Henry Ford Essay Example for Free

Henry Ford Essay Henry Ford was the creator of one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies, influencing society in a number of ways and forever changing the face of the auto industry. One of the reasons for his success was the high priority he placed on his employees’ satisfaction. While Ford had much strength he also had weaknesses that held the company back and threatened to destroy it at times. Ford was a notable member of society and a great peace promoter. Ford’s business style and leadership skills throttled him to success. Background Henry Ford was born in 1863 to farmers in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford grew up living on the farm and attending school, neither of which he was satisfied with (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). At the age of 16 his dissatisfaction led him to leave home and travel to Detroit to find work (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). He found work at Edison Illuminating Company under Thomas Edison who constantly encouraged him to toy with engines and be creative (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Ford’s tinkering led to the Quadricycle and eventually his first motor company, Detroit Automobile Co. in 1899 (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). The Detroit Automobile Co. ailed shortly after it began and he created a new company, Henry Ford, Co. , which lasted about one year (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Ford turned to racing and managed to attract investors with $28,000 to begin his new company, Ford Motor in 1903 (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). The auto industry was young and robust at the time (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Most companies were just starting with more and more entering the industry every week (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Competition was fierce and the threat of new entrants was very high (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Ford ran the company until 1919 when he retired, letting his son Edsel take control (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Edsel died in 1943 and Henry came out of retirement until 1947 when he retired for the final time (â€Å"Henry Ford: The Innovator†). Treatment of Employees Henry Ford created a healthy, efficient, and attractive workplace so that he could retain his employees and attract the best. When Ford learned that his turnover rate was becoming a problem, he increased the pay rate to $5 and decreased the shift length to eight hours (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). This was unheard of in society at the time (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Many people criticized Ford for this change but Ford knew that by decreasing the shift length, he could create three shifts (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Creating three shifts would allow the factories to work around the clock without tiring the employees extensively (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). By making the process more efficient, Ford decreased his costs and was able to make up for the increased employee wages and even was able to lower the cost of the car for consumers (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Henry Ford believed in some form of the Helzberg model. He understood the importance of work and how without work, man cannot reach fulfillment (Wood). Ford believed we were created for work and constantly challenged his employees to work harder and achieve more (Wood). Ford was concerned for the welfare of his workers and created a department of welfare sociology in his company (â€Å"Innovator, Industrialist, Outdoorsman†). Part of this department ensured that the higher wages he paid his employees were not being used to buy alcohol or cigarettes (â€Å"Innovator, Industrialist, Outdoorsman†). This policy kept his workers healthy and thus more efficient. Henry Ford valued his employees and showed that by paying extremely high wages compared to the industry average. He created a healthy work environment and was able to retain his current employees while attracting the best engineers and mechanics from all over the region to his workforce. Henry Ford proved that as a leader if you show that you value each of your workers you will create a loyal workforce. Employees care about more than just high salary, they want to be a part of an organization that places value on their skills and allows them to be part of a team. By following this strategy you will be able to attract a more numerous and higher quality workforce. Strengths Henry Ford believed that self-belief was essential (Wood) . He preached about self-belief to his employees and made an effort to hire those that knew no limitations and did not have the word impossible in their vocabulary (Wood). Henry Ford daily challenged his employees to be creative and think outside the box (Wood). The assembly line, Ford’s legacy and greatest innovation, greatly improved and forever changed the auto industry (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). The moveable conveyor belt cut manufacturing time from half a day to 93 minutes (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Henry Ford also changed the way cars were sold by introducing a network of roughly 7,000 dealerships across the country (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Ford was known for his strict, dictatorial style of management, he made most decisions for the company and even was known to monitor employees’ life outside of work (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Even when the public and investors criticized his work and tried to influence him to go a certain way he held fast and proved them wrong (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Weaknesses Ford’s single-handed, dictatorship was also one of his greatest weaknesses (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). His stubbornness and dictatorial style almost brought the company to ruin when he refused to allow innovation on his prized model T (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). His cars were being surpassed by the competition but Ford refused to update his model (â€Å"The Great Leaders Series†). Another weakness was his anti-Semitic beliefs (â€Å"Anti-Semitism†). Ford was a great admirer of Adolf Hitler’s dictatorial style and thus modeled his leadership style after his role model (â€Å"Anti-Semitism†). This mentality caused Ford to lose a large market of Semitic and pro-Semitic consumers. His competitors gained an advantage not because their product was superior, but because of conflicting values. A leader should avoid letting personal beliefs and values conflict with business. International Strategy After World War II ended, Ford Motor Co. was among the first companies to begin producing again (Wood). Ford’s innovation and vision for the future led him to be able to move into 33 global markets overseas before its competitors even began thinking about international markets (Wood). Henry Ford was a promoter of peace (Wood) . Although this may seem to conflict with his anti-Semitic views, Ford was adamant that international peace was necessary (Wood). He believed that through cooperation and international trade we could achieve this long sought after goal (Wood). Henry Ford was pressured by the president to run for senator but he preferred to be a peace senator (Wood). Working under Henry Ford According to some subordinates of Henry Ford, working in the factories was â€Å"living hell† (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). The auto-manufacturer was very anti-union and the working conditions difficult (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). The employees were always pushed to go faster but to produce perfect products (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). The dictatorial style of Ford was very strict and difficult to manage, but despite the physical and mental toll the employees bared, they wore their Ford badges with pride and honor (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). Working at Ford demanded respect and they would often wear their badges to church and formal events (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). Many employees describe the working conditions as hot, dusty, and noisy with vibrations that made you consider finding another job (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). Some employees mentioned that after an eight hour shift workers would get on the streetcar to go home and fall asleep immediately because they were so physically exhausted (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†) . However others described the factories as kept so white and clean that if an employee was chewing tobacco and spit on the ground it was noticeable immediately and the employee would be reprimanded (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†) . The witness accounts on this subject vary greatly (â€Å"Henry Ford: Witness Biographies†). Although the work was hard and some believed the conditions to be less than desirable, the employees respected Ford’s strict policies and were loyal to the company no matter what. They were proud to work for one of the most innovative leaders in the world. Leadership Implications Henry Ford had a dictatorial leadership style. In terms of Goleman’s situational leadership styles Henry Ford used a combination of Coercive and Affiliative. Ford can be described as coercive because he demanded immediate compliance. He did not stand for imperfect work or lazy employees. His factories were described as stressful and strictly structured. The workforce was mechanistically organized and everyone had a specific place. This style of leadership conflicts with America’s low power-distance status but at that time Ford seemed to be able to make it successful. However, Ford was able to retain his employees with an Affiliative style. He valued his workers and therefore paid them well and created shorter work days. This developed employee loyalty and satisfaction. While researching Henry Ford, it can be learned that his strict, dictatorship and innovative vision was the reason for his success, but it was also his greatest weakness. His stubbornness and self-pride prohibited him from taking advice from others and realizing that his products needed improvement. His leadership style did not allow him to gather opinions and advice on decisions from employees who were also his greatest and most loyal consumers. Conclusion Henry Ford is one of the greatest leaders in American history. He was an industrialist, innovator, peace promoter, and a man with great dedication. He was very successful and changed the auto industry and American society in numerous ways. Although his personal values and personality challenged the success of his company at times, he managed to keep the Ford Motor Co. in a good position and left it in the hands of his son Edsel when he retired. As a leader Ford had both strengths and weaknesses but his strengths overshadow the weak points. Henry Ford is a great American leader that can be looked upon for inspiration.

Purpose And Significance Of The Study Education Essay

Purpose And Significance Of The Study Education Essay According to Alwright (1983), classroom-centred research is any study which investigates what occurs in the classroom; that occurrence could be related to the way a teacher interacts with his students; the way students interact with one another; the conditions which promote effective learning; or anything else related to learning in the classroom. Throughout the past five years, the majority of MA ALT research at Newcastle University has been predominantly classroom-centred Why?. Researchers have either examined and scrutinised the teaching practice, approaches and methodologies adopted in their own diverse, international teaching contexts (Aslanidou, 2005; Al-Nufaie, 2006; Abu Baha, 2007; Al-Zughaibi, 2008; Chen, 2009); or they have explored a variety of cognitive and linguistic difficulties that L2 students face when learning English, suggesting possible causes and solutions to these problems (Hu, 2005; Chou, 2006; Huang, 2007; Chen, 2008; Al-Rahbi, 2009). Although classroom-centre d research is a fundamental part of ALT and unquestionably serves its purpose; if and when research conducted external to the classroom produces new insights into effective language learning, it is equally significant; as the essential aim of all ALT research is to add to current world knowledge (Hedge, 2000). A minute number of MA ALT researchers at Newcastle University have investigated topics which are external to the classroom yet promote effective language learning indirectly (Walter, 2006; Lambton, 2006; Pelik, 2008; Michalska, 2009); surprisingly however, no researcher has ever inquired about the role EFL managers may or may not play in language learning. This is particularly surprising because global EFL institutes such as IH, Bell, and WSI all require clarify these acronyms prospective EFL managers to be MA ALT qualified. These institutes insist EFL managers possess this qualification based upon the assumption that it equips them with the knowledge necessary to be a successful EFL manager. Contrary to their belief, although an MA ALT course does present recent theories and debates regarding language learning, it fails to sufficiently address the specific needs of an EFL manager; this is most evident in the fact that there is no EFL Manager: Theory Practice type module available f or MA ALT students. Due to the lack of research about EFL management, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of EFL managers in language learning. Although some ALT professors are intrigued by this research project and have clearly stated: this is an interesting topic (Windeatt, 2010:2); others have their doubts about its relevance and have said: I do not feel that this is remotely within my sphere of competence; the question really is whether it is within Applied Linguistics. No need for this in my opinion but u could ask him about it Essentially it deals with educational management; the fact that the product is language teaching is no more relevant than groceries are to the management of Sainsburys (Cook, 2010:3). Though everyone is entitled to his own opinion, this view towards ALT research and EFL management is arguably flawed for the following three reasons: Firstly, the Board Directors of TESOL Inc. (2005) advise ALT researchers to be diverse in their choice of research topics in order for theories about effective language learning and teaching to continuously advance. They urge researchers to explore the field of ALT from a wide variety of angles and viewpoints; and to be innovative in the type of research they conduct. To date, ALT research has demonstrated that language learning can be affected by learner styles; psychological factors; teaching methods; socio-cultural factors, and many other issues (Hedge, 2000). In spite of this, there is no published material on the influence that EFL managers may or may not have on language learning, which implies this particular project is innovative and has the potential to fill an obvious information gap. Secondly, the fact that this project is closely related to educational management, is not necessarily a negative point; on the contrary, this type of research may be part of the logical progression of ALT. Historically, ALT research has always followed a similar pattern to Education research (Grenfell, 1998). Both fields were initially predominantly teacher-centred, meaning the majority of research conducted in these fields focused heavily upon teachers, teaching theory and practice. Over time, their research became student-centred, meaning the general research focus shifted toward the student, his experience as a learner, and methods of promoting effective learning. Essentially, research in both fields has historically been classroom-centred. In recent years however, Education research has taken a step outside of the classroom by looking at how external factors such as school administration affects learning (Charles, 2010). As will become evident from the literature review, there has been a substantial amount of research conducted on school effectiveness, which indicate that second only to explicit teaching, school management has the greatest influence on classroom learning. Based upon Education research, coupled with the recent emergence of global ALT seminars on EFL Management and HE courses in EFL Management (ibid); it is reasonable to assume that future ALT research will explore the role of EFL managers in language learning more thoroughly. Thirdly, the mere fact that a world-renowned scholar of linguistics would imply there is no difference between managing a Sainsburys store and managing an EFL school is reason enough to conduct this research. If such a hypothesis is correct, then researching this topic could provide valuable information for EFL schools such as Bell and IH; perhaps they should be employing staff with general management experience and BAs in Business Studies rather than an MA in ALT? On the other hand, if such a hypothesis is in incorrect, then researching this topic could provide ALT researchers with new insights into the role management in language learning. Additionally, as pointed out by one of the participants of this study, research such as this is useful as it gives EFL managers the opportunity to reflect upon their own practice, and the way in which they contribute to a language students learning experience. Moreover, potential EFL managers, such as some of the students on this MA ALT programme , may find this research useful for the theories it presents regarding the role that they will eventually adopt. The acid test of theory in an applied discipline such as educational management [or ALT] is its relevance to practice (Bush, 2002:15). Scope Context of the Study The purpose of this study then, is to investigate the role of management in language learning; and it is arguably a significant piece of research, as it can have both academic and real-world implications for the reasons already mentioned. Initially, over a dozen private British Council accredited ESL schools throughout the U.K. were contacted and asked to participate in the study; unfortunately, all of these schools declined without providing reasons why. Based upon their unwillingness to participate, and the guidance of Windeatt Cook (2010), it was decided that the most feasible method of research would be to conduct an exploratory case-study on the ESOL department of a public tertiary institute in the North East of England. I donà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t know According to the participants who were interviewed in this study, the purpose of ESOL departments in British tertiary institutes is threefold: 1) To provide EFL courses for international students who want to study in the UK for a fixed period of time, then return to their home countries. These students generally tend to study EAP courses in preparation for IELTS exams or entrance to a British university; however, some of them study English for business purposes, whilst others simply want a general English course. Whatever the reason, these courses are similar to the types of courses provided by schools such as Bell and IH. 2) To provide ESOL courses for people residing in the UK who want to live here permanently. These students are generally asylum seekers who have fled their own countries due to severe personal circumstances. They tend to study ESOL courses either in preparation of UK citizenship tests; or to equip themselves with the language skills necessary to communicate by English in their day-to-day lives. 3) To provide teacher training courses for native speakers of English who want to become EFL teachers; or for current EFL teachers who want to gain further qualifications. These training courses can vary from Cambridge CELTA and DELTA courses to academic Diplomas and BAs in TEFL. The ESOL department which took part in this study was composed of several managers and approximately seventy teachers. Organisation of chapters Having justified the purpose of this study and providing background information about its research context, the organisation of this dissertation essay is now presented below: Chapter 1: Introduction this chapter highlights the importance of conducting research on the role of EFL managers in language learning, and introduces background information about the context of this research project. Chapter 2: Literature Review this chapter presents key theories about educational management and specifically looks at research into the claims Education researchers have made concerning the influence managers have on learning. Based upon these claims, the role of management in an ESOL context is discussed Chapter 3: Methodology this chapter states the research question and describes the research design and procedures used in this study, including information about the participants and data collection methods employed. Chapter 4: Data Analysis this chapter provides a critical analysis of the results in relation to the literature review. Chapter 5: Conclusions finally, conclusions from the entire investigation are presented here. ______________________________________________________

Research Design

Research Design This chapter described the methodology that has been used to conduct this research. It included the research approaches, research design, population and sampling, data collection techniques, research instrument, data analysis, validity and reliability test, pilot study, and the ethics related to this research. Research Approaches There are three types of approaches to conduct research; which are * Qualitative * Quantitative * Mixed In this research quantitative approach has been used because the researcher had determined the relationship between variables. Quantitative research approach is used when it is important to establish out the relationship between one thing (an independent variable) and another (a dependent or outcome variable) in a population. Hopkins (2000) had defined quantitative research that precisely measure variables and that aim to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables to determine an association. Quantitative research design is an outstanding way of finalizing results and proving or disproving a hypothesis. The structure has not changed for centuries, so is standard across many scientific fields and disciplines. Research Design There are three types of research design: * Descriptive * Correlational * Causal-comparative * Experimental correlational research design is used to relate two or more variables and correlation results show whether the relationship exists among variables or not. After analyzing the correlations results the regression describe the variability in dependent variable due to the explanatory variables. The over all reasoning for using correlation was to analyze the relationship and regression to analyze how well the prediction can be made. In this research multiple regression analysis has been used. The reason for using correlational design in this research was to analyze the relationship between products new features and brand choice and Correlation coefficients was used to provide the degree and direction of relationship between the product new features and brand choice. In this research regression analysis described that how much variability in brand choice was caused by new features. Population and sampling Statisticians define a population as the entire collection of items that is the focus of concern. Sampling is indispensable technique of behavioral research; the research work cannot be undertaken without use of sampling. (David S.Fox) suggested that â€Å"In the social sciences, it is not possible to collect data from fractional part of the respondents to our study but only from some fractional part of the respondents. The process of selecting the fractional part is called sampling†. In this research Karachi has been taken as the population and Business University students selected as sample. The sample size was 150. There are two types of sampling â€Å"Random† and â€Å"Non-Random Sampling† in this research â€Å"Simple Random Sampling† has been used. Simple random sampling is defined by Castillo, Joan Joseph (2009) â€Å"In this technique, each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected as subject. The entire process of sampling is done in a single step with each subject selected independently of the other members of the population.† In this research simple random sampling was used because it represents whole population and covered different demographics which were needed. Moreover, it is unbiased selection and important to draw conclusion from the results of study. Data collection For conducting any research it is very important to collect relevant data that suits the methodology and research design. Mark Saunders et. Al (2006) explained that in primary data collection different methods are used such as survey, observation, focus group. There are two types of data collection techniques â€Å"Primary and Secondary Data Collection†. In this research primary data has been used. Data that never gathered before is called primary data. The reason for selecting primary data source was that through primary data the needed information could be gathered that suited the purpose of research as it is not published. Research instrument Research instrument is a testing device for measuring a given phenomenon. In this research, questionnaires were used to gather information which are the most widely used survey data collection techniques. Through questionnaire each person (respondent) is asked to respond to the same set of questions, it provides efficient way of collecting responses from a large sample prior to quantitative analysis. This research involved survey with structured questionnaire to gather complete details. Although people generally use the term survey and questionnaire interchangeably, the term survey is used as a general category with questionnaire and interviews as specific methodologies to conduct survey research (Gay, 1992). The reason for using structured questionnaire was the questions asked were precisely decided in advance. Close-ended questions are particularly useful where the study topic concerns to factual issues with a limited range of responses.The overall reason for using structured questionnaire and close ended questions was that it supported the research technique that have been used in this research for the testing. Validity and Reliability Reliability is used to measure the consistency of the data which is used to analyze the instrument whether it provides the same results if it is used in the same way and same conditions with the same objects repeatedly. One thing that is very important to remember that reliability is not measured, it is estimated. Shuttleworth, Martyn (2008) suggested that before analyzing any data, however, and even before testing any subjects, the issues of variable selection and control, reliability, and validity must be addressed. The simplest definition of validity is that degree to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure Gay (1992). Validity is the accuracy of the results and the strength of the conclusions. Cook and Campbell (1979) define it as the â€Å"best available approximation to the truth or falsity of a given inference, proposition or conclusion†. Each type of validity would highlight a different aspect of the relationship between treatment and observed outcome. There are four types of validity Conclusion, Internal, Construct and External validity. In this research internal validity was used as it analyzed the relationship between the program and the outcome and causal relationship. Validity is more important than reliability because if an instrument does not accurately measure there is no reason to use it even if it measures consistently. The objective of analyzing the reliability and the validity of the data is to check how much accurate relationship between the measure and underlying trait it is trying to measure. Pilot study Pilot study is the small scale rehearsal of the larger research design. This technique refers to a smaller scale version of the experiment and equipment tests are the important part of sub-group of experiments. Pilot studies can be based on quantitative and/or qualitative methods and large-scale studies might employ a number of pilot studies before the main survey is conducted. Thus researchers may start with qualitative data collection and analysis on a relatively unexplored topic, using the results to design a subsequent quantitative phase of the study (Tashakkori Teddlie 1998: 47). In this study the reasons for using pilot testing was to develop and test adequacy of research instruments. It was also used for assessing the feasibility of full scale study, designing research protocol, analyzing the sample frame and research technique and collecting preliminary data. In this study 30 out of 150 respondents were used for the purpose of pilot study. Ethical Consideration Ethics refers to the appropriateness of researcher behavior in relation to the right of subject of work which is affected by research. Wells (1994) defines â€Å"ethics in terms of a code of behavior appropriate to academics and the code of conduct of research â€Å". In this research by following rules of ethics, all details of participants were remained confidential and they were completely informed related to the nature of the study, they were given fair consideration and personal biasness didnt hamper the way of research, and the results were accurately represented as they were told and observed. Data Analysis

my sister :: essays research papers

â€Å"The Life of Susan snow† susan snow was born on January 28, 1975. Her birth brought double the joy to her family who just minutes before had rejoiced upon the birth of her identical twin sister, rachelle. She was a small premature baby born nearly five weeks early and remained in NYU Medical Center for a week under careful scrutiny. Her father and four older siblings eagerly anticipated her arrival at home. The family resided in brooklyn, where they still make their home, and susan joined them there. She was named susan bella after her paternal great aunt and great great grandmother. susan had soft brown hair and big blue eyes that sparkled with personality, despite her young age. After five long months of incessant crying, she finally became an enjoyable and fun loving baby. susan attended a local school for her preschool and elementary school years. Throughout her school years, susan excelled in all subjects, although her talkative nature often got her into trouble. She was so popular with her classmates, that at one point when the classes were switched, her friends left no stone unturned to get her back into their class. She enjoyed switching classes with rachelle and performing other mischievous tricks to fool the teachers that only twins can pull off. Her supreme intelligence was one of the reasons she was chosen as English Editor of her eighth grade yearbook and editor of the grade newspaper. Shani spent her summers in the catskills where she was adored by campers and counselors alike because of her sunny disposition. At age thirteen, she began attending camp snob and spent four thrilling summer’s there.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  susan decided to attend H B High School in brooklyn and is currently enjoying her third year there. She is known as a conscientious student who loves to have a great time. There she likes being in the same class as rachelle, for the first time since kindergarten. One may think that these circumstances would provoke competition between them, but susan is not affected by competition at all. On her days off she likes sleeping late, shopping, and spending time with friends. She also takes great pleasure in curling up in bed with a good book. susan is involved in various projects throughout the community and loves helping her family and friends in their times of need. She sleeps at her grandmother’s house during the week so as not to leave her grandmother alone.

Gay Parenting Should Not Be Encouraged Essay -- Sociology Same Sex Mar

Gay Parenting Should Not Be Encouraged Statistics from the United States (ACLU Fact sheet, 1999) estimate the there are between 6 and 14 million children being raised in same sex parent families. Whilst some significant advances have been made by the pro gay parenting movement, current legislation is for the most part geared against same sex marriage and adoption, this status quo should be maintained. Gay parents rights group argue that being raised by two parents of the same sex provides a balanced and healthy approach to parenting. This is untrue, being raised by gay parents means that the family unit has an unbalanced ratio of male and female role models in the home environment, you could reasonably expect that this imbalance would spread into the parents circle of friends and the people that the family socialise with on a regular basis. Children look for both a mother and a father and benefit from having both in the home. Ellis (2001) stated, "Gender plays a large role...we may not think these differences are politically correct but, by God, they're developmentally correct. One argument that gay parents have is that children don't need two sex couple role models. Having two parents of the same sex deprives the children of the chance to see how males and females interact in a family situation. Even though gay parents argue the children are exposed to their fair share of traditional male and female relationships, these may be somewhat censored as the visiting child is not part of that family and most families tend to keep certain things within the family. Parents are very strong role models and children are known to mimic what they see. "Men and women parent differently, each contribute different and positive ... ...y.proquest.com">http://gateway.proquest.com Schiffen, L. (2004, 29 Feb). How the judges forced the President's hand. New York Times. Retrieved Jul 30, 2004 from http://gateway.proquest.com Throckmorton, W. (2004). Do gay parents influence the Sexual Preferences of Children?. Retrieved Jul 30, 2004 from http://www.narth.com/docs/influence.html Unknown. (1999, Apr 6). Overview of gay and lesbian parenting, adoption and foster care. Retrieved Jul 30, 2004 from http://archive.aclu.org/issues/gay/parent.html Unknown. (2004). Facts and figures about kids with gay parents. Retrieved Jul 30, 2004 from http://www.colage.org/research/facts.html

A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams :: A Streetcar Named Desire Essays

â€Å"All the characters in â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire† are to some extent living an unreal existence†. Agree or disagree with this statement about the characters and be sure to use quotes to support your comments. Not all the characters in â€Å"A Streetcar Named Desire† are living an unreal existence, however some are, in particular Blanche, Stella and Stanley. Blanch to some extent is living in her own fantasy world plagued with delusions and outbursts. It is quite obvious that she is living an illusion. Stella is living an unreal existence in regards to the way in which she likes to pretend she is living in a happy home. Stanley is also however to a much lesser extent living an unreal existence. He is very self-centered and towards the end he seems to be living a life nearly devoted to breaking down Blanche. We can see why and in what way these characters are living an unreal existence through exploring the major themes of this play and their relation to the characters in regards to â€Å"living an unreal existence†. These themes which will be discussed later on include reality versus illusion, confronting reality, male domination and truth versus lies. Reality versus illusion is one of, if not the major theme of the play. It also has the most relevance to the way in which Blanche, Stanley and Stella are living in their own fantasy world. Perhaps the reason Blanche chose illusion rather than reality is because of her somewhat troubled past. When Blanche was 16 she married Alan who was 17. The impression we get of Alan is that of an attractive, gentle and kind young man. However, he had a somewhat feminine quality about him. Blanche soon finds out that he is involved in a homosexual relationship by catching him in the act. Blanche expresses her disgust and soon after Alan commits suicide by shooting himself. Already traumatized, the situation grew quickly worse when Blanche looses Belle Reve, the family estate. This proves only to worsen Blanche’s mental state to an all new low. This coupled with other events led Blanche to living with her sister Stella and her husband Stanley. Perhaps the events which had occurred led her to the edge of insanity which she was resting on during her time living with Stanley and Stella. It was easier for her to create her own fantasy world rather than to face up to reality.

A Letter To Myself Essay

No one knows you better than you know yourself.   Moreover, out of all you will experience receiving a letter from yourself 50 years ahead in space-time will be your most profound experience.   So, here I am communicating with myself to inform what I have to look forward to in life. In writing I’m remembering receiving this letter five decades ago.   The odd thing is remembering its receipt but experiencing the writing for the first time.   With only 500 words, rather than focus on the strangeness addressing what will be is my mission.   Your life will be a strange and cruel mix of wonder and despair.   You will experience a living nightmare for love.   You’ll marry a woman who’ll turn out to be schizophrenic.   Dealing with her will be more than troublesome, yet the finer qualities of your character will arise out of the ashes of that experience. Knowing I received this letter will not prevent you from having the experience.   We all are purposed to play a role in life.   Writing this letter affirms some things are inevitable, even when you know about them in advance. You’re at an age where talk of marriage and difficult times are somewhat distant to your experience.   You’re yet to reach your teen years and the joy those years will bring.   Like yourself mom will undergo a troublesome marriage after she and dad divorce.   What you see in her next marriage will be a prophecy for your own.   In the midst of seeing her struggles will be happenings in your life that others will envy.   You’ll be very popular in high school and college.   You’ll turn out to be a champion sprinter and hurdler, you’ll sing in a singing group that will gain national prominence and you’ll have girlfriends that most men could only hope for.   Your teen and early adult years will be rewarding.   Those times I still treasure all these years having passed. Your love for learning will be a beacon to illuminate the way through your marital troubles.   Your field of study, along with your faith would be means to help you recover from troublesome times following your marriage.   This will be a battle however, one that would probably break the average man.   You’ll spend almost two decades unraveling the turmoil you experienced in being married for one decade.   In this you’ll get to know yourself as few people do.   You’ll become very wise and insightful as a result and you’ll be a blessing for what life will take you through. Do not be dismayed at what tomorrow will bring, it will lead to wonderful ends.   You will have a son who will do well in life.   A woman will come into your life who will be a dream come true and you’ll wind up content in your living.   You will appreciate life’s foibles and remember , â€Å"Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.†Ã‚   (Albert Einstein, Great Quotations, pg. 225)   That’s what you’ll do I’m proud to say. References Einstein, Albert, The Great Quotations, 225, George Seldes, May, 1978.