinking alcohol and get drunk is frequently done by most of Australian people. They always do this thing every week end. Using English as new constraint language in the university is a remarkable thing for me. All things that related with my study are in English. At the beginning, it is quite difficult for me to be used to English language, because English is not my first or second language. However, I must try hard to improve my English, by speaking and interacting more often with other native or international student. After all, now I feel my self-representation changes. According to (Yihong et. al. 2005, 39-40), I am in the level of â€Å"self confidence change and additive change. â€Å" As a postgraduate student, to establish reading habit and critical thinking are also new culture for me. To do my assignment well, all problems should be keen evaluated and analytically critiqued (Atkinson and Longman 2003 cited in Davies and Maldoni). They also suggest that critical thinking can be established by doing a lot of reading. For example, I need to read a lot of references to support my opinion in a discussion essay. Impact to my future There are many Australian cultures which can influence my self identity. However, I have to sort whether it will be positive or negatif impact for me. For the negatif one, such as drinking alcohol habit, I will not allow my self to be influenced by that thing. On the other hand, assertive behaviour and the way how Australian people appreciate someone else will give the positive impact for me. In the future, my self will be more assertive and will appreciate people more. Another good impact for me is high level of English proficiency. Practising english everyday will make non-native speaker highly confident (Yihong et. al. 2005, 39-40). Conclusion The concept of identity still changes and many experts try to formulate the suitable definition of identity. New culture and language use which faced by international student will affect to their self identity. These new lenses might have positive or negative impact to them. They will have high self-confidence in interacting to another people. However, they should make a choice to absorb whether native culture is acceptable to be used as their self-representation or not. Reference Borowski, E. J. 1976. Identity and Personal Identity. Mind. 85 (340) : 481-502. http://links. jstor. org/sici? sici=00264423%28197610%292%3A85%3A340%3C481%3AIAPI%3E2. 0. CO%3B2-L (accessed at 24 March 2008). Burke, P. J. and D. C. Reitzes. 1981. The link between identity and role performance Social Psychology Quarterly. 44 (2) : 83-92. http://links. jstor. org/sici? sici=01902725%28198106%2944%3A2%3C83%3ATLBIAR%3E2. 0. CO%3B2 (accessed at 20 March 2008). Cohen, A. P. 1993. Culture as identity: An anthropologist’s view. New Literary History. 24 (1): 195-209. http://links. jstor. org/sici? sici=00286087%28199324%2924%3A1%3C195%3ACAIAAV%3E2. 0. CO%3B2-R (accessed at 27 March 2008). Davies, A. and A. Maldoni. Meeting the Needs of International Postgraduate Students: Modifying the EAP Curriculum for Masters Preparation Programs. http://www. englishaustralia. com. au/index. cgi? E=hcatfuncs&PT=sl&X=getdoc&Lev1=pub_c05_07&Lev2=c04_davie. (accessed at 27 March 2008). Fearon, J. D. 1999. What is identity (as we now use the word). Department of Political Science. Stanford University. http://www. stanford. edu/~jfearon/papers/iden1v2. pdf (accessed at 24 March 2008). Ferdman, B. M. 1990. Literacy and Cultural Identity. Harvard Educational Review. 60 (2): 181. Academic Research Library. http://eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini. jsp ?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ408106&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ408106. (accessed at 27 March 2008). Hall, S. 1990. Culture Identity and Diaspora. http://www. lwbooks. co. uk/ReadingRoom/public/IdentityDiaspora. pdf. (accessed at 27 March 2008). Kagan, H. and Cohen, J. 1990. Cultural adjustment of international students. Psychological Science. 1 (2): 133-137. http://www. blackwell-synergy. com. ezp02. library. qut. edu. au/doi/abs/10. 1111/j. 1467-9280. 1990. tb00082. x (accessed at 27 March 2008). Miller, J. M. 2000. Language use, identity, and social interaction: migrant students in Australia. Research on Language & Social Interaction. 33(1): 69-100. http://dx. doi. org/10. 1207/S15327973RLSI3301_3. (accessed 7 March 2008). Putnis P. and R. Petelin. 2007. Improving personal communication. In QCD210/220/211 book of readings. Brisbane: Queensland University of Technology. Stryker, S. and Burke, P. J. 2000. The past, present, and future of an identity theory. Social Psychology Quarterly. 63 (4) : 284-297. http://links. jstor. org/sici? sici=0190-2725%28200012%2963%3A4%3C284%3ATPPAFO%3E2. 0. CO%3B2-G. (accessed at 24 March 2008). Society for American Archaeology. 1996. http://www. saa. org/publications/sampler/terms. html (accessed at 27 March 2008). Sokefeld, M. , Chaudhary, M. A. , Driessen, H. , Ewing, K. P. , Fuchs. , Gellner, D. N. , Haley, B. D. , et al. 1999. Debating self, identity, and culture in anthropology (and comments and reply). Current Anthropology. 40 (4): 417-447. http://links. jstor. org/sici? sici=00113204%28199908%2F10%2940%3A4%3C417%3ADSIACI%3E2. 0. CO%3B2-5 (accessed at 27 March 2008) Yihong, G. , Ying, C. , Yuan, Z. , and Yan Z. 2005. Self-identity changes and English learning among Chinese undergraduates. World Englishes. 24 (1):

Toyota sales in China Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Toyota sales in China - Dissertation Example This cars have been sold in China for the longest time and the trends have been on the upwards trend over the years with the sales in China in 2009 surpassing those of the USA. Despite this, there has been a recent slump in the sales which started gradually and has turned out to be drastic. This stressing movement has been traced to various components which are broadly categorized as social, economic and political. This study aims to explore the current status of the market and isolate the challenges facing this market and also come up with possible remedies to reverse this trend ensuring continued growth and flourish in the Toyota car business in China. This will not only ensure maximum profits and growth of the China economy but the development of the entire world as a whole. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.5 2. Literature Review†¦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‚¬ ¦.5 3. Methodology†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦25 3.1. ... Comments on methodology†¦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‚¬ ¦31 3.6. Justification of methodology Choice†¦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‚¬ ¦ 32 4. Finding and Analysis†¦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‚¬ ¦ 32 4.1. Consumer Credit Trends†¦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‚¬ ¦ 34 4.2. Effects of Social Class†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦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‚¬ ¦ 34 4.3. Change in lifestyle†¦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‚¬ ¦ 35 4.4. Evaluation of Effects†¦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‚¬ ¦ 35 5. Conclusion†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.44 6. Appendices†¦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‚¬ ¦ 46 7. Reference List†¦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‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.47 1. Introduction Toyota car was very popular in the world, it famous of it is relying save gasoline and it is cheap for vehicle maintenance. The selling of Toyota cars was dropped in China in these years. The main problem is the export to China of Toyota car’s quality is not good, some factory use some cheap material to save cost, many Toyota car did not have the side door beam, although a litter car have the beam, but it is more thin than other country’s car. Some people drive the Toyota car has the

Monetary Policy Coursework 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Monetary Policy Coursework 9 - Essay Example This streamlines the business cycle by increasing the output available in the US economy, hence providing surplus goods for exports and subsequent economic growth. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) aims at exploring the achievements of full employment as well as price stability (Econedlink.org, 2015). Therefore, the implementation of the US federal funds rate policy deals with the interest rates at which banks lend funds amongst themselves. The intermediary used by these banks is the Federal Reserve. The goals of the federal funds rate policy are to ensure US economic growth, monitor inflation, and increase employment. The Fed reduced this rate by 0.1% in mid 2014, and the results were diverse. In as much as the inflation rate as at January rose by 0.2%, the unemployment rate reduced by 5.5% in 2015. The US economic growth was positive by 2.2% in the last quarter of 2014. Evidently, the federal funds rate policy achieved its main goals: the reduction of unemployment and the growth of the economy. Econedlink.org,. (2015).  Focus on Economic Data: The Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy, January 29, 2015 | EconEdLink. Retrieved 3 June 2015, from

Describe a picture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Describe a picture - Essay Example In particular, the use of red, black and dark blue serves to show how urban lifestyles leave individuals feeling secluded. The juxtaposition of dark and light hues gives the illusion of cramped spaces - both in geographic terms and as a metaphor for the state of mind of a city-dweller. We can also see in the painting how a cityscape is illustrated through the use of straight lines, sharp edges and angles. They could be interpreted as representing the rigid racial and class divisions that prevail in modern societies. They also stand for the harshness and monotony of contemporary livelihoods. It is instructive to look at the artist’s broader interests to better comprehend the painting. To note, Scarlett has had an active interest in art forms other than painting. These include jewelry designing and deco designing as well. As a result, his understanding of sense of space as a three-dimensional construct is unique. This is amply brought to bear in the Bird’s Eye

Sustainable Talent Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Sustainable Talent Management - Research Paper Example hanges within the employees sector. In this paper we are going to evaluate different talent management processes to sustain the talents and the organization’s work force in the lon run. Context of Performance management Process Performance management seeks to ensure efficiency and reliability in achieving the pre-defined goals in line with the laid out procedures. In modern organizations there are different departments which are run/ assigned to different professionals who have not only specialized with the field but have other side skills and talents which can be modelled to fit with the department/ organization’s culture. Performance and potential of a given employees forms the basis of employing optimum measure and prediction of his/ reliability in future (Cokins, 2009). Long Cycle performance measure: This is whereby I evaluate the employee’s productivity annually, semi-annually or on quarterly basis. This process gives an insight of long term fairing of the employee’s reaction to the business environment, application of his extra skills and how they converge/interact with his immediate tasks over the given period of time and the changes from the external business forces. Short-Cycle Performance measure: On this evaluation, I would consider gauging the employee’s performance on either weekly, by-weekly or on monthly basis. Depending on the nature of the project, some areas require urgency and to ascertain the individual to be assigned to these areas require critical analysis of their speed in responding to critical issues within a selected department. For instance, a qualified Accountant with extra skills in software management and can work with strict deadlines, will be a resource towards the end of a project where much needs to be done with a fixed deadline. Micro Performance measure: Measurement based on shortest time spans of minute, hours or a day. The diversity of talents within an organization will enable me to asce rtain who can work better on some issues during different hours of the day and how much he can achieve with respect to his/her colleagues. The above performance measure processes can be pegged on Program specific output which generally defines the expected departmental results; Program specific performance measure due to diversity of program/department needs and the corporate culture/ laid out policies/procedures within that department; Respective employee’s specialization and performance within an assigned task, and all governed by the organization’s strategic goal and objective. This will ensure a sustainable talent management because reliable data will be available on the employee’s competencies, their time response and consolidation with the organization’s goals with time. In management of talent pools managers are required to develop both short term and long term talent review process to maintain smooth running of the organization’s personnel. With major objectives of recruiting, developing, rewarding and maintaining a sustainable work

King Lear Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

King Lear - Essay Example Lear inherited and perceived bad and good traits from both of them. The story of King Lear teaches us that the attaching of excessive importance to things in the material world causes passions and suffering. At the beginning the bad overwhelms in Lear’s character. We see Lear-despot. On the one hand his despotism origins from the feudal prerogative of a monarch. On the other one, being an outstanding person, surrounded by universal admiration, he gets a false idea that his royal dignity rests upon his personal superiority. Like the rest of the characters, Lear possesses a highly developed individualistic consciousness, which is a feature of the new psychology. Unfortunately, this awareness of personal dignity acquires one-sided, egoistic character, which reveals itself in excessively high estimation of the self, reaching the utmost degree of self-adoration. This feature was born by the social structure itself, where everybody praised his greatness, where everything seemed to happen according to his will. Believing that it is his personality that mattered, Lear loses his common sense and resigns his throne, sure that people won’t stop tremble for him. This crazy belief make s him hand the kingdom to his daughters, become a man without a title and experience all the woes associated with human life. In the course of the play we see, however, that Lear continues clutching at his feudal dignity. The perception of his being a king has strong roots in him and the habit of commanding the others does not leave him even when he, rejected and abandoned, wanders in the field. In delirium, he cries: â€Å"No, they cannot touch me for coining; I am the king himself†; â€Å"Ay, every inch a king: When I do stare, see how the subject quakes† (IV, 6). His insanity lies in the fact hat he continues considering himself the king, the man standing above the rest, while the enlightment will come as he sees his

A Class Apart Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

A Class Apart - Movie Review Example Gustavo Garcia, who was a competent Mexican-American civil rights lawyer offered to represent Hernandez in the supreme court of law. Other lawyers that accompanied Garcia was; James de Anda and Chris Alderete. Garcia’s argument was that the fourteenth amendment assured protection not just on the criteria of race, blacks and Caucasians but also class. The jury selectively discriminated the Mexican-Americans on the basis of class. The state of Texas openly excluded the Hispanics on the pretext that the fourteenth amendment only sheltered the whites and blacks and that the Mexican- Americans were a section of the whites. This was not justified as most Mexican-Americans were legally isolated since for over years no Hispanic served in the jury (Prince, 2010). Earl Warren, the chief justice was compelled to make a ruling in favour of Hernandez basing on Garcia’s argument. Although it is true that Hernandez killed Joe Epinosa, this decision was bound to save the rest of the Mexican-Americans from the infamous exclusion of legal matters and widespread violation of human rights. (Prince, 2010) It is also though thiruling that the Civil rights of Mexican-Americans were

The application of sustainability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The application of sustainability - Essay Example Hence, CABE, the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, considers investment in sustainable development as a national insurance policy, which makes cities better places to live in, creating new jobs and reducing fuel scarcity and traffic congestion. Seven issues have been highlighted by CABE to focus on while working towards sustainability. They are: reducing energy usage, optimising power supply to buildings, making streets fit for people, rethinking waste, planning for shortage/excess of water, moderating heat, and creating green spaces. The most important step towards achieving sustainability is reducing the inefficient use of finite resources. Reduction targets should be fixed, progress reviewed, effects updated regularly and published. The leaders should be able to think long-term and make long-term decisions and long-term goals. Energy and waste should be planned and managed together. There should be greater control of land and assets with i ncreased investment in energy security, flood protection and water supply. Investments should be made in urban forestry, and buildings should be assessed for sustainable designs. Valuation and asset management should be reviewed, shifting focus to long-term returns ensuring more protection from boom and bust cycles (CABE 2009, p.9). Fragmentation of land ownership could lead to sub-standard maintenance of land and the structures on it. Cities should create an energy strategy, involving the utility companies, tracing the current and future needs and planning for the future, prioritising low-carbon, sustainable energy sources. Efforts should be made to reduce energy consumption to power buildings. Renewable energy technologies should be used along with behavioural changes to ensure energy security. The transportation system, including the roads, should be planned is such a way that there is minimum need for travel. Streets should be maintained in an improved

Management Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Management Accounting - Essay Example The cost of each Renault car is  £ 12,000 (Crosson, 2011). The company’s expenses will include fixed expenses and variable expenses (Noreen, 2008). On the other hand, the company pays for variable expenses. The variable expenses fluctuate or change in the same direction as the car revenues (DuBrin, 2009). Comparison with Competitor’s Price. The above Table 1 information shows sales prices are pegged on the Skoda car competitor’s selling prices. The above table indicates that the company’s Skoda selling price is lower than the competitor’s car selling price in order to increase customer demand for the Skoda (Hartline, 2011). In the same manner, the company is selling its Renault car at a selling price that is lower than the competitor’s selling price. The lower price is a marketing strategy to increase revenues (Buttle, 2009). Since the prices are lower, the company expects to generate high Skoda and Renault car revenues (UKCardiscount, 2012 ). In addition, the above table 2 data indicates the sales prices of the company’s Renault car in relation to the competitor’s selling price (Chandler, 2011). The above table indicates that the current and future customers can save more money if they purchase the company’s lower priced Renault car, when compared to purchasing the competitor’s car (UKCardiscount, 2012). Further, the table 3 data clearly shows the company’s fixed expenses (Glencoe, 2011). The fixed expenses include the flat rent, electricity, water, telephone, garbage, and other expenses (Levine, 2008). The increase in the car sales normally does not significantly influence the fixed expenses. The fixed expenses are period expenses (City-data, 2012). Furthermore, the table 4 statistical data clearly shows the company’s variable expenses. When the sales increase, the variable expenses also increase (Miltenburg, 2005). In the same manner, when the sales decline from one accounting period to

Elevator Failures in Housing for the Elderly Essay Example for Free

Elevator Failures in Housing for the Elderly Essay The advent of multi-stored housing apartments that can be of up to 30 stores imply that any one who has a problem standing or being in elevators for a long time may be forced to seek alternatives which in most cases are non existent. However, the use of elevators should not have been a worry if only they were well functioning and regularly serviced (Fernandez 2008). According to residents, taking a lift is a risk in that they are prone to breakdowns and in most cases it is only one of the up to four lifts that is functional (Fernandez 2008). Some buildings have elevators that breakdown so often that one would rather do without them. The elderly due to their reduced performance are worst affected by the problem; most of them have health problems that do not allow for strenuous activities like walking up storied building (Fernandez 2008). According to a resident at Kingsborough apartment, the problem is compounded by the slowness with which mechanics respond in cases of emergencies (Fernandez 2008). Mechanics take up to nine hours to respond to cases of emergency regarding elevators. Some residents have lost their limbs in efforts to escape from jammed lifts while the loss of time that elevator complications lead to cannot be quantified (Fernandez 2008). Others have lost their lives trying to escape the confines of jammed elevators. Though residences fail elevator inspection test, nothing is being done about the failures; the death of an 89 year old woman which is partly blamed on elevator failure has not even raised concern on the issue (Fernandez 2008). Being stuck in elevators for up to 20 minutes an hour is common and most folks casually chat about it (Fernandez 2008). 151 elevators failures were recorded by Kingsborough extensions in 2007-2008; a record breaking figure for a housing development for the elderly (Fernandez 2008).

Desorption Ionization Methods Essay

Desorption Ionization Methods Essay Pharmaceutical science Desorption ionization methods owning a powerful capability in pharmaceutical field in which the ionization sources provided by the respective mass spectrometers was able to minimize the damage causing any variations in molecular structures of the samples (Monagas, Quintanilla-Là ³pez, Gà ³mez-Cordovà ©s, Bartolomà ©, Lebrà ³n-Aguilar, 2010). The prevention can be done by using ideal matrix mixed with the analytes, owning properties of strong absorption, good mixing and having low vapor pressure. With these properties the mass spectrometer are able more accurate in determine the intact molecular m/z value of the analytes. MALDI-TOF MS Huge numbers of researchers was reported a species that associate with various benefits in health known as proanthocyanidins , a polyphenols compounds which having properties of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases prevention (Aron Kennedy, 2008). Several authors were characterized proanthocynidins in both plants and non-plants foods by the application of MALDI-TOF MS in term different mode of detection and mass species. Two different mode of detection, reflectron mode and linear mode, have been well applied in proanthocynidins analysis. By using MALDI-TOF MS applying on proanthocynidins analysis owning a great advantages in minimize the difficulty in interpret the spectra in which it used single-charged molecular ions for detection that can eliminate those impurities peak that generate by other sources (Monagas, Quintanilla-Là ³pez, Gà ³mez-Cordovà ©s, Bartolomà ©, Lebrà ³n-Aguilar, 2010). The proanthocynidins are essential in food plants and non-food plants sample. This review was provides three example for both plants that are available in journal article. For the food plants, apple juice procyanidins was detected by MALDI-TOF MS in linear mode by both [M+Na]+ and [M+K]+ had been well studies by Shoji, et al. (2006). The authors were concluded that the apple juice procyanidins was exit as B-type procyanidins and the observed mass of the species reported as [M+K]+ are higher than [M+Na]+. Other foods plant, Grape seeds, was reported by Krueger, et al. (2000) as [M+Na]+ in both reflectron and linear mode. The type of proanthocyanidin was being detected are B-type procyanidins and galloylated (esterified form) in various range of degree of polymerization (DP). It was found that the linear mode can be detected up to DP 11 while reflectron mode only can detect up to DP 9. Besides, Krueger, et al. in 2003 was reported another foods plant, Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moen ch), as [M+Cs]+ in the reflectron mode was able to detect A- and B-type procyanidins and prodelphinidins. Due to the complexity of this food plant, the authors enable the detection up to DP9 containing up to 5 A-type linkages and confirming the abundance of the linkages in Sorghum (Krueger, Vestling, Reed, 2003). On the other hand, non-food plants proanthocynidins can also applied by MALDI-TOF MS. However, in the application of non-food plants, unlike application in food plants, Hedqvist, et al. (2000) was reported the Lotus corniculatus (var. Fargus) have presented B-type procyanidins and prodelphinidins by the application in both reflectron and linear mode were detected as [M+Na]+. By establishing reflectron mode, B-type procynanidins and prodelphinidins in acetylated form in bark of Pinus radiata were reported by Ku and Mun (2007). Besides, profisetinidins and prorobinetinidins in heartwood of Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) were reported by Vivas, et al. (2004). Table 1: Characterization of proanthocyanidins from both food plants and non-food plants by MALDI-TOF MS analysis Materials Substrate Mode Mass specie Observed mass Proanthocynidin type Reference Food plants Apple juice Liner [M+Na]+ [M+K]+ 1754-2907 1770-2923 B-type procynanidins Shoji et al. (2006) Grape seeds Reflectron Liner [M+Na]+ [M+Na]+ 601-2618 600-3349 B-type procynanidins, galloylated Krueger et al. (2000) Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Reflectron [M+Cs]+ 1285-2759 A- and B-type procynanidins and prodelphinidins Krueger et al. (2003) Non-food plants Lotus corniculatus (var. Fargus) Linear and reflectron [M+Na]+ 1177-1817 B-type procynanidins and prodelphinidins Hedqvist et al. (2000) Bark of Pinus radiata Reflectron [M+Na]+ 1020-4067 B-type procynanidins and prodelphinidins (acetylated form) Ku and Mun (2007) Heartwood of Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) Reflectron [M+Na]+ 841-2237 Profisetinidins and prorobinetinidins Vivas et al. (2004) FAB-MS The application of FAB-MS in pharmaceuticals sector was baring an importance role in analyzing those nonvolatile compounds in yields abundant ions and detailed fragmentation data (Bartner, et al., 1997). Everninomicin-6 (EV-6) was reported as an oligosaccharide antibiotic by Bartner, et al. (1997). The authors were using previous studies, Everninomicin-D (EV-D), by comparing their fragmentation m/z value in order to well analyze the fragmentation. Besides, the paper also operated by using various types of matrices in order to illustrated more structurally informative fragment ions such as glycerol, thioglycerol, glycerol/thioglycerol, 3-nitro-benzyl alcohol (3NBA), and 3NBA+NaCl. In the studies, the FAB spectra were yields a very weak protonated and a relatively low-abundance sodiated molecular ions at m/z 1335 and 1357 respectively. The authors were emphasize that the matrix, NaCl doped 3NBA was producing the best result among the matrices that they were used. The spectra were able to shown a clearer enhancement of the sodiated molecular ion at m/z 1357 and the authors also able to determine several series of the molecular fragmentation. This make the spectra more essential in define the structurally informative ion constituent. However, negative-ion FAB-MS had been investigated by the authors for the structural analysis perform by using DMSO-3NBA matrix and produced abundant molecular ion at m/z 1333 and a series of cleavage of ions peak. Table 2: The relatively abundance molecular ions peak of the Everninomicin-6 (EV-6) in DMSO solvent Matrices Mass specie Observed mass Assignation 50:50 glycerol/thioglycerol (gly/thio) [M+H]+ 1335 1357 -very weak protonated molecules ion -low-abundance sodiated molecular ion 3NBA + NaCl [M+Na]+ 1357 -abundant sodiated molecular ion 3NBA [M-H] 1333 -abundant molecular fragment ion SIMS Applications of SIMS in pharmaceutical sector are used to detect the surface morphologies of the analyte. In order further improve the detection limit, Chen, et al. (2011) research was using C60 cluster ion sources. The studies were done by the event-by-event bombardment/detection mode and providing benefits which allowed the detector very narrow length (~10nm) molecules. Chen, et al. (2011) were reported that this mode was increased the sensitivity of the detection toward the closer distances between nanoparticle probe and amino acid sites of an antibody. It was reported that the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was modified in which the antiCD4 cooperate to the AuNPs and immobilized on the cell for analyze. It was reported that the negative ions that cleavage by the molecules in the range of m/z 30 to 120 were indicating the present of the antibodies on the cell. Besides, m/z 197 and m/z 223 corresponding to Au and AuCN respectively, were shown the importance of the peak which indicating the immobilization was successful. On the other hand, the ions source of C60 caused the impact on the lipid membrane region where the fragmentation palmitate (C16H31O2) and oletate (C18H33O2) at m/z 255 and 283 respectively had occurred. Table 3: The co-emitted secondary ions and observed mass of AuNPs-antiCD4 labeled cell surface analyzed with C60 ToF-SIMS Detected species Co-emitted secondary ions Observed mass AuNPs-antiCD4 conjugates Au AuCN 197 223 Cell lipid membrane C16H31O2 C18H33O2 255 283

Consumer Behaviour On Decline Of Sales Marketing Essay

Consumer Behaviour On Decline Of Sales Marketing Essay Introduction This report is prepared to analyse how consumer behaviour changes has led to the decline in sales volume of Xclusive perfume brands across the UK market. For the last two years sales has declined consistently across the target market of upper class consumers in UK. Xclusive is an premium perfume brand from Premium Products Ltd, a company based out of UK. Company launched this premium brand for men and women in UK market in 2006. By 2007, they had a 1.2% market share, reporting a total sales turnover of 7.96 million GBP (Esprit Magazine, 2007) In 2008 and 2009, the sales declined by 5% and 6.2% respectively. Preliminary reports show a decline in popularity of this brand and lesser movement in stores among the upper class customers. This report is intended to analyse the reasons which led to the sales decline over the last two years. Report will test the hypothesis that consumer behaviour variations led to the decline in sales. Other key objective of this report is to come up with suggestions to reverse this declining sales trend and influence a positive change in consumer behaviour to increase the sales. Current Product and Marketing Strategy Xclusive brand of premium perfume for men and women was launched by Premium Product Ltd in 2006. There were four lines within this Xclusive brand herbal, musky, woody and spicy. Musky was the popular most brands followed by Herbal. They were packaged in exclusive golden bottles, which gave exquisiteness to the whole product package. Health consciousness was on the rise among the UK consumers in 2006. That made the company launch this exclusive herbal perfume to the upper class consumers. This was launched as part of their market differentiation strategy compared to other premium brands. Main target was upper class men and women in UK with social grade A and B. (Businessballs, 2008). This market size constituted 25% of the total UK population. Premium Products Ltd used a premium pricing for all products including this Xclusive product line, with herbal being the most expensive as it was made from healthy ingredients. The company adopted a selective distribution strategy targeting only luxury zones and concentrated on boutiques and big malls like Wesfield and Metrocenter. Distribution strategy was centred around premium malls and online shops like Perfume shop. (Suite101, 2007) Company did the promotion mainly through celebrity ads in mass media like TV and upper class magazines like Glamour and Cosmopolitan. Promotion was around healthy sports men and women using this exclusive perfume. (National Readership Survey, 2007) Problem Analysis Problem: In the last two years there has been a drastic decrease in the sales of fragrance products (perfumes). Study was conducted on market and consumer buying process to understand the reasons behind this decline in sales. In the market study, objective was to test whether external market conditions were favourable to perfume business. Market study was done using the PEST method. While doing sales analysis, it was found that decline in sales actually came from women segment. Hence market and consumer behaviour study was mostly attributed to the social class A and B women segments. Buyer responses Choices of product brand dealer timing price Buy more, less, stay loyal etc buyers black box Needs wants, stimuli Product, price, place, promotion etc Environmental (PEST) factors Buying Process Analysis We looked at the typical buying process of premium perfumes by women in UK. Looking at the major players involved in a typical purchase decision. Initiator Influencer Decider Buyer User Usually, women themselves are the initiators to buy perfumes for following reasons: Long lasting scent Makes feel attractive One that others comment on Makes feel sexy Changes or enhances mood Initiators can be men also who buy gifts for women. It basically depends on the age group of women. But generally speaking, the influencers can be: Peer group Celebrities Referred by magazine (foil pouch samples preferred) Advertisements in media Women themselves and men also. Both men (as gifts) and women. Women, her friends, relatives etc. Since women play the major role of initiator and decider in this buying process, we need to understand internal and external factors which can impact the consumer behaviour of women belonging to social class A and B. Consumer behaviour characteristics Consumer behaviour refers to the selection, purchase and consumption of goods and services for the satisfaction of their wants. (Ezinearticles, 2007) There are multiple factors which can influence the consumers behaviour over a period of time, which includes both internal and external. Broadly the internal factors could be personal traits like age, income, occupation, personality, lifestyle etc and psychological factors like motivation, perception, learning, beliefs and attitudes. External factors can be social ones like reference groups, social status and influence of family. It could be cultural factors too like culture and sub-culture and social class. This is very much relevant to the premium perfume product segment too. External Factors affecting consumer behaviour Among the external factors, the key ones which directly impact consumer behaviour are demographics and social class. Next comes the influence of reference groups like celebrities, friends and family. But since the target segment is mainly upper class and upper middle, culture/sub-culture seems to be the least important variable. Demographics It is more an internal factor, which is of course shaped by external influence. Teenagers: They are more interested in citrus scents. Usually they prefer a fragrance that makes them attractive to others. They dont have any affinity towards a brand, but they like to try out different fragrances and brands. Adults: They are most likely to buy fragrances for most likely to wear a perfume to feel sexy. Older women are more likely to switch fragrances within their collection once a week or more. As they are more health conscious, they are more likely to consider Home Fragrances, Eau de Perfume, and Essential Oils as part of the Fragrance category. They are much more branding savvy. They prefer fruity and flowery fragrances and follow celebrities to a large extent. (Fragrancefoundation, 2007) In the UK, every woman between the ages 25 and 34, on an average carry  £ 71 worth of cosmetics in their handbag. (China cosmetic packing, 2010) Three out of five women were more likely to buy a fragrance samples in a magazine (foil pouch samples preferred). Now women prefer having a wardrobe or collection of fragrances too. (Fragrancefoundation, 2007) They still follow celebrity endorsements while choosing the fragrance. This is evident from the popularity of M brand introduced under the brand of Mariah Carey (Entrepreneur, 2007)). Consumers have revisited classic fragrances as the shift in buying behaviour moves towards quality, authenticity or value. (Academic Mintell, 2007) Social Class Similarly, differences in social class can create customer groups. In fact, the official six social classes in the UK are widely used to profile and predict different customer behaviour. In the UKs socioeconomic classification scheme, social class is not just determined by income. It is measured as a combination of occupation, income, education, wealth and other variables. (Tutor2U, 2007) Relevant social class segments for our premium perfume segment: Upper upper   old, established, socially prominent families Lower upper   new rich   Upper middle   professional people   Lower middle   white collar, salaried workers (Emailcommerce, 2007) Now the characteristics of each of these social classes vary as they are bound by different cultural and sub cultural elements. In the current marketing strategy the product was positioned just for upper class women and we didnt have a differentiated positioning for each sub cultural or social class groups within this broad definition of upper class women. Needs and buying process of upper middle class woman is completely different to a upper upper class woman. For example upper and lower middle can get influenced by friends and co-workers more and women tend to be mostly decision makers and purchasers. However in the upper upper and Lower upper, influence of family may be higher. Reference groups like social clubs, charity organisations, and social get together could be more relevant to influence the upper class women. Hence a segmented marketing approach is needed. However the 2009 downturn has frequency the purchase of perfumes among women. Women on average buy 4 fragrances a year. (Fragrencefoundation), due to the downturn there this has decreased to 2-3 fragrance a year. Still women spend enough on cosmetics. Among the higher social classes, penetration of social media has increased. Online purchases using cards has become common. Internet as an outlet has increased its penetration by 4% in the UK market. (Fragrancefoundation, 2007) Reference Groups Reference groups could also potentially influence the buying of premium perfume product. Reference groups can be aspirational or associative. Celebrities and socially respected ladies form aspirational reference groups for high class UK women. Associative reference groups could be members of a social club or co-workers or even members of church and some organisation. Friend circle is another major influential reference group as they could be sharing same interests and preferences. Family could be another reference group, this is however dealt separately. (Consumerpsychologist, 2007) In the target segment of Xclusive premium perfume product, reference groups are quite relevant. For example, Celebrity brands  are driving market growth among younger fragrance users. Over 30 new celebrity fragrances were launched in 2007. One in five 16-24 year olds claim to own at least one, compared with one in twenty over-45s. Celebrity fragrances provide the entry point for young people into the whole luxury sector.  (Fragrancefoundation, 2007) (As internet is becoming a key social media, reference groups like forums and fragrance review sites is also becoming key influencers in the decision making process. Sites like http://www.bestperfumeforwomen.co.uk/ provide reviews and give a ranking on best perfumes. You can no longer launch hundreds of fragrances, as the customer is more selective and wants something unique. Its not only the downturn that has forced this change in consumer behaviour. Thanks in large part to the internet, shoppers are much more knowledgeable about fragrances-more than many brands think. A look at some of the fragrance blogs or websites, such as Sniffapalooza (once derided, but now courted by fragrance brands) shows that consumers are having educated discussion and debate about fragrance, comparing different products and asking why they are all alike. Fragrance expert Michael Edwards calls this consumer the connoisseur, and compares such behavior to the foodie trend that emerged several years ago. Influence of Family In our target segment of upper and higher middle class women in UK, influence of family members is vital in making purchase decisions. Individual members of families often serve different roles in decision making process. Some individuals are  information gatherers/holders, who seek out information about products of relevance. These individuals often have a great deal of power because they may selectively pass on information that favours their chosen alternatives.  Typically husbands play the role of influencers; they let their wives know their wishes and suggestions. Husbands usually travel and get to know from social gatherings and even from online or internet means. In the case of premium perfume, the role of each individual in the family is critical be it that of gatherers who may be typically younger lot or social buffs, or that of influencers like husbands or decision makers or even purchasers. This makes marketing more tough as the messages need to reach a wider cross sec tion of UK society. Point of sales marketing can help to convince purchasers, but broad marketing conveying the features of Xclusive premium perfume should reach others like older ladies, socially respected relatives, and husbands. (Consumerpsychologist, 2007) Three out of four women say that when they find a fragrance they really like, they tell their friends about it. Every 2 in three women give perfumes as gift to partners, friends and family. Impact of culture/sub-culture elements Each culture contains sub-cultures groups of people with share values. Sub-cultures can include nationalities, religions, racial groups, or groups of people sharing the same geographical location. Sometimes a sub-culture will create a substantial and distinctive market segment of its own. OgAAAPeyJpurr1ryoFWlKXRdQZJVSyMAct7AfdHZmI-zSL4J5aoWNgxDAjv20AMfd_XlBjE5RI8O3Ge8wNG63V0VYoUA15jOjGI8ihdsXtJS1SOoJjWTF231BFIw (Source: From the Module presentation) For example, the youth culture or club culture has quite distinct values and buying characteristics from the much older gray generation. Similarly sub-cultural groups like immigrants from other countries and resident nationals belonging to other regions will show different characteristics to the UK culture. For example in the case of Asians, family relationships are much stronger and gifting is usually informal and ritual. However in UK, relationships are more loose, but gifting is done formally. Packaging is more relevant to the UK upper class when compared to other nationals. European communities give lot of importance to quality and elegance. Just like nationality as the above diagram shows, there are many more factors which shape up the cultural trait of an individual. Suggestions to influence consumer behaviour Fine grained social class segmentation: Have more targeted segments by age, by social class and by age. This is important as messages may have to be different and different fragrance products needs to be marketed to different social class and age groups Celebrity references: Continue to use references from celebrities, but widen your celebrity base to influence different segments. Musicians, film stars, entrepreneurs, sports personality and so on. For example younger lot get influenced with entrepreneurs as they look for confidence image to get associated with the perfumes they use. Older may prefer music stars and film personalities. Educational Promotions across wide cross section: Sales staff needs to be trained to improve their selling support and skills in order to advise customers correctly. Fragrances sold in self-selection should carry information on the outer box to provide consumer with the key ingredients of the product. Leaflets in boxes could also contain information for the consumer on the fragrance, on how to wear and tips on fragrance layering, and its ingredients which is a standard for many prestige skincare brands. In addition samples can be used to explain fragrance notes. Furthermore online sampling has been successfully carried out by luxury brands. Promotional messages should be targeted at initiators, influencers and decision makers. POS marketing is critical for purchases like free samples. Increasing the reach:Target to increase the number of outlets to reach a wider segmented base of upper and higher middle class women. Use internet as a channel to target convenience shoppers. Online purchase and spending is increasing in the upper class UK consumer segments. More over place reviews and customer testimonials especially of reference groups in social marketing sites to influence the prospective buyers. Differentiated products and channels for multiple segments: Thus there is a need to address the Teenage customers and Adult customers with different products according to their preferences. There are basically different types of shoppers which are Convenience Shoppers Value Shoppers Image Shoppers Experience Shoppers Luxury perfumes for women come under Image Shoppers and Experience Shoppers were, Teenagers belong to Image Shoppers and Adults belong to Experience shoppers. Understanding customers, their preferences, their needs led to the conclusion that our firm should go for two product lines, one addressing the teenagers and the other addressing the adults. The perfumes should have a variety of flavors i.e., a variety of citrus flavors for teenagers and flowers and fruity flavors for adults. Also advertising and promotional activities should be based on this segmentation. Recommended Positioning Strategy for Xclusive Premium Perfume Brand Introduction This report is prepared to suggest a positioning strategy for Xclusive brand of premium perfume for defined market segments. The objective of this new positioning strategy will be to have a positive influence on various factors which impact consumer behaviour and purchase decision of this premium product. However this report is limited to the positioning of the products for one of the target segments, which is upper class and higher middle class women. We assume that positioning strategy for the segment of men is working fine as sales has shown positive upward trend so far. Key Gaps with the Current Positioning Strategy Broad and inappropriate target segmentation: As per the current marketing strategy the target segment was defined as upper class men and women. Positioning message or current tagline Exclusive fragrance for just you was used to attract upper class men and women to feel that they own it and join a elite group of premium perfume owners. The target segment of upper class women was broader as consumer behaviour characteristics tend to differ with in the target segment of upper class women by age and social class. Hence the marketing messages failed to impress all the prospective buyers among the target segment of upper class women. Earlier, the segmentation was based on just income and status as quite evident from the positioning message. But it failed to impress all the cross sections of the prospective buyers. Lack of differentiated products and positioning: Tagline and positioning creates a perception map in the minds of consumers. Exclusive fragrance just for you suggests following characteristics it is expensive, it is exclusively for upper class only, it is unique from other products. However in real sense product was not differentiated from the competitor products. Hence there was a different between customer perception and experience which led to customer dissatisfaction and decline in repeat purchase. Teenagers Vs Adults with in the upper class target women Pure herbal Adults how to gain their credibility retain customer the core segment to be targeted.. Quality Personal body chemistry Brand image Teenagers Low price(relatively) Stress more on ambience Increase of celebrities Increase of social media usage especially in teenage networking sites Personal body chemistry Brand image As you can see above, teenagers are showing more affinity towards synthetic fragrance while adults are interested in herbal products. This itself calls for a rift in preferences and perception about the same fragrance product. Marketer need to address this with a differentiated product strategy. This kind of differences in perception mapping of the same product by two sections of the target segment was not considered while deciding the product and positioning strategy. Lack of proper celebrity references: Celebrities used for promoting Xclusive brand were mostly contemporary stars from the field of sports and films. But this is again not in line with the tagline, the company had. Ideally the company should have tried to bring in an image of a classic brand and they could have chosen somebody from old classic films like Lawrence of Arabia or actresses like Julie Andrews (Classic Movies, 2008) UK Consumers, especially the women in the age group of 30 to 60 were revisiting the classic brands and this could have been a better strategy. Couldnt reach all influencers: In the case of upper class women, a typical purchase process is influenced by friends, family members like husband, social clubs, social marketing forums and then ofcourse the aspirational groups like successful businesswomen or celebrities. Xclusive as a brand didnt have any such associations with these influencers. They were mostly targeting the decision makers and purchases with ads being targeted in magazines like Glamour. Redefine the target segments among the Women Xlusive brand has suffered a decline in sales over the last two years among the women target segment. From the market analysis and consumer behaviour study we can find that current marketing strategy was not good enough to attract all prospective consumers among the target segment of upper class women. Initial market strategy was just built around the income class, but it was not taking into account the consumer behaviour changes as per different factors like social class, age, cultural difference and so on. Shift in target segmentation from Upper class women to multiple target segments of segment 1: upper upper class and upper middle class (employed) woman segment 2: teenage women in upper middle class and upper class (with a high disposable income) Differentiated Products and Positioning Me too products or generic product line with one positioning message will not work in this changed environment. UK consumers are more going towards value shopping and they are likely to make more informed decisions rather than going by quick stimuli. Segment Product Positioning Upper class and upper middle class women Xclusive Classic range of fragrance in herbal mix Health and Class Exclusively Teenage upper class and upper middle class Xclusive Style Synthetic perfumes with citrus flavours Style and Confidence Suggesting following the Key Brand method to look at what factors would influence women in the above target segments choose a fragrance in the premium segment. (Brandkeys, 2010) Hence the differentiated products and positioning should be made around the following attributes selected from the above matrix Product Image Scent Ingredients Reactions Classic range of fragrance in herbal mix Classic Sexy Sociable Traditional Floral Spicy Natural Ingredients Fresh Original Sensual Powerful Inspired Strong Hence positioning messages are created around these product attributes for the two product lines. Packaging is also made consistent with these attributes to create that whole product image. Classic product line needs to be packaged in premium glass bottles with a golden plating. Style product line for teenagers will be in colourful glass bottles which are cut on sides to give it a style and powerful cuvy shape.   Creative Campaigns around Positioning Messages One of the problems with fragrance is that the penetration rates are not that high. However, a lot could be done to bring more consumers into the fragrance market. Critics say that marketers focus too much on youth, and that the scents and sometimes racy advertising campaigns aimed at this group have turned off older consumers. Appealing to women in their 30s, 40s and 50s and those who have lost touch with fragrance with an appropriate offer and marketing campaign could bring in much additional revenue. So having nostalgic and retro campaigns would be a good way to target the segment of middle aged upper class and upper middle class women. Celebrities can be actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Julia Andrews. They can promote the Xclusive Classic brand around creating images of classic and vintage stuff never ceases or use everlasting films like Lawrence of Arabia. Moving away from contemprory stars to more stars from the classical age would be good to convince and influence changing UK consumers especially among the aged upper class segments. (The Freelibrary, 2007) Avertisement targeted at adult women Use of gold plated bottle cover and golden color font in a classic written style Xclusive *Julie Andres, an actress from yester years still a living legend to be a brand ambassador of the Classic product line Similarly for the teenage segment, celebrities from field like politics, business, sports could be chosen who can give an image of style and confidence. A study conducted among young UK women chose a set of role models like Margaret Thatcher, Marilyn Monroe, Kylie Minogue, Jamie Ogata (Confident Japanese UN official). (Cranfield University, 2009) We can probably use them as celebrities to push our style and confidence image in the mind of teenagers. Unlike adults, teenagers are more image shoppers. They can be triggered for an instant purchase by a sudden stimuli. (Telegraph, 2008) Advertisement targeting teenagers: Bold confident young women, curvy bottle shape with bold red font usage Xclusive Re-inventing Shopping Experience Shopping for fragrances needs to be made easier, and stores better adapted to how consumers browse and buy. Research by Paris-based JMG Research shows that the consumer is looking for new retail formats. She is looking for a new experience and is very reactive to new propositions. When something is out of the ordinary she will buy, says JMG Research managing director Jà ©rà ´me Goldberg. New retail store formats have to be tried out like eliminating counters in department stores, merchandising by fragrance family or creating areas for replenishment for the consumer who is only looking for that service. In a recent survey, majority of those questioned did want to see fragrances organized by brand, but 40% also said that they would like to see fragrances organized by the way they smell. Many UK women middle aged consumers now go in for a fragrance collection. This basically tends them to be more brand loyal. Fragrance is emotional and the industry needs to pay more attention to this rather talking about technical information. There needs to be beauty assistants who are helpful and knowledgeable and not just push the latest launch, says John Ayres, director of UK-based fragrance consultancy Pandora. Sales people should be doing a lot more educational selling rather than aggressive as consumers have more options to choose from. (Articles base, 2007) Leaflets in boxes should also contain information for the consumer on the fragrance, on how to wear and tips on fragrance layering and its ingredients. This is standard for many prestige skincare brands. Also samples can be used to explain fragrance notes. http://www.bglam.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/discount-3.JPG (Sample online perfume catalogue) Another trend is the moving away from class to mass channels for purchase. UK consumers now prefer Tesco to specialised classes like department stores.

Essay --

Introduction The United Arab Emirates has been a member of several regional organizations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) being a prominent example. This paper will provide a description of the participation of the United Arab Emirates in the GCC as well as a summary of its history. The purposes and specific goals that the UAE had when joining the GCC will be highlighted in addition to discussing the resulting contributions to its economy. The stated goals and purposes of joining the GCC will then be used to determine whether the initiative to join the regional body has been a success or a failure. The paper will conclude with an attempt to find out if the GCC will be important to the future development of the United Arab Emirates. Description and History The United Arab Emirates has been a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council since it was founded on 25th May 1981. Other founding members include the State of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Kuwait (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, 2012). A framework for the body was agreed upon during a meeting of heads of state in Abu Dhabi and it was a product of previous planning as well as an embodiment of social, cultural, and historical reality. Another reason that led to the formation of this regional body was the kinship that existed among the citizens of these six states as well as the religious and cultural ties (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, 2012). In addition to these historical similarities, the founding states also faced the same challenges such as security and economic development. It is therefore correct to state that the GCC was formed as a result of the historical realities... ... got from the GCC states in 2012. However, the UAE needs to change its approach to the GCC especially when it comes to the creation of a common currency. According to Takagi (2012), the GCC states have practically used a common currency over the past decades owing to the fact that five of the countries have pegged the value of their currencies to the US dollar. Kuwait is the only country that floated its currency; however, the value its currency has remained stable with respect to the dollar. My recommendation to the UAE is for it to become willing to compromise and accept the formation of the GCC monetary union in order to ensure that it continues to benefit from the regional body. The decision to compromise might also lead to increased cooperation between the six states meaning that the initial goals and objectives of the Gulf Cooperation Council can be achieved.

Analgesics :: essays research papers

Analgesics "An aspirin a day keeps the doctor away." Although this saying can be true, it is not only aspirin that can cure the pains of life, but also several other types of analgesics. There are a wide variety of analgesics. More commonly known as painkillers. The narcotic analgesics act on the central nervous system and change the user's perception; they are more often used for severe pain and can make the user develop an addiction. The nonnarcotic analgesics, known as over the counter or OTC, work at the site of the pain. These do not create tolerance or dependence and do not vary the user's perception. OTC's are more commonly used everyday to treat mild pain. Many people wish to treat familiar pains themselves, such as toothache or headache pain. To treat these types of symptoms, OTC's are used. There are three main types of OTC drugs. They are as follows: Â ·Aspirin (salicylic acid acetate) is an anti-inflammatory (decreases swelling and inflammation), anti-pyretic (fever reducing), and anti-platelet (decreases platelets in the body to thin blood). Many heart treatment patients take an aspirin a day to prevent blood clotting. However, if aspirin is taken in large quantities over long periods of time, it may cause gastric ulcers or other internal damage. The molecular formula of aspirin is C9H8O4. Some examples of Aspirin are Bayer, Ecotrin, and Aspergum. Â ·Ibuprofen (propionic acid) is an anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic. It is often used to treat arthritis, dental pain, menstrual pain, headache, migraine, and back pain. Ibuprofen works by reducing the levels of prostaglandis (substances that cause pain) in the body. This drug is gentler on the stomach than aspirin. The molecular formula of ibuprofen is C13H18O2. Some examples of ibuprofen are Motrin, Advil, and Nuprin. Â ·Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is an alternative to aspirin. It is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-platelet. Acetaminophen is much less likely to cause intestinal side affects than aspirin, however overdose of this drug can cause serious liver poisoning. The molecular formula for acetaminophen is C8H9NO2. Some examples of Acetaminophen are Tylenol, Midol, and Panadol. Each of these OTC analgesics has different side affects and purposes, but they all share three common elements. These elements are Carbon (atomic number 6, atomic mass 12.011), Hydrogen (atomic number 1, atomic mass 1.0079) and Oxygen (atomic number 8, atomic mass 15.999). By looking at the molecular formulas of each type of OTC analgesic, these three common elements form the base for each chemical compound.

Abenaki Indians As Environment :: Free Essay Writer

Many people are under a false impression that early Native Americans are the original environmentalists. This is an impression that many people share. The Abenaki tribes that resided in Maine from 3700 BP were not by our traditional definition, environmentalists. In fact they were far from ecologically sound. This paper is meant not to criticize the Native Americans of the age, but to clarify their roles in the environment. To better understand this subject some background is needed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Abenaki People of the Northeast led a non-permanent exististance based mostly on the seasonal flux in the region. The area of land now referred to as Maine especially. Maine has always had abrupt seasons and the Abenaki used these seasons to their advantage. Their culture is one of direct appropriation with nature. This meaning that they were a culture in which nothing was permanent. Their survival depended on mobility. The Abenaki did not utilize storage as we do now, or even as the early Europeans of the time did. For each of the four seasons they stayed in areas where they would successfully survive. For instance, the summer months were spent on the coastal regions fishing and foraging while in the winter they pulled back into the interior forests for protection and hunting. However, they did return to the same part of the forests, coasts and waterfalls where their former camps had been.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although the Abenaki culture bent to the seasons, they dramatically shaped their surrounding environments. The Abenaki tribes would change the location of the campsites every ten to fifteen years due to a variety of reasons. The southern Abenaki tribes who performed some sort of agriculture would experience severe soil exhaustion after a decade of farming that particular piece of land. The Abenaki required enormous amounts of wood for campfires, smoking meat, building homes and cooking to name but a small few. Pest infestation was also another reason that the Abenaki would move the camp. Fleas and vermin would become extremely bothersome after time had gone by and they had become accustomed to environments. They practiced a form of clearcutting known today as anthropogenic fire, anthro meaning “human'; and pogenic meaning “induced';. They would purposely ignite massive forest fires around their encampment for a variety of reasons. These areas would bur n underbrush and smaller trees but not ignite the foliage of the huge trees. This burning was good for some forms of agriculture.

Public school vs. cyber school Essay

Did you know you have more choices today about where your children attend public school? There is more to public schools than just the traditional â€Å"brick and mortar† schools you attended in past decades. Cyber schools are essentially public schools where students attend school full-time online at home or where ever they have an internet connection. Technology has made it easier than ever before to educate your child at home. According to NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS (2013). â€Å"From school year 1999-2000 to 2010-2011, the number of students enrolled in public charter schools increased from 0.3 million to 1. 8 million students. During this period, the percentage of all public schools that were public charter schools increased from 2 to 5 percent, comprising 5,300 schools in 2010-2011. † (Charter School Enrollment). Students have started to attend Cyber School because of a variety of reasons including: social anxieties, peer pressure, students who are under stimulated with curriculum, students behind in classes, and bullying. If you are saying to yourself that stuff like this only happens in middle and high school, you are kidding yourself. Bullying and Peer Pressure also happen at the elementary level. At third grade the main reason my nephew left public school was because of being bullied. He was the subject of humiliation, when an older student forcefully made him take chewing tobacco and put it in his mouth and keep it there until he got sick in front of other kids. This instance alone was enough for my sister and brother-in-law to pull their son out of public school and begin to Cyber School him at home. It is something like this that makes parents stop and think if traditional public education is the right choice. Families deciding the best option of a public education or cyber school for elementary children need to carefully consider the learning environment, their parental involvement and the academic benefits. The learning environment in which children learn is a determining factor as to whether a child should attend Cyber School or be sent to a traditional brick and mortar school. Public school teachers have classrooms full of fifteen to twenty-five students to provide attention to, which means your child is not getting the proper instruction they need to learn at their best and could lead to your child falling behind. I have seen this with my son who is in first grade, when he comes home I ask him what he learned. His response is â€Å"I don’t know. † Every night we work on homework and he struggles to do simple math facts and with reading sight words (words that students are expected to know in the grade they are in). After the first marking period my husband and I had a parent teacher conference with his teacher and I asked how he was doing in class and was concerned with his math and reading skills not being at the appropriate level. Her response was â€Å"Well he is slow at processing information and it takes a long time for him to get his worksheets done, we have to move on. † At this point in the conference I am thinking I could do a better job teaching him at home. I do not want my son to go unnoticed and fall through the cracks of the public education system and be promoted through grade levels because the teachers are too busy to stop and make sure every child understands the material before moving on. Students who stay at home to learn are in their home where it is a primarily safe and secure environment. Children do not have to deal with the peer pressure, bullying, worry about what clothes to wear or being in the right cliques. With Cyber School your child focuses on doing school work and advancing their education. A child enrolled in Cyber School can be just that- a child, and this alone will give your child the opportunity to focus on what he or she is learning that day. Some children are more productive and have better learning experiences when in the right environment; whether it be at home where they can get individual attention or in a large classroom full of noisy children trying to get the teachers attention. Parents have a choice in how involved they want to be with their child’s education. A public school teacher oversees the daily efforts of the students and parents get reports only if the student is failing or at report card time. Public school parents can be involved in other ways like: helping with homework or help study for a test; be there for plays, concerts and activities; and talk to the teacher and see what areas you can help your child achieve. While some parents want and need to work, making it so they have less time to spend being involved in their children’s education; other parent’s want that hands on approach to ensure their child’s success. Parents’ involvement in their child’s education is crucial in Cyber School while in public education you are leaving your child’s education up to the teacher. A parent would need to manage their child’s schedule, ensure child is completing work at a reasonable pace, while leaving the instructional experience to the teacher. Parents who decide to home school their children should find a way to integrate social aspects into their child’s daily structure; such as, signing him up for sports teams or community clubs like: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts with other children his age. This way students will be able to benefit from the social aspects, which are needed at every age. Parental involvement is important for the success in any child’s education whether in public school or in Cyber School. There are academic benefits to both public school and Cyber School; where public school students learn valuable social skills by attending classes with others their own age. The social interaction between children and between children and teachers give children the ability to learn to socialize well with other students and make friends. Children are taught at an early age to work together and problem-solve in groups with other children. Public education is a one-size-fits-all approach to education, teachers are to slow down the pace of their instruction to cater to the slowest students in the classroom, even though these are the ones that are sometimes overlooked. My neighbors’ son was overlooked, because when they tested him for Cyber School, they found he was actually not performing well in math. His test score was a whole grade level below where he should have been. With enrolling him in Agora Cyber Charter School he is able to get more help in the subject areas he needs to improve upon. By enrolling your child in Cyber School you are your child’s learning coach, by partnering with the teacher to ensure daily progress and academic achievement. Having your child learn at home with Cyber School will give him/her the individualized attention that the large class sizes in public schools fail to offer. An individualized curriculum will be one that is tailored to your child’s needs, learning style, and strengths and weaknesses. According to Agora Cyber Charter School (2014), â€Å"Agora’s individualized approach means your child can go as fast or slow as he needs to†. Cyber school students move at their own pace and have the ability to focus more time on harder subjects where needed. If a student has problems in addition facts but excels in telling time and counting money then the student can devote as much time as needed to develop those skills; therefore, the benefits of Cyber School leave no weak points in the child’s education. A decision whether to enroll your child in a cyber school or a traditional â€Å"brick and mortar† school involves many factors. Parents must carefully weigh these benefits and decide how important each of these points is to them when making their decision. Both public schools and Cyber schools hold specific and helpful opportunities for children to learn. Every parent should decide what is best for their child’s education; as each child is a unique individual, and their education should be just as unique as them. Works Cited NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS. (2013). The Condition of Education. Retrieved from http://nces. ed. gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgb. asp Agora Cyber Charter School. (2014). K-8 Curriculum. Retrieved from http://www. k12. com/agora/curriculum/k-8#. UxorwDiPLnM.

Internal Conflict in Barn Burning by William Faulkner Essay

The works â€Å"Barn Burning† by William Faulkner and â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† by John Steinbeck at first glance may seem to have no connection, but in spite of different plot they focus on similar ideas. The story â€Å"Barn Burning† by William Faulkner discusses the inner conflict within Sartoris Snopes, a young boy who faced a dilemma. He tries to make a decision of choosing between to lieing in the court under his father’s pressiure who does not want to get into the jail and acting against his father by telling the truth. The main character is influenced by Abner, his father, who tells him, â€Å"You got to learn to stick to your own blood or you ain’t going to have any blood to stick to you.† ( P 496). I think this quote reflects the main issue of the story, which is about blood ties. And we clearly see how Sarty is affected by these blood ties. Faulkner depicts the inner conflict and dilemma that the main character faces. We start to understand the moral dilemma of the main character from the beginning of the story. I think Faulkner make us think about the question: at what point should a person make a choice between what his parents and or family believes and his own values? The situation in which Sarty’s conflict is developeded is a trial. In this trial Sarty is asked, † I reckon any boy named for Colonel Sartoris in this country can’t help but tell the truth, can they?† ( P 154). The young boy, Sarty, somewhere deep in his heart has a feeling that he wants to act in a right way, but as he is oly 10 years old, I think it is hard for him to make firm decisions. His feelings and thoughts are influnced by his father, who pressures him, trying to prevent himself from punishment in the court. We also understand that Abner makes his son struggle with himself by the way Sarty describes him. Abner does not speak much. We see this in the way he communicates with his family and other characters. He is a person with so much pride that he is ready to do anything to revenge those who do something wrong to him or try to own him, even if he has to break the law. The choice that a young boy has to make stands between his family and conscience. When Sarty Snopes considers that he has to make a decision of choosing between blood, which is his duty to his family, and his own morality.  Sarty’s father stesses the value of loyalty to the family. He states,thatif he does not stick to hi blood, he will not have any blood to stick to. Sarty tries to make himself believe this and even starts a fight with a boy for insulting his father. At first Sarty wants to be a moral person. He is very very upset that he has to lie speaking to the judge, but he is still going to do that, knowing his father wants him to do so. As Sarty respected Abner for his values, he thought he could back up him. The boy believed his father was a brave man in the war, and that he wanted to send a warning beforehand with a slave so that no one was hurt. The battle between listening to his own heart and deciding to follow his family is the hardest struggle of Sarty’s life. He understands that it is not correct to agree with his father’s suggestions, but he is not interested in disreputing his father by disagreeing with him. The author explains that if he was older he would â€Å"resist the world and try to change the course of its events† ( P 379). Sarty learns that he does not necessaruly need bulk in irder to refuse Abner; at first he defends his father, but finally his decided to listen to his heart, which wants to help those who were harmed by obstinate and dogmatic Abner. Sarty warns the people in the big white house and goes down the road. Soon Sarty hears a a few shots, and he thinks that his father and brother are caught by the landlord and are shot by him. Regardless of what indeeed happened, he understands he can never return. The boy just continues to walk, and he does not look back. At this moment Sarty’s blood ties are broken, and he gets rid of the fear of his father’s wrath. The main character is free now. But his freedom requires paying some price. I think that the boy still feels some kind of blood tie, described by the author, and he made this choice with a lot of feelings on both sides of the issue. Sarty still cares for his family in some sense, he still feels love towards his father, even though he understands that what his father’s deeds are wrong and he really had to stop them and cease to be a part of them. The fact that the boy is not able to come back home is not a question of his  choice, I think he just canont go back. So, Sarty’s heart still suffers from some conflict that is not really resolved, even though the situation has really changed. As I have already discussed, at the beginning of the story Sarty feels a strong allegiance to his father, however, finally we learn that his views change radically. The point of culmination is at the end of the story when Sarty has warned Major de Spain of Abner’s intentions to burn the barn. I think that the main character experiences the burst of emotions, running down de Spain’s drive and hearing Major’s horse galloping behind him. The resolution to the conflict comes when Abner and his elder son are shot. But the real solution happens at night after Abner’s death, when Sarty is sitting upon the crest of a hill thinking about his actions and future life. Faulkner proves us that it is impossible to sruggle with one’s own heart . The moment when Sarty decided to choose morality over the blood pool and warned the de Spain’s revealed his true character. Though this meant the death of his father, Sarty didn’t regret of warning de Spain. Instead, it looked like the boy was trying to subsitute his memories of his father by some honorable, good person, who had strong convictions. In his story â€Å"The Chrysanthemums† John Steinbeck also reveales the conflict of a human heart, which is connected with women’s unfulfilled needs and desires. The author stresses that as human beings we have to appreciate each other, otherwise eventually we will make our lives dark and tragic. The main character, Elisa Allen, is frustrated with her present life. She is plagued with no children and her husband is not able admire her romantically as a woman. The only thing that helps her to calm down is her flower garden where beautiful chrysanthemums grow. Steinbeck shows Elisa’s thoughts nad feelings about her inner self by depicting those chrysanthemums. The story presents the idea that appreciation by the people who we love is an element of human existence. When Elisa was acknowledged by her husband, said, â€Å"maybe I could do it, too. I’ve a gift with things, all right. My mother had it. She could stick anything in the ground and make it grow† ( P  1261). At this moment the woman feels her husband’s appreciation for commenting on her wonderful flowers. This idea of recognition is shown by John Steinbeck to demonstrate the need for a felling of acceptance. Feeling a strong need for acceptance, Elisa turns to a stranger and makes attempts to be appreciated. While Elisa talks to this stranger, their conversation connects to the realm of Elisa’s flowers. â€Å"Elisa’s eyes grew alert and eager. ‘She couldn’t have known much about chrysanthemums. You can raise them from a seed'† ( P 1264). This depicts Elisa’s happiness and passion, as she has an opportunity to be appreciated through her flowers again. By undestanding the value of Elisa’s flowers, the stranger really accepts the woman, as her flowers are in some sense the expression of herself. They are everything Elisa possesses, being sometimes valued by her husband and also being valued by the stranger. â€Å"†¦ her eyes shone. She tore off the battered hat and shook out her dark pretty hair† ( P 1264). In this quote we see that Elisa opens her heart up to the stranger. She â€Å"tore off† the hat to free herself from the work which was not appreciated, and revealed her real beauty to the stranger. By acting so, Elisa is prepared herself to get the gratitude from the stranger, the gratitude that she did not receive often from her husband. . After the tinker departs, Elisa is looking forward to her evening with her husband. She hopes Henry will recognize her needs as a woman and provide her with the romance and passion which she desires. But this hope is quickly broken. The best best compliment on her appearance that Henry makes after she has changed is, â€Å"You look strong enough to break a calf over your knee, happy enough to eat it like a watermelon† ( P 393). This unflattering comment on her appearance does not do much for Elisa’s ego as a woman nor toward her feelings toward her husband. Elisa’s hope is finally destroyed, as she finds the flowers on the road. The woman feels that her soul is completely emptied by the tinker’s thoughtless rejection of her feelings. Just like her husband, he has failed to value the qualities that make her unique as a woman. This symbolic act has vanished her hope. Elisa realizes that her life will not change. Henry will not fully appreciate or understand her femininity and sexuality. She has to l earn to be content with such  unthoughtful husband and her awful marriage. She realizes that her devastation is really complete and leaves her â€Å"crying weakly-like an old woman† ( P 394). The chrysanthemums stand for the symbol of Elisa’s role as a woman. At the beginning they symbolize her children, later they represent her femininity and sexuality. Elisa feels that her life destroyed her soul because she lacked children and romance in her marriage with Henry. Eventually, her husband fails to appreciate her feminine qualities and her emotional needs. The encounter with the tinker reawakens her sexuality and Elisa starts to hope that she still has a chance for a more exciting and romantic marriage. However, seeing the flowers on the road she realizes that there will not be any changes in her life. Finally, her soul is devastated by such a miserable and uhhappy life. I think that in contrast to the inner conflict, which Faulkner’s Sarty experienced at the beginning of the strory and resolved at the end, Steinbeck’s Elisa faced different situation. She had some hopes that her life will go in the desirable way, but all her expectations failed. In my opinion, in spite of the conflicts which different natures, both authors proved in their works that if human heart comes into the conflict with itself, it brings suffering. But I think that it is worth to suffer like Sarty for the sake of resolving the conflict; however, life turns into the tragedy, when the conflict, like in Elisa’s case, is the final of a person’s dreams and expectations. Bibliography 1.Faulkner, William. Barn Burning. Bedford Introduction to Literature. Boston; Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2002. 2.Billinglea, O. Fathers and Sons: The Spiritual Quest in Faulkner’s ‘Barn Burning. Mississippi Quarterly: The Journal of Southern Culture 44.3 (Summer 1991). 3.Fowler, Virginia C. Faulkner’s ‘Barn Burning’: Sarty’s Conflict Reconsidered. College Language Association Journal 24.4 (June 1981). 4. Steinbeck, John. The Chrysanthemums. Fiction: A Longman Pocket Anthology. Ed. R.S. Gwynn. Second Ed. New York: Longman, 1998. 5.Beach, J. John Steinbeck’s Authentic Characters. Readings on John Steinbeck. Ed. Swisher, Clarice. San Diego: Greenhaven, 1996.

Impact of Gay Marriage on Children Essay

Take a look at the picture of a gay and a lesbian couple (see Figure 1). Long ago people would have raised their eyebrows and glared at such obvious display of affection between two men and two women. They would have scurried away and cursed them who engaged in activities that compromise morality. They would have felt anger to know that a man would even think of marrying another man or a woman to another woman. But years later, this picture has become normal. Wherever people go, they see gay and lesbian couples. They are everywhere. And the government has also come to accept this phenomenon, although there are still debates whether gay marriage, or same-sex marriage, should be legalized and accepted. Gay marriage has been one of the critical issues still not resolved and still plagued lots of people today. There are debates and protests whether this should be legalized or accepted in the society. Many are strongly against gay marriage because of their various beliefs about marriage itself. On the other hand, many are also for gay marriage because they think that marriage is all about equality and freedom to choose and decide. However, we must look at what gay marriage does to the children, because they are also adversely affected by this. This paper will show that gay marriage (the term will be used interchangeably with same-sex marriage in this paper), has a negative impact on children. In 1989, Denmark granted â€Å"registered partnership† to same-sex couples; Norway, in 1993; Sweden, in 1994; and Iceland, in 1996. Other countries in Europe, such as France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands and Belgium also did the same (Lee Badgett 2). Meezan and Rauch reported that gay marriage (or same-sex marriage) is a reality in the United States and other parts of the world. They added that for the advocates of same-sex marriage, it is a civil rights issue. For the opponents, it is a matter of morality. Both sides are correct, but most importantly, it is a family-policy issue which has not been regarded with the right amount of attention in the American scene (97). The most important question to be considered is: How will same-sex marriage affect the well-being of children? The statistics showed significant trends. In 2007, Craft reported that in 1976 alone, there were about 300,000 to 500,000 gay and lesbian parents. In Bahamas alone, the number of homosexuals is increasing. Many of these, who keep their homosexuality secret, have positions in companies and in governments. The Rainbow Alliance of The Bahamas showed that gay individuals makes up five percent while bisexuals make up 29 percent of The Bahamas population (see Chart 1). Additionally, there are about eight to 10 million children living in gay and lesbian households. It is estimated that the number of gay and lesbian people who are interested to adopt children is nearly two million. The highest concentration of adopted children living with homosexual parents could be found in California. These children tend to be younger. Gates, Lee Badgett, Chambers and Macomber estimated that there were about 65,000 adopted children living in a gay or lesbian household. Moreover, out of the estimated 3. 1 million gay and lesbian households in U. S. , 1. 6 percent includes an adopted child under the age of 18 (7) (see Table 1). In the Frequently Asked Questions article by The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) marriage is all about love, commitment, sharing and compromise. It should not be denied to couples just because of their sex; marriage is a personal choice. However, many believed that the purpose of marriage is procreation; producing children is the natural end of marriage (Cline). Since gay marriage is unnatural (it can’t produce children), Cline said that it would violate this very idea. It would undermine marriage because it is a moral institution for promoting and protecting procreation. Although this paper posits that gay marriage has positive impact on children, it is still important to look at both views about the same-sex marriage in order to make light of the things which are significant for the welfare of the children. Impact on Children Why should the children be considered when it comes to same-sex marriage? Children are helpless, according to Kurts. They rely upon adults. They need the society to provide them with institutions that keep them safe from chaos. Additionally, they cannot articulate their needs and cannot even vote. But, they are society. They are the future of the world. These are just some of the reasons why children’s well-being must be supported and encouraged. Baskerville is right in saying that the impact of gay marriage on children wasn’t paid much attention because the focus was on the debate over gay marriage. It is important to recognize the needs of the children because they deserve to grow in an environment where they have two legally recognized parents (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health). Their relationship with their parents, the Committee furthered, must be stable and recognized. This must apply to all, whether the parents are of the opposite or of same sex. For those who advocate gay marriage, they said that gay marriage will have positive impact on the children. In an article by Sara Miles, she argued that banning gay marriage will deny children justice since marriage is good for kids. It is true that marriage is good for kids. Most of the literature about marriage would indicate that marriage brings positive outcomes for the children as it provides them with warm, close relationships with their parents. Advocates of gay marriage believe that these reasons must be taken into consideration and let someone marry whoever he wants to marry. Cline reported that those who oppose gay marriage will do anything to keep it from being legalized. However, there will come a time when gay marriage will be legal and recognized. In fact, there were actions taken in other countries to make this possible. With the rise of the issue of gay marriage in America, other areas were also considered, such as adoption of children. Baskerville quoted what Democratic state Sen. Therese Murphy. She believed that almost half of all adopted children in Massachusetts live in households with homosexually-behaving adults. Baskerville added that allowing gay couples to â€Å"have† children, or to give them the right to adopt, is nearly the same as granting them the right to claim the children of a couple. The question here is whether the biological parents will agree to be separated from their children. This is made easy by the government’s initiative to give other people’s children to gay or lesbian couples. The government also has the power to take back the children from their biological parents even though the parents did not do something that would make the government take back the children. This is because the government now had the incentive and the means to take children from their parents with no due process. Baskerville reported that the 1974 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) gives financial incentives to the states to remove children from their original parents. As a result, CAPTA became instrumental in tearing children away from their parents. Additionally, the federal funds went to the foster-care providers. Even now, there are still children removed from their families despite the fact that foster homes were more abusive than the children’s original families. This problem existed for a long time until the government thought of another program. The government provided another program to solve the problem created by CAPTA, which is the 1997 Adoption and Safe Families Act. It provided more financial assistance to transfer children from foster care to adoption. This expanded the client base of stakeholders who had vested financial interest in available children. Gay marriage, it seemed, made this even worse. Baskerville reported that through having kids adopted by gay couples, the government officials can take advantage of the adoption. These government officials can very well benefit through the funds that are set for the Act. Rekers provided three reasons on why Arkansas has prohibited homosexually-behaving adults from being given license to be foster parents. First: The inherent nature and structure of households with a homosexually-behaving adult uniquely endangers foster children by exposing them to a substantial level of harmful stresses that are over and above usual stress levels in heterosexual foster homes. (Rekers 2) This means that those children entering foster care usually have high incidence of psychological disorder. Rekers explained that if homosexual parents adopted those children, they (the children) are likely to be at risk of psychological harm and maladjustment. This happens when the children are exposed in greater stress brought upon them by the mere presence of a homosexual in a foster home. Moreover, Rekers believed that the children are affected in such a way that they are at risk of depression or psychological disorders (2). Second, Rekers reasoned out the relationships between homosexually-behaving adults tend to be less stable and short-lived, unlike the relationship between a married man and woman. Therefore, this would not be appropriate for children because they will be easily influenced. Furthermore, Rekers believed that suicidal attempt, substance abuse, psychological disorders and breakups happen most often with homosexual partners. Thus, they are incapable of providing a secure and stable home that foster children needed. And if children are to be adopted by these homosexually-behaving adults, it would mean that children will be removed and transfer to another home. Sometimes the transition is traumatic for these children. Third, the household structure of foster-parents consisting of one or more homosexually-behaving members denies children their needs for adjustment that can be found in heterosexual foster homes. Rekers backed this third reason by explaining that unlike heterosexual households, a household with homosexually-behaving adults lack the concrete role of a mother and a father, which is necessary for the growth and development of children. Additionally, homosexual households lack the role of a mother and a father in raising children. Also, the children have no chance to witness a husband/wife relationship, which the society thinks is socially stable and healthier for the children. Rekers said that the children who live with a married man and woman are better adjusted compared to those who live in households with homosexually-behaving adults. Children in foster care must be placed with heterosexual married couple because this will provide them with their needed benefits and leads to better child adjustment. A study presented by Jacobs in her article showed that nearly all 50 studies done on the children of gay and lesbian couples (between six and 14 million in the United States) showed no significant difference between children raised by heterosexual or homosexual couples. However, those who oppose gay marriage argued that most of the studies done were small, there were methodological flaws, and mostly were politically biased. Jacobs reported a study which showed that there’s no significant difference whether a child is raised by a gay or lesbian parents. In short, a child with gay or lesbian parents does not necessarily make him different from his peers. However, Jacobs presented some interesting findings from other researches regarding these differences. She mentioned that in 2001, Judith Stacey, a sociologist, and her colleague, Timothy Biblarz, found out that there are, in fact, some differences. They said that although gay and lesbian parenting is not harmful for children, those who have gay parents differ in some ways from those who have heterosexual parents. For instance, a study headed by Susan Golombok concluded that having homosexual parents does not encourage their children to become homosexuals. However, the daughters of lesbians were more open to the idea of being attracted to the same gender than the daughters of heterosexual mothers. Another finding was that out of the 25 children of lesbians, six of them had had relationship with someone of the same gender. The 21 children of heterosexual mothers did not have a relationship with the same gender. Kurts countered that gays have special case because the difficulties and challenges they experience are not from â€Å"discrimination† of marriage. The challenges and difficulties are due to the problem of sexual difference. He added that marriage is just a consolation for the challenges that are usual in situations faced by gays. Although gays are much tolerated in the United States, using marriage for the wrong purpose will not change the situations of gays. Instead, it will be the end of marriage, and the protection it provides for the children who are helpless. Gay marriage will also have an effect on heterosexual marriage. Supporting gay marriage, according to Gallagher (qtd. in Darby), would mean that the courts will not fully support the views of those who advocate heterosexual marriage. Moreover, if heterosexual marriage is confirmed as a special institution that must be protected and upheld, the number of fatherless children will decrease. Heterosexual marriage will prevent the incidences of children born outside marriage. Kotulski (qtd. in Darby) contradicted this by saying that there will still be fatherless children. There will be factors that would continue to break families, such as poverty and violence. Other Effects Pawelski et. al have noted some other effects of same-sex marriage to children. These effects, as noted, were experienced at different levels. In the psychosocial level, gay and lesbian individuals usually undergo peer rejection, harassment, depression or isolation. In fact, Pawelski et. al reported that almost half (47%) of gay and lesbian teens have thought about committing suicide while 36% actually attempted. Oftentimes, these individuals experience rejection from their loved ones, maltreatment in schools, homelessness, and violence. As adults, they experience discrimination, marginalization and violence. Various debates over the issue of same-sex marriage intensified the unstable environment for the homosexuals in the society. Lack of support and acceptance for them and their children will have effects on their physical and psychosocial health and safety. The children of gay or lesbian couples may, in the same way, experience marginalization and discrimination by those who do not approve of gay or lesbian parenting. More often, these children do not know how or where to find support. Even alliances in schools that admit straight gays can make the situation worse. Pawelski et. al reported that children are brought into long-term partnerships with gay and lesbian parents through surrogacy, adoption and alternative insemination. Their study also delved into the attitudes and behavior, personality and adjustment of parents when it comes to parenting. The authors found out that there were only few differences recorded regarding the comparison between lesbian and heterosexual mothers’ psychological adjustment, self-esteem and attitudes about child rearing. Lesbian mothers, the study showed, passed the psychological assessments and interviews. Furthermore, the study showed that the attitudes of lesbian mothers did not differ much from those of heterosexual mothers. In the same way, gay fathers did not differ much from nongay fathers. In fact, there are more similarities than differences. However, there is concern over the effect of the parent’s sexual orientation on the children because this might lead to embarrassment and thus keep the children from interacting with their peers. It was found out that the children of divorced lesbian mothers experienced more teasing from peers during childhood than the children of divorced heterosexual mothers. It is of interest that Pawelski et. al mentioned that the children who grew up with gay or lesbian parents were more tolerant of diversity and more nurturing than those children with heterosexual parents. Pawelski et. al mentioned another study which showed that children of heterosexual parents considered themselves more aggressive. Their parents and teachers regarded them as more domineering, bossy and negative. On the other hand, the children of lesbian parents considered themselves as more lovable. Their parents and teachers regarded them as more responsive, affectionate and protective of other younger children. Another study showed that the self-esteem, aggressiveness and sociability of children with lesbian parents and those with heterosexual parents have similarities. There were also studies conducted which showed that children of lesbian parents who were satisfied with their relationships have fewer behavioral problems and were better adjusted. There was also a study by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health wherein the population consisted of 12105 adolescents in the United States. The authors found out that 44 adolescents, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, who were living with two women, were similar to others who have heterosexual parents when it comes to measures of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and school success. There were also similarities regarding family relationships, care from others, neighborhood integration, regardless of whether the children come from opposite-gender or same-gender families (Pawelski et. al). Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts back in 2004, researches today showed that it may have positive impact in strengthening the ties between couples, their children and extended families. It is interesting to note, however, that a large number of young people in America seemed to support gay and lesbian issues. Olander, Kirby and Schmitt mentioned a survey done by the Council for Excellence in Government (CEG) and CIRCLE which asked young people from 15 to 25 years old their perspective about the rights of homosexuals. The survey found out that youths supported gay and lesbian issues such as protection in housing, employment and hate crime, legal partnerships or civic unions and the ability to adopt children (2). There are others who view gay marriage on a positive note. Carpenter believed that gay marriage helps children. He said that gay parenting nowadays is very common in the United States, and that there are children in every gay and lesbian household. He did not seem to agree that children are better raised by a married man and woman. He furthered that gay marriage will not take away children from their biological parents. Although there is no reported shortage of children, the number of married couples is not enough to raise these children. And this is the reason why singles and unmarried couples are allowed sub-optimal parenting. Carpenter thought that this arrangement is better than foster care where the effects on children are unfavorable. Brinkmann countered Carpenter’s views. She believed that if a child is exposed to both sexes in a household, it will have positive effects on his developmental needs. She explained that this aids them in forming their sexual identity. Since the breakdown of marriage in the country had negative effects especially on children, it must be considered that a heterosexual marriage will provide the children stability with regards to family relationships. Brinkmann furthered that without heterosexual marriage, the society will disintegrate. Times have changed and more changes will manifest in the future. Amidst these changes, the welfare of children who are affected by gay marriage must be the utmost consideration. This means that supporting heterosexual marriage will be beneficial for these children. The government and families must make sure that every step of the way, these children will be encouraged and supported. Their needs must be met in order for them to grow as responsible citizens in our society.