Mini was a little girl, who was unusually fond of conversations Essay

Mini was a little girl, who was unusually fond of conversations. She had a makeshift mind that moved between various topics within her scope. Although she was young, she could start a conversation with people double or even triple her age. Eventually she became friends with Rahamat, an Afghani money lender, whom she fondly called Kabuliwala. It was a delight to watch the two banter. Rahamat, was a tall, bearded man, who carried a sack on his shoulders while Mini was a tiny little girl who would chatter all the way. Initially Mini, was afraid of interacting with him, because she believed that Rahamat abducted little children in his sack. But Rahamat, because of his obvious fondness for the little girl, broke the ice, by presenting some raisins and apricots from his bag. Mini came from an aristocratic Bengali family and Rahamat was just an ordinary fruit peddler from Kabul yet it seemed like they were close chums. The two friends had a few stock phrases and jokes which were repeated in their conversations. For example, the moment she saw Rahamat, she would ask with a hearty laugh, ‘Kabuliwala, O Kabuliwala, what is in your sack?’ Adding an unnecessary nasal tone to the word, Rahamat would roar, ‘Hanti.’ The essence of the joke was that the man had an elephant in his sack. Not that the joke was very witty, but it caused the two friends to double up in laughter, and the sight of that innocent joy between a little girl and a grown man on autumn mornings used to move Mini’s father deeply. However Mini’s mother wasn’t too pleased with the growing friendship between Rahamat and her daughter and often nagged Mini’s father to keep an eye on him. One fine day, her worries came true; when Rahamat was arrested on charges of stabbing a man because the man had denied the debt he owed Rahamat, in the heat of the argument. Rahamat was in the midst of hurling abuse in an obscene language at the dishonest man when Mini came running out of the house, shouting, ‘Kabuliwala, O Kabuliwala.’ In a flash, Rahamat’s face was filled with expressions of happiness. Innocently Mini asked him, ‘Will you be going to your in-laws’ house?’ ‘That’s exactly where I am going,’ Rahamat replied with a laugh. When he noticed that Mini did not find the answer quite amusing, he pointed to his hands and added in his heavily accented, broken Bengali, ‘I would have beaten up the in-law. But what can I do, my hands are tied up.’ Charged with grievous injury, Rahamat was sent to jail for several years. That was the last time that Mini saw him and quite child-likely forgot all about him as she grew up. Several years passed. Mini’s wedding match had been fixed. On the day of the wedding, her father was busy looking at the wedding accounts when a man appeared before him, he had no bag, nor the long hair, nor the same vigour that he used to have. But he smiled, and Mini’s father knew it was Rahamat. Mini’s father knew what he had come for. But he refused to allow him to meet Mini as he thought that it would be bad omen. Disappointed he put his hand inside his big loose robe, and brought out a small and dirty piece of paper. With great care he unfolded this, and smoothed it out with both hands on my table. It bore the impression of a little band. Not a photograph. Not a drawing. The impression of an ink-smeared hand laid flat on the paper. This touch of his own little daughter had been always on his heart, as he had come year after year to Calcutta, to sell his wares in the streets. Tears came to Mini’s father’s eyes. He forgot that he was a poor Kabuli fruit-seller, while he was nothing more than he. He also was a father. That impression of the hand of his little daughter in her distant mountain home reminded him of his own little Mini. When Rahamat saw Mini after all these years, he staggered. He could not revive their old friendship. At last he smiled and said: â€Å"Little one, are you going to your father-in-law’s house?† But Mini now understood the meaning of the word â€Å"father-in-law,† and she could not reply to him as of old. She flushed up at the question, and stood before him with her bride-like face turned down. Mini’s father deeply touched by what had just happened gave Rahamat, enough money to go back and see his own daughter in Afghanistan. Having done this, he had to cut down on some of the marriage festivity costs, but to him the wedding feast was all the brighter for the thought that in a distant land a long-lost father met again with his only child.

“Double Face” analysis from :The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan Essay

Objectives: 1) Explain the most important theme(s) revealed by the author in my section of _The Joy Luck Club_. 2) Be sure to: A) follow all style rules B) give a clear opening statement that clearly identifies the subject In â€Å"Double Face† of _The Joy Luck Club_, Lindo Jong recounts her journey coming into America as she sits in Waverly’s hairstylist, Mr. Rory’s, chair, preparing for Waverly’s second wedding. The symbolism surrounding Waverly and her mother’s conversation through the salon mirror subtly imply an underlying theme of a lack of communication. Waverly and her mother seem to be talking in different worlds as both daughter mother struggle to understand each other’s culture. For example, Lindo tells Waverly that the people in China â€Å"already know that [she] is an outsider,† which confuses Waverly, because the Americanized Waverly cannot understand Lindo’s Chinese metaphors. Afterwards, as Waverly and her mother meet for coffee, Waverly remarks to Lindo that she â€Å"is her own person†, only to have Lindo question herself about â€Å"when [she has] given [Waverly] up;† due to Lindo’s lack of understanding of â€Å"Americanisms†, Waverly’s comment confuses Lindo. Later, Waverly and Lindo speak through the â€Å"mirror† at the salon to each other’s â€Å"reflections†. Since speaking through mirrors is an â€Å"American custom,† Lindo, a traditional Chinese woman who is accustomed to the custom of speaking directly to her elders, finds this s trange. While at Mr. Rory’s salon, Waverly shows a complete lack of respect for her mother. For example, Waverly openly criticizes her mother’s head, as if Lindo â€Å"was not there,† clearly disregarding her mother’s existence. Then, Waverly  speaks to Lindo in a loud voice, as if Lindo  has â€Å"lost her hearing,† condescendingly to her own mother. Furthermore, when Mr. Rory tells Waverly how much she and Lindo look alike, Waverly’s â€Å"eyes and smile†¦ narrow†¦ [like] a cat†¦ before it bites,† as if Waverly is disgusted for resembling her mother. Waverly’s incomplete understanding of Lindo as a â€Å"backwards old woman† who cannot understand American customs, makes her ashamed. Due to a lack of understanding, Lindo and Waverly must change themselves using double faces for each other to understand their thoughts. For example, after Waverly loudly asks Lindo what kind of hairstyle she wanted, Lindo smiled using her â€Å"American face†, a face she says her daughter cannot understand, for it masks her true feelings. However, Lindo later smiles with her â€Å"Chinese face† when Mr. Rory remarks that it was â€Å"uncanny how much [Waverly and Lindo] looked alike.† After, Lindo is surprised when Waverly tells Lindo that â€Å"[people] know that [they] are two-faced.† Misunderstanding her daughter, Lindo thinks she must â€Å"sacrifice the other [face]† if she chooses to show one, whereas Waverly just simply mean to say that they can use their double face to their advantage. New conclusion: In summary, this section hints at the difficulties caused by a lack of understanding  between Lindo and Waverly, as well as the difference in cultures, as both struggle to relate to  each other through mixed messages and foreign customs, only to add to their confusion, propelling the two endlessly in the same cycle. Due to these differences, Lindo and Waverly fail to understand each other’s true intentions and personalities, as these misinterpretations reoccur in the rest of the stories. Ultimately, such misunderstandings cause an emotional distance that is found between Lindo and Waverly, as well as with the other  members of the _Joy Luck Club_. Old conclusion: In summary, this section hints at the difficulties caused by a lack of understanding between Lindo and Waverly, as well as the difference in cultures, as both struggle to relate to each other through mixed messages and foreign customs, only to add to their confusion, propelling the two endlessly in the same cycle. What was wrong: The old conclusion merely restated the thesis, without explaining its significance to the subject, or how it affects the whole story.

Cross Cultural Organizational Behaviour-&ltFear and Trembling&gt Assignment

Cross Cultural Organizational Behaviour-<Fear and Trembling> - Assignment Example In human resource management, the Herzberg’s two-factor theory states that both job dissatisfaction and job satisfaction exist, but work independently of another. This means it is guided by the fundamentals of attitudes and motivation to integrate practicality when enhancing workers’ productivity. The theory was advanced by Frederick Herzberg and it continues to streamline the human resource management in terms of recognition, advancement, achievement and even responsibility. On that account, the movie Fear and Trembling directed by Alain Corneau attempts to evoke Herzberg’s two-factor theory in particular scenes with emphasis on its numerous characters. This is exemplified in Amelie’s return to Japan after many years seeking a reconnection and a means of integration, but the circumstances and conditions are difficult. On that perspective, the protagonist’s behavior is an epitome of a reformed attitude and motivation to perform her duties in a diffe rent way that evokes a sense of responsibility and recognition. Amelie also intends to increase her satisfaction in serving her nation, but the retrogressive forces such as those depicted by Ms Mori acted by Kaori Tsuji are hell-bent on questioning her willingness to work. In the same account, the lead character’s embodiment of humility in facing her tasks as a translator at an import/export company does not favor her because she barely remembers the Japanese cultural norms (Sheldrake 164). Unfortunately, this negates her intentions that Herzberg asserts that are guided by higher-level gratification and other forms of psychological needs rather than mere competence. Contrastingly, Ms Mori’s callous trait represents the two-factor model of failing to offer the worker the set of job characteristics that will spur satisfaction. Instead, she belittles Amelia particularly in the scene where the protagonist requests for better work conditions to fully integrate in her native country. This clearly demonstrates Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory of diminishing one’s job attitudes and eventual productivity. It is also evident when Ms Mori delegates Amelie to become a bathroom attendant not as a means of recognizing her efforts but as a revenge tactic to demoralize her efforts. The scene provokes a sense of defeat in the motivated worker and is further manifested when Amelie angrily tells refuses to renew her contract. Such a scenario in any job setting is a replication of worker subjugation and exploitation that cannot be prevented thus Herzberg’s conclusion on the two-sidedness of job satisfaction in various firms. According to Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory, the plight of Amelie in the import/export company remains evident in the scene where the main character finally meets the company’s president. The office evokes a sense of cultural Japan when people addressed the Emperor and was a sign of reverence and contentment. In th e work context, it displays a renewed hope and motivation in the incompetent translator who has been thoroughly humiliated by Ms Mori in her quest to crush any form of productivity. Additionally, Ms Mori’s retrogressive display of converting a former translator to a bathroom attendant clearly proves her failure to distinguish the building blocks of Herzberg's

Business Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Environment - Essay Example There are two distinct types of Business Environment (Kew and Stredwick 2005). a) Internal environment b) External environment The internal environment includes money, machinery, man, material and management, which are usually based under business control and the changes upon the performance of the enterprise or organizations. The external environment consists of factors that are beyond the manipulation of the enterprise and entails the governmental and legal factors, political factors, socio-cultural factors among other factors. External environment could be micro or operating environment or macro or general environment. Scenario 1 Working for Stepping Stones education publishing LTD involves the need to expound on the economic chapter of the Business Environment. Task 1; Book Chapter: Any ultimate decision that is made by a manager must always involve price and output. The price –output decisions are surrounded by three factors. These factors include cost, demand and market structure (Henry 2008). Market structure refers to competitive environment whereby any enterprise manages and dictates on how cost and demand should be featured in decision making. Although various firms operate within different market structures, there are five basic market structures namely: monopoly, duopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic and perfect competition. A market operates under perfect competition if it persuades numerous firms, freedom of entry and exit, homogenous output and perfect information. A market economy has competition between huge numbers of buyers and sellers who search for a chance to buy and sell goods and services (Kapstein 1996). Competition among sellers dictates that prices will always be on the lower side and that of the buyers dictates that prices will never be very low hence making a major impact on the market equilibrium. The element price is very essential in the market. Its prime purpose is to ensure that there is a clarification in the economic market . In addition, price contributes to market analysis with regard to the demand curve (Krugman 1996). A demand curve is the relationship between the price of the good and the amount or quantity the consumer is able or willing to part with in regard to its purchase in a specified period of time with consideration to income, tastes and prices of similar goods. The graph above explains the Supply /Demand curve in relation to production of Oil in Libya. In essence, the demand for crude oil increases when the price is low causing the supply for the product to decrease. According to Kew and Stredwick 2005 argues that pure monopoly ensures that there is the only one supplier in the market, there is no close replacement to the output good plus no threat of competition. Monopoly means that there is only one firm that is ruling the market. This kind of domination is not competitive because it is the only supplier in the market hence it as a downward sloping demand curve as it has the freedom to choose its prices and quality in the market. Duopoly is a market dominated by two firms, which are large enough to influence prices in the market. In addition, oligopoly is dominated by a small number of firms, which are large enough to manipulate prices in the market. A market structure that is monopolistic constitutes of several producers with various real or perceived difference in products. A perfect competiti

Simon Cowell - The Globalization of 'Idol' and the Journey it Took to Research Paper

Simon Cowell - The Globalization of 'Idol' and the Journey it Took to Bring Reality Television to TV Stardom - Research Paper Example Of course, most viewers not only tune to the program to watch their favorite contestant but also Simon Cowell the most famous reality TV judge. With Simon Cowell seated in the centre state from week to week and from season to season, the show has maintained the top position for eight consecutive seasons. With Cowell’s departure from the series, American idol still fares well in reality TV ratings. This factor is the main source of controversy concerning the contribution of Cowell to American idol and American idol to Cowell's successes. With this in mind, it seems more profound to claim that American idol is responsible for the creation of Simon Cowell. However, it is a fact that American Idol did not require him to become the number one reality TV show in the globe. This essay investigates the controversy between Simon Cowell and American Idol in relation to their global stardom. Who made the American Idol? Simon Cowell is often confused with Simon Fuller the British reality TV producer and manger. It is unfortunate that people link or associate American Idol’s success with Conwell despite having played a minor role in the production of the show. Simon Fuller is the man behind the production and the globalization of the American Idol although he is not present in most scenes. On the other hand, Conwell was given the role of being a judge when the program came into air in the mid 2002. This indicates that the American Idol could have been in existence even without Cowell’s participation. Although Cowell contributed to the creation of the modern day American Idol, the program acquired public interests when it was still under its early stage of production. The pop Idol was the first version that Fuller established in 2001 before Simon Cowell’s version the X Factor came into the scene (Sweney web). The American Idol was established on the X factor, which was a refined version of the pop Idol. Although the American Idol became the most r eality TV show, it had its foundation on the Pop Idol, which was Fuller’s creation. Before Simon Cowell became a judge on American Idol, Fuller had already acquired the credit of being the best reality TV show producer in the world. This indicates that Cowell worked on an established program to produce the American Idol and he was not involved in the initial work of creating the program. Reality TV shows such as American Idol and X Factor have grown to reach their status due to their interactive nature. Unlike other TV series, reality TV shows are the only programs that incorporate the views of the viewers (Rushfield 231). This involves direct votes through calls, text messages or internet that viewers make during every audition. Choosing the winner among the many contestants who compete for the top price is the main task in a reality TV shows. The role of determining the winner among the high number of contestants who present themselves at every audition is demanding task. A s a judge, Simon Cowell is known for his excessive scrutiny and criticism of contestants. Although judges are important in American Idol, they play a minor role of confirming the results. This is because the viewers are the main players in the selection a winner an audition. This indicates that American Idol could have achieved its current success without the contributions of Simon Cowell. In addition, other judges such as Jenifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Ryan have immensely contributed to the

Industries using Economic Order Quantity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industries using Economic Order Quantity - Essay Example In this sense, distributors of the pharmaceuticals to improve efficiency in the distribution and minimize the ordering and holding costs that are very high in the industry have often used the Economic Order Quantity. An estimated savings of more than $200, 000 was reported by those industries that utilized effective inventory management techniques in their ordering and determination of optimum quantities to be reordered by the company (Siegel, and Shim 203). The basic reason that makes EOQ necessary for this industry is its ability to reduce its storage and holding costs. Most pharmaceutical wholesalers do not have ample storage facilities that can handle inventory for long periods. Further, storage of such inventory could be dangerous because of the risks of expiry which may lead to losses. In perspective, the technique helps in mathematical calculations of specific order quantities that the wholesalers can be able to order, achieve good business performance, reduce risk of expiry and make an economic gain out of the transaction (Krajewski, and Ritzman 79). In the manufacturing industry, the use of economic order quantity is popular, being a major current asset of most manufacturing industries. In this case, the example of a soft drinks manufacturing company is used. To make sure that the customers get the best products, in time and manufactured at the least cost, it would be important to analyze the production process in light of using specific measures to determine the optimal ordering quantities of the materials used. The company uses at least three materials namely, sugar, concentrates and crown corks, all of which are produced within the country (Siegel, and Shim 215). However, the company needs to make decisions of how much of each to order in order meet the demand in the market. In this respect, the Economic

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - Movie Review Example The documentary outlines Paulson’s thought that was to stabilize the financial market that was under crisis and prevent it from collapsing. It tells the story of a collapsing housing market amidst subprime mortgage loans in U.S banks. As Hunk recounts in the documentary, he is alone and his view is facing contradictions from all corners of the economy: journalists and senators alike, banks and the congress. However, Paulson has the support of his wife, Wendy, who has been his wife for more than 40 years. They are devoted to one another that, during the film at a particular bumpy round of negotiations with the congress, Paulson takes a short break to call his wife Wendy and ask her to pray (Sharkey 1). ‘Hank: five years from the brink’ outlines Paulson’s first thought of the troubled asset relief program (TARP), encourages the U.S government to buy equity and assets from the financial institutions (Sherkey 1). This plan was to help in strengthening the collapsing financial sector of the U.S economy by putting equity and assets in the hands of the government. It is more of asserting more control of the financial institutions to the state and Hank knew that the idea was reprehensible. Originally, the TARP program authorized and expenditure of $700 billion of government money to purchase the â€Å"troubled assets." This would allow the treasury to purchase difficult-to-value illiquid assets from banks and financial institutions to allow the affected institutions to stabilize their balance sheets and avoid making any further losses (Darling 72). According to Sherkey (1), Paulson recounts in the documentary that the story of the crisis was a disaster and his idea were to respond to the disaster and mitigate any crisis that would occur in the future business market. Thus, his second aim of the troubled asset relief program was to encourage the financial institutions and banks to resume lending at the fair levels