Architecture Made Famous by Americas Presidents

Architecture Made Famous by Americas Presidents Remember the phrase George Washington slept here? Ever since the founding of the country, Presidents of the United States made otherwise ordinary places famous.   1. Presidents Homes All US Presidents are associated with the White House in Washington, DC. Even George Washington, who never lived there, oversaw its construction. In addition to this common residence, all US Presidents are associated with personal residences. George Washingtons Mount Vernon, Thomas Jeffersons Monticello, and Abraham Lincolns home in Springfield are all good examples. Then there are all the childhood homes and birthplaces of our presidents. Of course, nobody knows who will become president, so many of these early homes were torn down before they became part of history. Surprisingly, the first president to be born in a hospital, instead of a home, was President Jimmy Carter, our 39th president. 2. Presidential Retreats Have you ever noticed how the presidency ages the person in office? Its a stressful job, and the president must make time for rest and relaxation. Since 1942, the country has provided Camp David as a get-away for the presidents exclusive use. Located in the Maryland mountains, the compound was a 1930s project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a Depression-era New Deal program. But Camp David is not enough. Every president has had a retreat- some have had both summer and winter White Houses. Lincoln used the Cottage at the Soldiers Home, now known as Lincolns Cottage. President Kennedy always had the family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. George Herbert Walker Bush went to Walkers Point in Kennebunkport, Maine. Nixon had a little concrete block ranch house in  Key Biscayne, Florida, and Truman set up shop at the Little White House in Key West, Florida. All presidents are welcome to use Sunnylands, once a private residence, in  Rancho Mirage, California. All too often, presidential retreats like Sunnylands and Camp David have also been used to meet with foreign leaders in a less formal setting. Remember the Camp David Accords of 1978? 3. Sites of Presidential Events All presidential events dont happen in Washington, DC.   Bretton Woods, a gorgeous hotel in the mountains of New Hampshire, was the site of an international agreement after World War II. Similarly, President Woodrow Wilson traveled to the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris, France, to sign the treaty that ended World War I. These two places are historic landmarks for what happened there. Todays presidents campaign, debate, and rally constituents all across the United States- in town halls and convention halls.   Presidential events are not DC-centric- even the site where George Washington took the oath of office in 1789 was in Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City. 4. Monuments to Presidents Any community can memorialize a favorite son, but Washington, DC is the main setting for the nations monuments. The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial may be the most famous in DC, but Mount Rushmore in South Dakota may be the most iconic presidential tribute carved in stone. 5. Presidential Libraries and Museums Who owns a public servants papers? has been a question hotly debated- and legislated. Presidential Libraries did not come into existence until the 20th century, and today raw, archival information, along with the massaging of the presidential message, are combined in buildings like the Bush Library in College Station, Texas and the other Bush Library in Dallas. We take special note of these historic buildings, monuments, and research centers, and await the conflicts that will, no doubt, surround the next presidential library building. It seems to happen every time. A Sense of Place Most of us will never become president, but we all have a sense of place in our lives.  To find your special places, answering these five questions: HOME: Where were you born? Not only the city and state, but have you gone back to see the building? What does it look like? Describe your childhood home.RETREAT: Where do you go to relax and find peace? What is your favorite vacation place?EVENT: Where was your graduation ceremony? Where was your first kiss? Did you ever have to speak to a large group of people? Where were you when you won an important prize?MONUMENT: Do you have a trophy case? Will you have a gravestone? Have you ever built a monument to memorialize someone else? Should monuments even exist?ARCHIVES: Chances are that all of the papers in your life will not be kept forever, because there is no legal requirement to do so. But what about your digital trail? What have you left behind, and where is it?   Fun With Presidents Places George Washington Slept Here starring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan, DVD, 1942 movie directed by William Keighley, based on a play by Moss Hart and George S. KaufmanLEGO Architecture Series: The White House

True History of the Kelly Gang essays

True History of the Kelly Gang essays Ned Kelly, the narrator of this fictional account of his life, was a real-life outlaw in the outback of Australia. He lived during the 19th century, and wreaked havoc with his gang, but captured popular attention. Many saw him as a modern-day Robin Hood, who tried to care for his poor relatives by stealing from the wealthy and powerful while evading the inept police for years. Some historians saw him as a brutal and violent man, but Carey's portrayal makes him seem more like a man who was part victim and part determined youth who hated the police, and thus sealed his fate. To make the book more realistic, Carey employs narration that is at times illiterate and yet imaginative. He attempts to portray Ned as what he was, a semi-educated man with the capacity to dream and look forward to the future. For example, Ned "writes" early in the book, "Tis not poverty I hate the most nor the eternal groveling but the insults which grow on it which not even leeches can cure" (Carey 8). His sentences are sometimes difficult to decipher until the reader gets into the rhythm of the book, but one the cadence becomes clear, the reader is caught up in the vivid descriptions of outback life, and the difficulties these settlers had to face. Carey portrays Ned as a kind man who is a victim of circumstance, prejudice against the Irish, and the British colonial rule of Australia at the time. He does not enjoy killing, but can certainly theorize why outside forces consistently influence his actions. When he kills Strahan at Stringybark Creek he says, "What choice did I have' This were the ripe fruit of Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick" (Carey. 250). Kelly is a national folk hero in Australia, and this book only enhances his image. Carey seems to idealize the man whose legend has never died down under, and this book is certainly sympathetic to Kelly and his notorious gang, using the langu...

Mirror for Man Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mirror for Man - Essay Example These similarities result of human biology, rather than from the human training or their upbringing. The diverse culture of our species varies in several ways, from religion to eating habits. Also, the author has pointed out it is not the body that makes a man but their mind. How the mind gets nurtured and trained decides what the man becomes and his thought process. Mirror for Man, by Clyde Kluckhohn, suggests that a person’s cultural upbringing is responsible for their behaviour rather than their genetic makeup. Kluckhohns position that behaviour of people is based on the fact that, ‘they were brought up that way’ is precise; as the culture where a person gets raised is reflected in their attitudes, behaviour and values. Personally, I am in agreement with the author’s views. His passage turned out to be an interesting reading as his thoughts and expression brought my own personal experience of dealing with people from different countries and speakers of different language. Through Clyde Kluckhohns passage, we can interpret and comprehend the real meaning of culture through an anthropologist’s point of

Twin Deficits Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Twin Deficits - Research Paper Example If people consumes more than their income, they either borrow funds or sell off a few of their properties. The individuals end up defaulting in paying what they had borrowed and thus encounter bankruptcy hence lower living standards. This applies to any nation with similar trend of expenditure (Efremidze, 2009). However, it remains clearly known that people tend to portray different life-cycle spending patterns. The young generation consumes more than their income, those of middle age tend to exercise net saving, and retirees go back to net consumption after they cease employment. Thus, it is vital to balance earnings and consumption in every time. However, there are a few shortcomings to the amount one can borrow if they will have the ideal opportunity of evading financial deterioration. If a lender observes that, the debtors have a more spending habit than their potential to refund the money, then it remains a high possibility that the creditor will charge increased charges to refl ect the raised threat related with that debt. The same is correct for a nation (Mankiw, 2012). The US Twin Deficit Experience Beginning from the 1980s (during the era of Reagan Administration), the US had high trade and budget deficits. The budget deficit had remained about $50 to $75 billion during the end of 1970s and increased to more than $200 billion in 1983. The current account or trade deficit remained about zero throughout the start of 1980s, however, went past $100 billion in 1985. A few scholars had the notion the huge trade deficits and budget deficits of the start of 1980s could cause greater interest proportions. Walter Heller argued that deficits would â€Å"send interest proportions hiking† whereas output on 30 month Treasury Bills dropped from 7.29% during February 1986 to 5.75% during February 1987. Outputs on 30 annual Treasury Bonds dropped from 8.93% during February 1986 to 7.54% in February 1987 whereas the budget deficit stayed about the same size and th e trade deficit rose marginally. The US experience on the twin deficit clearly tells which area of the deficit should receive keen and thorough study in order to curb or solve this problem wholly. The budget deficit is the challenge to address for the US since the trade deficit in the US will happen due to budget deficit (Mankiw, 2012). The US Government Budget Deficit Policy Choices The following policies if well addressed will aid deal with the challenge of budget deficit precisely and thus improve the living standards of the people of US. The three policies include: a. Support economic development and creation of jobs- a quick developing economy provides the win-win results of a huge proverbial economical tart to share, with greater employment and tax incomes, reduced safety net consumption and a reduced debt-to-GDP ratio. The advantages of this policy is that economic development provides a â€Å"win –win† situation for greater creation of jobs, which raises tax in come however, lowering security net expenses for such matters as lack of jobs compensation and food tramples. Various deficit suggestions associated to expenditure or income appears to take funds or gains from one constituency and offer it to others. A â€Å"win=lose scenario. Democrats normally campaign for Keynesian economics, which deals

Explain the types of advantages highlighted by John Dunning in the Essay - 1

Explain the types of advantages highlighted by John Dunning in the Eclectic Paradigm. In what ways does this theory repersent an advance on those of earlier theorists - Essay Example The theory of electric paradigm seeks to provide a general perspective for determining the degree and pattern for both domestic and foreign-owned production companies. Dunning does not only consider organization structure as significant but also added three significant theoretical factors including ownership, location and internalization advantages. The major aim of introducing the OLI-model was to merge the international economic theories into one approach. Dunning also distinguishes different types of foreign direct investments; thus, the model takes into considerations the resources of the country, location advantages and ownership advantages. Thus, Dunning identifies ownership, location and internalization (OLI) advantages some of which offer the explanation to the chronological acts of domestic and foreign-owned production. Ownership-specific advantages are the competitive advantages of the companies seeking to connect in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment). Therefore, companies that highly engage in foreign production have high chances of achieving competitive advantages. The ownership advantages are connected to the size and market position of the specific firm and these ownership advantages are often referred as monopolistic or competitive advantages (Cantwell and Narula 2001, p.111). They are advantages to the specific firm because they are the main asset for the specific firm. They also offer the firm a market position or cost advantage over a certain firm; thus enabling the firm to achieve effective business performance. Therefore, it is vital to develop and protect the ownership advantages because competitors may attempt to infringe or copy them. These advantages are further divided into standard ownership advantages, benefits of being a multinational enterprise and benefits derived from belonging t o large industry. First, the standard ownership advantages are those advantages that an industry requires to compare with other rival industries in a

Marketing Analysis and Planning at HSBC

Marketing Analysis and Planning at HSBC This report highlights the market segmentation of the HSBC credit card in India. The organisation segments the market on the basis of geographic locations and in view of income, lifestyle and behavioural traits. The product has been majorly targeted to the existing customers of the bank and the shopaholics at the Westside store. The bank also emphasises on increasing credit card-spends and customer satisfaction by offering distinct product types and elite additional benefits unlike its industry rivals. The brand image and service excellence of the organisation has positioned its credit card at an elevation. The marketing mix strategy executed by the bank coils strength to the market position of its credit card. HSBC has designed its credit card to satisfy the needs of every individual in the respective market segment by offering six different card types. The demand for credit card is increasing in the country as more people prefer plastic money over hard cash. Hence, they are willing to pay the optimum price for the card usage. The massive presence of the entity gives an advantage over the competitors and provides convenience to the customers. The report also emphasises on the success of cobrand association with the Westside store and the effective marketing strategies implemented by HSBC. The consumer engages in complex buying behaviour due to numerous similar product options. The effective and efficient marketing mix implemented by the bank echoes positivity on the buyers behaviour towards the credit card. The product satisfies the consumer needs and wants, cost, convenience and communication aspect enhancing the buyers inclination towards the product. Finally, the report critiques the marketing strategy executed by the organisation. It also sketches the key marketing facts and suggests future marketing plans which might help in accelerating growth. 1.1 Description of the Organisation The HSBC group in India was founded in October 1853 when the Mercantile Bank of India, China and London was established in Mumbai. With the authorised capital of INR 5 million, the mercantile bank opened branches in Chennai, London, Colombo and Kandy. By 1855, the bank expanded operations in Kolkata, Canton, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The HSBC Group serves around 100 million customers worldwide through around 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of some USD 2,418 billion at 30 June 2010, HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organisation. HSBC is marketed worldwide as the worlds local bank. (About us, www.hsbc.co.in) The HSBC Group is committed to the five core business principles of outstanding customer service: effective and efficient operations, strong capital and liquidity, prudent lending policy and strict expense discipline. 2. The market segment of HSBC credit card HSBC isolates the various broad segments within the market and follows segmented marketing. The company divides the market on the basis of creditability. It offers several card types to different market segment adopting clustered preferences. The chart below illustrates HSBCs bases for segmenting: C:UsersPrashantDesktopUntitledaa.jpg The consumer market has been classified on the grounds of different geographical units i.e. states, cities and regions. The main focus is to target urban and sub-urban markets needs and preferences. With the economic growth in the country, double income has become a common scenario in most families resulting in high spending power. HSBC divides the market on the basis of their income and the purchasing power, occupation and social class. Buyer under the common segment group may have different psychographic profiles bases personality and lifestyle. HSBC and Westside offer the cobranded card that is designed to supplement the lifestyle and is regarded as mark of prestige and recognition. The consumer market has further been segmented on the basis of the buyers attitude, knowledge, usage and response to the product. 2.1 Product Targeting HSBC targets the existing customers of the bank from Personal Banking, Assets and Investments and Personal Finance Services (PLB, AIQ PFS) through open market acquisition bases their creditability. HSBC amalgamates its customer base, while amplifying revenue from within the existing customers by majorly increasing their spending on the card instead of hunting for new prospects. The bank can afford new cards, but not at the expense of non-performing assets (NPA). The bank majorly engages in cleaning-up on credit card portfolio and emphasis on retained growth. The bank also considers the credit cards for upgradation to superior card types bases the income criteria. The chart below shows the income eligibility criteria (GBP) for its card types: Source- www.hsbc.co.in There is no income eligibility criterion for HSBC Premier credit card as the existing cards are upgraded to Premier bases card performance and creditability. Furthermore, HSBC targets the Westside store shoppers covering the entire age group in the market. With the acceleration in urbanisation, the rise in customer density area is evident thus enabling efficient utilisation of resources by reaching same number of consumers with minimum number of store outlets. The consumers are in the middle to high range income groups as the products in the store are moderately priced. HSBC Credit card operations, which keep a hawks eye on demographics, are swooping down on shopaholic consumers through the cobrand association with the Westside store. 2.2 Market Positioning and Major Competitors HSBC has a competitive advantage over its counterparts as it engages in offering better, cheaper and newer products and services. It incorporates the customer-benefit approach and product-class approach in order to position its product overcoming the industry rivals. Major Competitors: Citibank Credit Card Standard Chartered Credit Card SBI Credit Card ICICI Credit Card Axis Bank Credit Card HSBC differentiates its credit card from its competitors bases four dimensions: Product Differentiation The HSBC credit card provides special features like fuel surcharge waiver and exclusive rewards programme. The petrol fuel surcharge waiver is an elite feature on HSBC credit card which undermines the similar product offered by the market competitors. The rewards programme on HSBC credit card gives bonus points to the cardholder on every purchase that can be redeemed for annual fees, gifts, gift vouchers, charities and JPmiles (Jet Airways Jet privilege account). Along with these features, HSBC Westside Co-branded card is packed with benefits from both the HSBC and Westside. The card offers privileges and superior savings for a memorable shopping experience unlike its competitors. The HSBC credit card is globally accepted at over 18 million establishments worldwide and over 1 lakh establishments in India. The card has access to cash, round the clock, at over 700000 ATMs worldwide. HSBC endeavours password protected payment facility on the Internet at no additional cost. Moreover, the card comes with the zero lost card liability after the loss of card has been reported to the HSBC. Service Differentiation The cardholder is provided with the usage and service guide along with the credit card to safeguard consumer from any misuse of the product. Moreover, HSBCs international connectivity gives it competitive advantage over a similar product available in the market. The post-sale service is also an integral aspect that a consumer looks for before buying a product. HSBCs preamble is to ensure that the customer get the best of service. The cardholder may contact the customer service channels i.e. phone banking service, email or visit the nearest HSBC branch for any probes. The quality of service offered by HSBC provides a brink to its credit cards market position over the industry rivals in the market. Image Differentiation An established brand name is the result of HSBCs continuous identity building programs and service excellence. The logo of the bank signifies that the doors of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation are open for business. The symbol of hexagon representing the six quadrants has an instant recognition and bagged a distinct place in the target customers mind. The same has also worked into brand advertisements in conveying the company personality. At the same time, the banks focus is to create a professional and elegant unified ambience across establishments. There is an exclusive Premier Service desk in selected branches to ensure extra comfort and convenience for its valued customer. The organisation has always believed in playing an active role in the community it serves. At HSBC, corporate sustainability is not mere generosity. It takes its Corporate Sustainability (CS) role seriously and helps create an environment where business and nature can flourish hand in hand. Its MicroFinance lending initiative launched in April 2005 has already benefited almost 9000 poor households in Andhra Pradesh giving them the hope of a sustainable livelihood. (HSBC, www.superbrandsindia.com) Majorly, all the banks offer similar offers and features in the product though; it is HSBCs brand name that creates a difference. Personnel Differentiation HSBC has a strong competitive advantage through hiring and training the better individual that its competitors do. The market segment by HSBC is commendable and targeting market bases financial stability is opt for the industry type as there is huge risk involved. Since, the Indian economy to an extent has recovered from the recession; the bank can initiate offering credit cards to new customer bases. The New to Business (NTB) consumer group can be arbitrated bases their credit history and financial stability within formulated limitations using forecast based risk management. Otherwise, the bank ensures service excellence, local presence and strong market position that undermines its rivals. 3. Marketing Mix Developed by HSBC Supports Its Market Position for Credit Card HSBC devises marketing activities and instils the marketing-mix strategies to influence its business partners along with the prospect consumer. Marketing activities are aimed to create awareness, communication and deliver value to the consumer. 3.1 Product The bank offers different product types for every consumer with different needs and wants. The core product benefit of the credit card is the 52 days free credit period for repayment of purchases. The credit card also comes with the cash advance facility wherein the customer can withdraw cash within the specified cash credit limit. The HSBC credit card types currently in the market are as follows: HSBC Classic credit card HSBC Gold credit card HSBC Platinum credit card HSBC Premier credit card HSBC Westside Cobrand Classic credit card HSBC Westside Cobrand Gold credit card With the HSBC Credit Card the consumers can avail the Balance Transfer which allows them to transfer other credit card outstanding dues for repayment at lower interest rates. Furthermore, the HSBC credit card comes with the Loan on Phone facility to convert the purchase into easy instalments. The bank also has cobrand association with CPP Assistance Services Private Limited to safeguard the cardholders interest in event of card loss, theft and related fraud. The CPP (Card Protection Plan) shields the loss of important cards valuable documents including the other credit, debit, ATM, membership or loyalty cards. Furthermore, the role shoppers can also apply upto three additional credit cards for their spouse, parents, siblings and children. 3.2 Price The HSBC credit card has been priced high compared to the most of the competitors in the market. The consumer does not hesitate to opt for the card at offered price considering the brand name and the additional features of the product. The bank charges annual fee towards the card usage which is levied to the cardholders account in the anniversary month and a joining fee on some card types that is levied at point of sale. From time to time, the bank offer cards with no joining fee and cards free from annual fee for life to select customers. The bank may offer 50% discount on the fee bases the creditability of the prospect and the existing customer. 3.3 Place The enormous International presence of the bank ascertains to be a marketing advantage. It endeavours ease of access to bank services to the cardholder even on an international travel. The existing customers of the bank (PLB, AIQ, and PFS) can directly approach any of the branches for credit card application. However, the bank has also established various distribution channels across country i.e. Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) who generates business for the bank under a mutual agreement. Moreover, the banks cobrand association with Westside store has concentrated the target prospect of the bank and enriched its local presence. The consumer can apply for HSBC Westside credit card by visiting any of the Westside store in the region. The Westside store has an enormous presence in the country that ensures that prospect consumers are at ease to reach the product. 3.4 Promotion HSBC focuses on establishing sound communication with the consumer and implement Direct Marketing strategies. The bank advertises the credit card through various marketing means like Email Telemarketing, trade magazine advertising, hoardings, brochures and cobranding. The bank also attempts to create a positive image of the product to ensure word of mouth strategy works for the product. The Westside association has proved propitious for the bank in conquering the target market base. The card is being majorly marketed by cobranding with other business partners (e.g. pizza hut, movie theatres) in form of discounts and coupons to existing cardholders. From time to time, the bank launches the cash back scheme on card usage or on purchases with associated business partners to retain the existing cardholders and lure the prospect. E.g. the bank is offering 5% -10% cash back on purchase using HSBC credit card with the merchant MakeMyTrip (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Travel Agency). The strategy of offering different product types expands HSBCs market horizons and also ensures convenience and sound communication. HSBC views email marketing as a vital component of their overall marketing mix, enabling them to communicate with their customers in a highly targeted way.CPP insurance offered by the bank safeguards the consumer liability for misuse before reporting the card as lost. However, the bank can also offer a card type that requires a passcode on manual swipes like it offers secure pay for online purchases. This will enhance security and the bank would expand its customer base by attracting the consumer group who do not opt for credit card due to the risks involved. 4. Marketing Mix implemented by HSBC influences Buying Behaviour for its Credit Card As the product is one time buy and is long-term association, the consumer engages in complex buying behaviour. The studies show that similar social class exhibit similar buying behaviour. The banks strategy to offer different product types influences the buyers behaviour to opt for the respective product types. The basic core product is identical to the similar product being offered by the industry rivals. However, the distinct product type and additional exclusive features associated with HSBC credit card allures the esteem-seekers who look for class, brand and snootiness. CPP insurance on the credit card safeguards the buyer from the perceived financial risk. Also, the EMI facility towards purchase is more likely to generate magnetizing effect on the buyer. This is also a well-known fact that in spite of increased interest rate and annual fee levied, the demand for credit card is rising. In the last decade in India, the usage of plastic money encouraged the young middle class to defy the Hindi adage Dont stretch your feet beyond your sheet which is another way of saying, Live within your means. (The swipe and spend economy, p.4) Hence, the pricing strategy opted by HSBC has been quite successful to attract the target consumer who associate the product with prestige and reputation. The bank might fail to allure the consumers who look for cost benefit and whose interest is only in the cashless purchase and credit facility. However, the bank should offer a card type without any joining or annual fee with the core product benefit for full market coverage. Many people have a psychology to correlate the price of the product with its quality and brand name the costlier the better. Such consumers are likely to have positive approach while making a purchase decision. C:UsersPrashantDesktopaaa.jpg The 4 Cs associated with the 4 Ps As the HSBCs tagline goes the Worlds Local Bank the bank ensures the same substantiates to be true with its massive presence in the country and worldwide. The Marketing Mix variable Place has been designed by the bank as such it delivers customer benefit effectively. It provides ease of access to the consumers unlike any of the competitors in the Indian market. Hence, the contended comforters who ponder the convenience and service would consider the product over its substitutes. Thereafter, as the credit cardholders need continuous association and post-sale services, the self-actualizers would understand the benefit of massive presence of the entity. HSBC engages in personalized promotion through direct marketing that enhances effective communication with the consumer and develops loyalty and trust towards the brand. The Email and Telemarketing adopted by HSBC has been the wisest strategy to approach the existing customers of the bank. HSBC is a big brand name and a buyer will have a tendency to buy the HSBC credit card if the reference group or the influencer is currently using the same. The word of mouth strategy works well for these buyers. The family members or friends of the existing customers are likely to choose HSBC credit card over its rivals. The bank emphasises on associating with brands that is most popular by all in the target consumer group to expand its market horizon. There will be no market for product that everybody likes a little, only for products that somebody likes a lot. (Kotler.P, Marketing Management p.251) HSBCs association with popular brand develops a positive image for its product and the consumer having preference for the associated brand would develop positive image towards HSBC. 5. Conclusion HSBC credit cards are among the most popular and top-rated credit cards in India. The product has been designed as per the market requirement and caters to the needs and wants of every individual with different product attributes, brand image and additional benefits. Furthermore, the bank focuses on operational excellence, customer intimacy and product leadership to enhance its market position over its industry rivals. The product is moderately priced and ensures convenience to the buyer. HSBCs cobrand association with Westside and collaboration with strong business partners creates positive buyers approach towards the product.

Children of Heroes by Lyonel Trouillot Essay -- Literary Analysis

In today’s society, one’s gender is not necessarily a depiction of one’s sex, therefore performing one’s desired gender is highly pivotal. The idea of â€Å"performing† is very compelling since one has to routinely execute a series of acts designated to define a woman or a man. Interestingly and clearly enough, the â€Å"acts† attributed to identify a woman and her womanhood varies from those acts that identify a man and his manhood. Presently, men are always expected to perform and confirm their masculinity. Men seeking to prove themselves are sometimes forced to act on the expense of others and their feelings. Other men find the need to simply control others to again, demonstrate to society their manhood. In a novel titled Children of Heroes by Lyonel Trouillot, violent behaviors are significantly present, forcing some characters to be submissive and repressed all while the aggressor acts on emphasizing his position in the dominant gender group. Trouillot tells the story of a Haitian family and their troubles with the head of the household named Corazà ³n. Due to his own exposure to abuse and demasculination, Corazà ³n, by nature, desperately felt that as man he had to somehow reestablish his own masculinity by exerting violence against his wife and children. Corazà ³n’s relationship with his boss and with his mother Mam Yvonne, plus his lack of achieving his dreams, became the roots of Corazà ³n’s desperation. His wife Josà ©phine and his son Colin are characters Corazà ³n uses to be able to perform, enhance and redeem his masculinity. As a young boy Corazà ³n had big dreams of becoming a boxer, fighting opponents and reaching fame. However, â€Å"his father who had preferred to die as not to help him live his dream,† (Trouillot 144) and ... ...ough his personal shame. Corazà ³n did not display feelings or pity towards Josà ©phine or Colin simply because they were â€Å"weak† in his perspective, making them the perfect victims. These victims elevated Corazà ³n’s self-esteem, reinforced his control and power, and finally made him feel manly all over again. Works Cited Trouillot, Lyonel, and Linda Coverdale. Children of Heroes. Lincoln: University of Nebraska, 2008. Print. Schrock, Douglas, and Michael Schwalbe. "Men, Masculinity, and Manhood Acts." Annual Review of Sociology (2009): 284. Academic Search Complete. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. .