Important cultural meaning of bad men Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Important cultural meaning of bad men - Essay Example ld the cultural values and have given prime importance to music in the form of folk tales, jokes, songs and so forth in their daily routines and used for work, play, communicating, even when they are in happy or in sad mood.2 They created the animal characters in the form of tricksters.3 This has been the source of inspiration to the masses. The African Americans considered the trickster, such as Railroad Bill, the heroic figure who had the ability to influence their lives and have strived hard to flout the whites and bring in the reformation. The longest lived bad men were Stagolee who conflicted with Billy Delyon which symbolizes the fight of black man’s struggle for equality with whites.5 Despite of the injustices, the traditional practices were strictly followed by the superhuman figures, such as John Henry, banjo player, who had a beautiful baritone voice, and was the strongest, fastest, most powerful man working on the rails as a â€Å"steel driver†. 6Shine who was a Stoker in the ship had the ability to save the lives of hundreds from the sunken Titanic and to oppose the powerful opponents. 7 There were super heroes who emerged victorious in the racial advancement. Jack Jackson worked hard to make the existence in the boxing world and became the first black heavy weight champion. 8 On the other hand, Joe Louis became a popular figure in boxing and was able to surpass the color discrimination. This way the integration of race was reformed by the sporting world. 9 It was rightly said by Lawrence Levine, â€Å"In the twentieth century the pantheon of heroes became more varied and versatile, reflecting the greater diversity and heterogeneity that were the fruits of freedom, mobility and urbanization.† 10 Levine, Lawrence W. â€Å"Black Culture & Black Consciousness†, Books.google.co.in. Web.

How We Learn Essay Example for Free

How We Learn Essay ‘What have I learned about learning, and what are the implications of this for my future practice?’ In this assignment I will be identifying in a personal way, what I have learnt about learning from my own education and also drawing from my previous experiences. I will also be exploring ways in which I believe, for my future practice as a teacher, children will be able to achieve their full learning potential. â€Å"Learning is a complex concept and activity† (Hewitt 2008) in which every individual does in enabling them to gain new skills or knowledge. Every individual learns in a different way, where as one technique may work well for one individual, it may not work for another. We should never stop learning in order to progress as an individual. In order for the skills and knowledge to remain stored individuals should keep using the skills in which they have acquired overtime. These skills should be applied to different things such as projects so that the skills are remained stored and fresh in the mind. As every individual has a certain learning style, to help us learn more effectively it is best to know and understand our learning style. Through identifying your learning style, you will be able to capitalise on your strengths and improve your self-advocacy skills. Learning a specific subject, knowledge, skill and so on, is down to many factors which play an important role in learning, these include: intelligence; aptitude; goals; interests; readiness maturation; motivation; self-concept; attitudes values; level of aspiration; learning style and socio cultural determinants – to name a few. I believe that interests and goals are the catalyst to being a successful teacher. Children’s motivational levels in subjects need to be at a high level in order for the child to reach their full potential with their learning capabilities. â€Å"Interest is one of the most important factors which mediates learning and which motivates to act† (Factors Affecting Learning), if a child is not fully engaged in a particular subject due to low levels of interest then their learning capabilities will not be fulfilled. Whilst working in a school setting in 2010, child A stated†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I can’t do maths it doesn’t interest me† when there is no interest from the child, as shown in the example, there can be no learning. For my future practice it is vital that every child’s interest is engaged in subjects in order for the child to  fulfil their whole learning capabilities. Young children possess a need for activity, play, adventure etc. and therefore learn much better through a play way approach. This intern arouses their interest in learning and helps sustain their involvement in learning new skills and knowledge through their work. For effective learning to take place, we should be able to relate it to all that we learn. This will enable us to achieve our goals. â€Å"Goals play a significant role in learning since they give strength and direction to it† (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) because goals help to direct our attention to the task at hand. Psychologist Murphy and Alexander (2000) have written abo ut a variety of goal orientations which help us to understand learners learning and performance especially at a young age. â€Å"The important orientations are the learning goals, performance goals and work avoidance† (British Journal of Educational Psychology). In my future practice as a teacher, in order to gain children’s interest in learning my aim will be to encourage children to be curious and eager to learn. From my work placement in a school setting, children are more successful when they learn to ask questions, think independently and also being very creative. Children need to be curious about the world, interested in how things work, and also know how to creatively approach problems. Child B asked a question†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Do Fly’s sleep?† I resisted answering the question straightaway and asked Child B â€Å"What do you think? Where do you think we could find the answer?†. In responding in this way, I was encouraging Child B to think for themself, this also helps children build their self-esteem. Creativity is a very important tool in every individuals learning, â€Å"creativity is essentially a form of problem-solving. But it is a special type of problem-solvingone that involves problems for which there are no easy answers: that is, problems for which popular or conventional responses do not work. Creativity involves adaptability and flexibility of thought. These are the same types of skills that numerous reports on education† (e.g., the Carnegie Report, 1986) have suggested are critical for students (Creativity in Young Children). During my work placement in a school setting, creativity was essential for progressive learning. In order for creativity to take place the school created an environment that allowed the children to explore and play without undue restraints. Also, a key to the successful progression of every child’s learning was that we adapted to  every childs ideas, rather than trying to structure the child’s ideas to fit the adults. Learners need to have the opportunity and confidence to take risks, challenge assumptions, and also see things in a new way. I believe in educating the whole child as education comes from a wide range of experiences. All powerful learning occurs through engagement with others, the process and also the product of this learning is very important. Children learn mainly by modelling, actions speak louder than words. â€Å"The majority of learning is tied to developments and takes time to see results† (Emphatic parenting). In order to teach children, we need to supportively help them understand first. A vital part of all learning is that of reflecting over what the individual has learnt. Every individual matters in the learning process because every individual has equal rights to dignity and also respect. As seen, I have learnt about a vast amount of learning techniques that will enable children to reach their full potential, as well as realising how this will be applied throughout my life as a continual learner. I have also, through-out my educational life and previous experience in my placement, discovered the ways in which I learn. This will now enable me to take this knowledge and skill base and apply this to progress successfully in my future practice as a teacher. Bibliography * P. K. Murphy and P. A. Alexander. A motivated exploration of motivation terminology. Contemporary Educational Psychology 25. 2000. Pages. 3–53. * http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/Creativity_in_kids.html * http://www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/studentreports/schools/personalgoals/suppdevplg.htm * http://www.unco.edu/cebs/psychology/kevinpugh/motivation_project/resources/pintrich00.pdf * https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:Q96li6CTQZIJ:pgche09.middlesex.wikispaces.net/file/view/Designing%2BModules%2Bfor%2BLearning.pdf+emerging+beliefs+and+values+about+learninghl=engl=ukpid=blsrcid=ADGEESiw1wdWPcNk-ZQBL2ACM-0-W7K9O1lstl04yY3WlPsommKZNp5iTWsBOHljIA1MRtl54C9rRZR-3qAr5EDvHKuYlDM9gfX_60nQdQPd2MKpVMLOWXZLH0h7eLLO3xdmc9TmBKhKsig=AHIEtbSk1Lb_X3XtcRobYxX30al-Ig7KQw * http://www.egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/32872/1/Unit-5.pdf *

Ethnic Conflict Between Blacks And Whites

Ethnic Conflict Between Blacks And Whites In todays world we have one common phenomenon which can be found in everywhere because of some political and sociological situations that our world has. The phenomenon is called as an ethnicity or racism, and normally the problem that we have can be called as ethnic conflict. As we know that conflict refers to some form of friction, discord arising, or disagreement within one specific group or between two different sides. Normally in order to have a conflict, there has to be some relationships, and all kinds of relationships can create one or more conflict in a given society as a group. According to Ross ; Conflict occurs in virtually all communities, but there are important cross-cultural differences in its levels and forms (Marc Howard Ross 304). As how Ross pointed out the importance of cross-cultural differences related with conflict, we have to know more detail information about one specific conflict to understand how it started and what kinds of effects does it has. As we know that ethnic conflict also shows a lot of differences from culture to culture. Therefore, firstly we have to define what ethnic or race conflict is. According to Ross ; The term race refers to groups of people who have differences and similarities in biological traits deemed by society to be socially significant, meaning that people treat other people differently because of them (Ross 308). Defining one phenomenon is one of the most challenging things, because all experts explain ethnicity or race in different ways owing to their different perspectives and knowledge background. The ethnic conflict mostly can be found in America and Africa continent. According to Payne ; While it is common to associate racial and ethnic discrimination with blacks in United States, it must be pointed out that there are other groups which have experienced some things as blacks. Such as Native, Mexican, Puerto Rican Americans (Charles Payne 1). Most specifically I focus on the conflict that America has b etween blacks and whites as an ethnic conflict, because the historical background of ethnic conflict is very ancient in America. Owing to the conflict that American society had in the past, we can see some irrefutable and irrepressible effects on people who live in America, most importantly on black people. As we know that the problem did not solve since the time period of American Civil War. This is because as I mentioned that the socio-cultural differences and the relationships between blacks and whites have different variables. Since the time of problematic period which can be called as inequality between black and white people or seeing black people as secondary American citizens, nobody can find reliable solutions for this case. Because of this unsolved problem, black American citizens who are also called as African Americans have been suffering both morally, politically, educationally and economically. In this research, my main concern is education related with how African Ame rican students are affected by ethnicity and racism in schools. Briefly, black students can be humiliated because of some ethnic problems that they face in their schools and I believe that the successes of African American students are affected by ethnic conflict because of three reasons which are historical background of ethnicity in America, social identity problems that African American students have and the problem of educational utility which is related with how African American students are educated and does the education effective. With these three reasons, mostly I focus on the effects of ethnic conflict in America between black and whites and related with all these information I will try to find most reliable and successful solution way in education to protect African Americans. First of all, as we know that the historical background of ethnicity in America includes a lot of variables, and related with these factors I believe in the African American can be humiliated. This is because tribes about black people in America which play crucial role in decision making processes which are done by mostly white American people. In America we have general tendency to see African American people as a weak owing to the historical knowledge, ÄÂ ±f we look the side of racist white American people. Firstly, we have to point out that some things have changed and some things have not related with ethnic conflict case in America. According to Jim Wallis ; What has not changed is the systematic and pervasive character of racism in the United States and the condition of life for the majority of African Americans. In fact, those conditions have gotten worse (Wallis 198). Basically we can understand that the situations of African American people are still bad and can be wors e than how it is now. As I mentioned that the tribes which cause worse conditions of African American people come from the past which is the time period of 1400 and 1500, and the ethnicity / racism started with slavery in American continent. Wallis explains the historical background of slavery very clearly with these sentences; In the United States, the original purpose of black racism was to justify slavery and its enormous economic benefit. The particular form of racism, inherited from the English to justify their own slave trade, was especially venal, for it defined the slave not merely as an unfortunate victim of bad circumstances, war, or social dislocation but rather as less than human, as a thing, an animal, a piece of property to be bought and sold, used and abused (Wallis 198). The thing is clear without any doubt, as we can see from Walliss thoughts that the slaves in the past were seen as an animal, and they did not have any civil right as human beings. As I mentioned tha t some things have changed by the time, according to Wallis what has change is described in this way ; The personal racial attitudes of many white Americans and the opportunities for some African Americans to enter the middle levels of society. The word middle is key here, in so far as African Americans have yet to be allowed into most of the upper echelons and decision-making positions of business, the professions, the media, or even the fields of sports and entertainment where black progress has so often been celebrated (Willis 199 ). As how Willis asserts that we have some recoveries, however despite the improvement of black Americans conditions in society, we have one problematic area which is not solved yet. This is also again related with the historical background of ethnic conflict in America. This area is called as education. In brief, historical background of slavery and the tribes that American society has related with racism are two important key feature of racist conflic t which can be found in education. Secondly, as I mentioned that ethnic conflict can be found in education, most specifically ethnic conflict force student to select their sides as an identity and it creates identity problems related with African American students, and also this problem affects African American youths academic performance. According to writers; Although African American youths academic performance has received a great deal of attention from both popular media and research scholars much of this attention has focused on how African Americans compare academically to other racial groups (Ciara Smalls, Rhonda White, Tabbye Chavous and Robert Sellers 299). We always compare the successes of different ethnic groups, owing to this tendency we have little concern about the causes of academic success or failure related with African American students. Rather than compering how Afro-Americans are more successful than other groups or not, we have to focus on the primary causes of academic success which can also be called as academic engagement. According to researches about this case; Academic engagement encompasses linking ones personal identity to the roles of student and learner , showing sustained curiosity and interest in class, and displaying intense efforts in learning tasks ( Sellers et al. 300). However the ethnicity problem sets indestructible borders in front of African American students, because of their beliefs about race and ethnicity. It is explained by writer in this way; it is likely that African American adolescents levels of academic engagement are influenced, in part, by their beliefs about the meaning of race and their experiences with racial discrimination ( Sellers et al. 300). Thirdly, educational utility is also main problematic issue which is related to how African American students are educated and does the education effective on Afro-American students despite the ethnic problems that most schools have. According to Rowley; Educational utility is defined as the value that student places on doing well in school and on getting a good education (Rowley 4). However in most part of United States, African American students show tendency to lower academic success, and all experts and sociologists like Rowley have been trying to find main causes of this unsuccessfulness. Basically Rowley evolved Cluster Analysis to easily understand the relationship educational utility, African Americans performance and the ethnic conflicts effects on these students academic performances. According to Rowley; Utility as having two dimensions that are relevant to African American students. The first dimension, idealistic educational utility, is based on the Protestant work ethic -hard work in school is directly related to success and the second dimension of educational utility values, is context-specific educational utility, and reflects the idea that education does not always result in occupational success-that because of discrimination, education is less useful for African Americans than it is for members of other racial or ethnic groups (Rowley 5). Normally we can understand that we have two different dimensions for African American students. Firstly, hard working in schools like schools which have protestant work ethic can bring success to Afro-American students. Therefore according to Rowleys analysis, African American students can only be successful in this type of schools. However this analysis also gives counter argument by saying that the context-specific educational utility cannot always be the way of successful education for African American students, this is because of contextual factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status constrain t he value of education. Basically, we can say that the context-specific educational utility is not suitable as much as others, because the context-specific educational utility component also refers specifically to race and education. If I take all these point into consideration, I can say that without any doubt ethnic conflict is one of the greatest problem in American society. They have been trying to solve it by using different ways. For example, African American students families try to protect their children by providing some new ways against the racial things that occur in American education system by using homeschooling. However educational problems related with ethnic conflict unfortunately is not solved yet. African American students suffer so much. For instance, they cannot take adequate education as much as how White American students are educated. Huge conflicts can be found in America, most specifically in education because of the historical background of ethnic conflict, identity problems that African American students have and the education utility related with how African American students take education and how does education affect their social condition. To solve these conflicts between ethnic g roups in America most specifically between blacks and whites in education, we have to know historical background of ethnicity and effects of its on American society very well to find most reliable solution ways.

Rose’s Breast Cancer in Jane Smileys A Thousand Acres :: Smiley Thousand Acres Essays

Rose’s Breast Cancer in A Thousand Acres Pete, representing erratic male rage in the novel, has a history of abusing Rose. This climaxes when he breaks her arm. It follows a terrible logic that since male rage hurts her body, so does her own, the impetus of which is provided by the patriarchal system. Ginny's description of Pete fits Rose equally well, with an anger that "would be quiet, but corrosive, erupting at odd times" (31). Rose's breast cancer symbolizes the way she is literally consumed with anger (the cancer eats at her flesh, consuming her body). Anger is the only way she knows to deal with her father, her husband, men and the system they represent: "We're not going to be sad. We're going to be angry until we die. It's the only hope."(354) She doesn't see that anger is destructive, that anger is in fact why things have turned out the way they have. She is continually reminded of the toll her anger takes on her body, as her arm unconsciously strays to the lost muscles under her other arm, by the lost breast. Nevertheless, she ignores the signs, anger has become a part of her body. The fact that this act resembles a posture signifying an attempt to contain her heart -her overflowing anger- suggests this, as does the fact that she especially does this when she is angry: "She pushed her hair back with her hand, then put her fist on her hip, defiant. Except that on the way down, her fingers fluttered over the vanished breast, the vanished muscles." (151) Her body, then, enacts her strategy. If you can't beat them, join them. If the system is based on egocentricity, cruelty, coldness and rage, then those will be her weapons. When Jess backs out of farming their land, she says: "When it came right down to building on something that we had, it scared him to build on death and bad luck and anger and destruction" (352). The underlying assumption of her statement is that it is impossible to challenge all the death and destruction, so one might as well turn it to one's own advantage. This strategy, ironically, turns her into what the patriarchy has accused hers and Ginny's intertextual counterparts -Regan and Goneril- of; an inhuman half-man. When she reigns supreme over the thousand acres, she has turned into her own worst nightmare: her father.

Dress Shop

Name of the Enterprise The business name â€Å"Wedlock Trends† will display a wedding dress shop that will offer the latest and the hottest styles of wedding apparel of the season. Location The location of the business is at Door 4, 500 Gabaton Building, Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Davao City. The commercial space measures 5Ãâ€"14 sq. The space will be rented at P12, 000/month, exclusive of water and electricity expenses. The area is a perfect spot for a wedding dress shop for it is easy to find since it is located in the main road. Aside from that, the area is filled with office buildings, inns, schools, and other business entities nearby.Descriptive Definition of the Product Wedlock Trends shall cater to the needs of grooms and brides in a comfortable and relaxed setting. In its warm and intimate setting, the Wedlock Trends’ friendly and knowledgeable bridal consultants are available to help in finding everything that they need for their upcoming wedding. We offer bridal dresses and all the accessories as well as fashions required for the rest of the bridal party. Project’s Long-Range Objectives Wedlock Trends has been created with one main objective: to provide the bride with the ultimate experience in finding the perfect wedding dress!In 2016, Wedlock Trends will create tie-ups with the prominent photo studio and flower shop here in Davao. It will be convenient for our clients for they don’t have to waste their time searching for quality photos and videos as well as fresh and beautifully arranged flowers. Wedlock Trends will expand and cater other occasions as well. Elegant night gowns, classic dresses, up-to-date men’s suit, and a lot more will be added to our collection for parties, debuts, and other significant events. By doing such, it is expected that the number of employees in every department will be increased as well as the machineries used in the process.Feasibility Criteria The most important guidelines used to judg e the feasibility of the project is its marketing aspect and financial aspect. The marketing aspect tells what the project is all about, who the target market is, when is the perfect time to open the business, where is it located, and how is it going to compete with its competitors. It is also where the demand and supply analysis is, which will be a great criterion. The financial aspect provides the data that shows the projects profitability. It is important to know if the project is attainable, feasible, and profitable.Highlights Of The Project History Many young girls dream about what kind of wedding dress they’d like to wear on their special day so we have thought of creating a project that will certainly be desired by our target market. It’s a business that caters not only the needs of a soon-to-be couples but one that fulfills their dreams, to have a unique and remarkable wedding. This is an amazing business which has developed a strong, distinctive and individual identity with a reputation for both quality and service – very profitable business.This is a delightful business with bridal gowns to suit every style of wedding. It is fantastic opportunity to own a money making business in a very up-market industry. This business is not just a business, it is a life style choice with plenty of fashion. This very good business opportunity provides bridal wear, stocked with a superb range of designer wedding gowns, bridal accessories include jewelry, tiaras, stationery, gifts, to compliment any wedding reception which is excellent for add-on purchases. This is a business opportunity to own and grow a dynamic business .This is an amazing opportunity for someone who just wants to literally wants to jump straight in and continue the exceptional success achieved. It is a business opportunity that is highly profitable and offers great potential whether h global, national or local aspect. Project Time Table and Status The project is expected to be operational by May 2014. For now, thorough studies and research are being done to carefully analyze its standing once we enter the market. Nature of the Industry The wedding gown industry is one that is made up of multiple smaller enterprises like caterers, wedding consultants, dresses, various eauty suppliers (hair, makeup), photographers, favors/bridesmaids gifts, music, honeymoon related, etc. While the industry as a whole represents a lot of money, each of the component parts is much smaller — some smaller than others. These smaller composite suppliers can be very local and likely will be small and privately owned. Mode of Financing The source of funds of Wedlock Trends that will be used to put up the business is from the contributions of the four (4) persons who will be the owner of the dress shop.Each shall contribute P625, 000 for a total of P2, 500, 000. 00. A cash contribution is better than bank loans for it has a lower risk and high interest cost which will result to lower income. Investment Cost The funds allocated for this project is P2, 500, 000. 00. The proponents have agreed to form a partnership wherein four (4) persons merge to contribute for the capitalization of Wedlock Trends, with the intention of dividing the profits among themselves. Major assumptions and summary of findings and conclusion on the following: Market FeasibilityIn our Market Study, we identify who will be our customers, suppliers, and competitor as well as the number of demand that we will gain in the succeeding years. In our data of demand analysis the first year show lesser number of demands, it is because Wedlock Trends is new to the market and customers do not know the business yet. The succeeding years shows the increasing number of demand, it is because Wedlock Trends formulated a marketing program which to have a flyers, posters and streamers printing for the customer to be aware about the existing of the business. Technical FeasibilityWedlock Trends is a cl othing business designed to make wedding gowns, barongs, tuxedo’s and cocktail dresses. The business offer readymade dresses aside from made to order and customize clothes. The supply is high; there are many companies who supply such equipment. Financial Feasibility The Wedlock Trend Dress Shoppe shows an income statement of the cash flows the cash receipts such as profit, salary, capital and so on has an increase every year. It means that the business gaining a profit. For the balance sheet, there is also an increase and the total assets and the total liabilities and owners’ equity is well balance.For the ratio analysis, the profit ratio has an average of 41. 26% means there is a profit of . 43. For the payback capital computation, there is 2. 21, means the capital of the business can be recovered within 2 years. Socio-economic Feasibility The number of Wedding dress shop in Metro Davao is rapidly increasing. The more competition, the better it is for the market, beca use innovation, better products and service will be present. These industries will affect the economy as a whole on a much more scale. It gives employment to those who seeks job. Management FeasibilityThe structure of the business begins with the four (4) persons/partners who are also the owners of the business. The manager will handle the sales, manufacturing and service aspects of the business. In terms of salary scale, the manager will be compensated with minimum wage and the other employees are below the minimum wage. MARKET STUDY Clothing is a beautiful visual demonstration of the social and emotional needs of people wearing it. It also portrays in a clearly understood visual manner, what people of different cultures and styles want socially.Fashion, through times, has gone through so many rapid changes and bizarre extremes that it has examples of nearly every kind of clothing function, especially when it comes to wedding attires. The range of Filipino wedding dresses is remark ably wide, according to the vast cultures, geographical differences, purchasing capacities, influence of the western culture, and bewildering diversities of the ethnic groups. One has, therefore, to sift and isolate, and then relate and bring together, the ideas for creating various designs, which can fit in the context of theFilipino style, conservative, elegant yet still in trend. When it comes to the most special day of a couple’s life, we like to make a personal effort to make it all that it can be. The business will be a full-service wedding dress shop catering to customers who are searching for reasonable quality products at affordable prices. Our main focus will be quality in every process right from buying stuff, raw material selection, designer selection, stitching till the delivery of product to final customer in order to fulfill our goal of customer satisfaction.We will be providing standardized products as well as customized dresses according to ones needs. Geogra phical areas of dispersion The location of the business is at Door 4, 500 Gabaton Building, Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Davao City. The commercial space measures 5Ãâ€"14 sq. The rental price is P12, 000. 00 per month, exclusive of water and electricity expenses. Our Competitors are the Wedding Glamour, Wedding Channel, Wedding Avenue, and Knot’s Forever. Target Market The scope of our wedding dress shop is the people living within Metro Davao with a population of 1,449,296 (National Statistics Office, 2010).To be specific, most of the target market will be composed of couples of ages 18 years old and above, teenagers and young adults in high school and college, and young professionals, who belong to the middle and upper class. The middle class customers are those who have moderate income and have the capability to purchase products and services with high quality. The upper class customers are those who have high income and have the capability to purchase product and services wit h high quality, and look for luxury. Target Market |Age |Population | |Couples |18 – 64 years old |635,412 | |Teenagers |13 – 18 years old |255, 465 | |Young Adults |20 – 24 years old |117,083 | |Young Professionals 25 – 34 years old |186, 691 | |Walk-ins |18 – 64 years old |635,412 | Demand Analysis Projection of the number of the products to be sold. PRODUCTS |Year 1 |Year 2 |Year 3 |Year 4 |Year 5 | | | | |Bridal Gown |– inclusive headdress, 2nd veil, cord, (2) cushions, pouch bag | |Grooms’ Barong |– pinya jusi with embroidery (free makeup) | |Whole Entourage |(1) maid of honor, (3) bridesmaids, (3) flower girls | | |(1) best man barong, (3) groomsmen barongs, | | |(3) bearers (ring, coin, bible) | |Parents’ outfits of the couple |- parents of the couple | | |free pictures | |Bronze Special Package = P 20,000. 00 | | |Bridal Gown |– inclusive headdress, 2nd veil, cord, (2) cushions, pouch bag | | |free ma ke up | |Grooms’ Barong |– pinya jusi with embroidery (free makeup) |Whole Entourage |(1) maid of honor, (3) bridesmaids, (3) flower girls | | |(1) best man barong, (3) groomsmen barongs, | | |(3) bearers (ring, coin, bible) | |Parents’ outfits of the couple |- parents of the couple | | |free pictures | | |free video CD of the wedding | |Gold Special Package = P 30,000. 0 | | |Bridal Gown |– inclusive headdress, 2nd veil, cord, (2) cushions, pouch bag | | |free gown and make up | |Grooms’ Barong |– pinya jusi with embroidery (free makeup) | | |free male perfume | |Whole Entourage |(1) maid of honor, (3) bridesmaids, (3) flower girls | | |(1) best man barong, (3) groomsmen barongs, | | |(3) bearers (ring, coin, bible) | |Parents’ outfits of the couple |- dress & suits for the parents of the couple | | |free pictures | | |free video CD of the wedding | |Diamond Special Package = P 50,000. 0 | | |Bridal Gown |– inclusive head dress, 2nd veil, cord, (2) cushions, pouch bag | | |free gown, make up, bouquet | |Grooms’ Barong |– pinya jusi with embroidery (free makeup) | | |free male perfume | |Whole Entourage |(1) maid of honor, (3) bridesmaids, (3) flower girls | | |(1) best man barong, (3) groomsmen barongs, | | |(3) bearers (ring, coin, bible) | |Parents’ outfits of both couple |- dress & suits for the parents of the couple | | |free pictures with album | | |free video CD of the wedding | | |free picture publicity on Mindanao Daily Mirror | Competitor’s Analysis |Name of Competitor |Products/Services |Location |Store Hours | |Wedding Glamour |Gown & Entourage Package: |Door 1 Gahol Bldg. , E Quirino|9:00 – 5:00pm | | |1 Bridal Gown w/ accessories |Ave. , Davao City | | | |1 Groom Attire | | | |1 Maid of Honor Gown | | | | |3 Bridesmaid Gowns | | | | |3 Flower Girl Gowns w/ basket | | | | |1 Bestman Barong | | | | |3 Groomsmen Barong/Tuxedo | | | | |3 Bearer’s B arong/Tuxedo | | | | |2 Mother Dress | | | | |2 Father Barong | | | |Wedding Avenue |Gown & Entourage Package: |Front of Dep-Ed, E. Quirino |9:00 – 5:00pm | | |1 Bridal Gown w/ accessories |Ave. | | | |1 Groom Attire |Davao City | | | |1 Maid of Honor Gown | | | | |3 Bridesmaid Gowns | | | | |3 Flower Girl Gowns w/ basket | | | | |1 Bestman Barong | | | | |3 Groomsmen Barong/Tuxedo | | | | |3 Bearer’s Barong/Tuxedo | | | | |2 Mother Dress | | | | |2 Father Barong | | | |Wedding Channel |Gown & Entourage Package: |E.Quirino Avenue, Davao City| | | |1 Bridal Gown w/ accessories | | | | |1 Groom Attire | | | | |1 Maid of Honor Gown | | | | |3 Bridesmaid Gowns | |8:00 – 5:00pm | | |3 Flower Girl Gowns w/ basket | | | | |1 Bestman Barong | | | | |3 Groomsmen Barong/Tuxedo | | | | |3 Bearer’s Barong/Tuxedo | | | | |2 Mother Dress | | | | |2 Father Barong | | | |Knots Forever |Bridal Package: | | | | |1 Bridal Gown | |8:00 – 5:00pm | | |1 Head Dress |E. Q uirino Avenue, Davao City| | | |1 1st Veil | | | | |1 2nd Veil | | | | |1 Cord | | | | |2 Cushions | | | |1 Groom Barong / Tuxedo | | | | |Entourage: | | | | |1 Maid of Honor Gown | | | | |1 Maid of Honor Head Dress | | | | |3 Bridesmaid Gowns | | | | |3 Flower Girls Gown | | | | |3 Baskets | | | | |1 Best Man | | | | |3 Groomsmen Barong | | | | |3 Bearer’s Barong | | | Marketing Program Our means of advertisements are posters and streams printing, through networking sites, and fashion shows. Posters and Streamers Printing – This can also be a tool for advertising.We can put posters and streamers printing at malls and hotels and restaurants for them to easily recognize our product. Facebook & Multiply – Billions of people, foreign or local are users of Facebook. And these people logs in almost everyday for about an hour or more. Through Facebook and Multiply, it is easier to reach the right audience. It is easy, convenient, and costs no cent. Newspaper Ads â₠¬â€œ The oldest form of advertising is still an effective way to reach a large number of people. These ads can do a lot more than just advertise one item or one sale–each one can work really hard to bring in customers, and then bring them back again and again. They're a good way to reach a large number of people, especially those aged 45-plus who end to read the paper more frequently than younger demographic groups who tend to get their news from television, radio or the internet. And we can target our ads to the appropriate markets by requesting that our ads run in the section(s) that most closely relate to our target audience. MANAGEMENT STUDY Personnel Expertise Wedlock Trends will hire one (1) manager, two (2) sewers, two 2 (cutters), two (2) beaders. The descriptions of hiring employees are the following: |Manager – |Responsible for maintaining the store in order to ensure residents and visitors have access to necessary supplies and| | |accommodations. |Responsibi lities |Maintain customer services and facilities | | |greet customers and provide assistance | | |maintain cleanliness and order in the store | | |Maintain stock, supplies and inventories | | |take inventory | | |order groceries and supplies | | |mark prices on stock | | |restock shelves | | |Maintain accounts | | |record prices in the log book | | |operate the cash register | | |balance cash receipts | | |make deposits | | |record visa and debit accounts | | |maintain a manual general ledger | |Qualifications |Minimum 3 years of retail management experience. More extensive retail experience will be welcomed. Experience in | | |personal computer retail setting is preferred, but not mandatory. | |Must have an interest in fashion and have an eye for art. | | |Strong leadership skills. | | |Ability to effectively teach/develop others to next level. | | |Good merchandising skills and a flair for conceiving and implementing creative merchandising themes. | | |Strong operations exp erience in receiving, stock and inventory as well as front-end management and office management. | | |Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. | | |Strong interpersonal, motivational, communication and organizational skills. | |At least 25 years old | |Sewer – |Sewers cut, trim, sew and design clothing and accessories according to the company or client’s demand | |Responsibilities |Sew, trim and stitch gowns/suits and other tailored products. | | |Draw and design gowns/suits to present to the company or clients | | |Measure client’s vital statistics that will use as a pattern for the clothes. | | |Sew gowns/suits using sewing machine or other stitching machines. | | |Inspect finished product and do finishing touches. | |Hand stitch edges or linings | | |Iron gowns/suits | |Qualifications |Must have taken vocational or short course in tailoring | | |Must have at least 3-5 years experience as a sewer or tailor | | |Knowledg e in sewing, both hand and machine sewing | | |Knowledge and ability on different kinds of stitches and design | | |Knowledge in different kinds of cloths | | |Knowledge and ability to sew in different kinds of clothes. | | |Knowledge in fashion designing is a plus | | |Knowledge and ability to design wearable and appealing gowns/suits | | |Ability to use sewing machines. | |Pattern Cutter – |Pattern cutters create templates for the kinds of patterns that will be used in clothing lines, based on illustrated | | |designs created by the design department of the fashion company. |Responsibilities |Cut fabrics or textiles | | |Adjust cutting techniques to types of fabrics and styles of garments. | | |Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, and/or speeds to produce specified products. | | |Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine whether machines require adjustment. | | |Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric int o parts | |Qualifications |Must have an interest in fashion and have an eye for art. | |Must have good analytical skills | | |Must be computer literate | | |Must be able to work quickly | |Beader – |Beaders are responsible of putting beads and sequins on bridal gowns for accent. | |Responsibilities |Puts beads and sequins on gowns | | |Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine whether machines require adjustment. | |Qualifications |Must have an interest in fashion and have an eye for art. | |Preferably with 3 years experience in custom-made formal wear | | |With good moral character and working habit | Working Salaries and Benefits Below are the salaries and benefits of the employees. |PERSONNEL |PHILHEALTH |SSS |TOTAL | |Manager |P 301. 00 every quarter |P 225. 00 per month |P 9,030. 00 per month-based on minimum P 301. 0| | | | |daily | |Sewer |P 205. 00 every quarter |P 125. 00 per month |P 4,400. 00 per month | |Cutter | | | | |Beader | | | | |NOTE: |The sewers, cutters, and beaders are not based on minimum wages because they are not yet regulars. | Organizational ChartThe organizational chart of Wedlock Trends shows the structure of an organization and the relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs. As a starting business, Wedlock Trends involve few personnel/staff. The manager assumes the leadership roles within the company and will be responsible for the daily operation, over-seeing marketing efforts, buying merchandise, managing inventory and all other administrative duties. The other staffs will assist the owner with assisting the customers and the sewers, cutters, beaders to maintain the dress will be good quality to the customers. Gantt Chart Below is the calendar of activities of Wedlock Trends. OOperating Activities | |Activities | |Activities | |Particulars |Quantity |Price |Acquisition Value | |Bridal Fabric (local) |5 rolls |125/m |P 34,375. 00 | |Bridal Fabric (imported) |3 rolls |395/m |65,175. 00 | |Bridal Lace (local) |5 rolls |280/m |77,000. 00 | |Bridal Lace (imported) |3 rolls |550/m |90,750. 00 | |Pants/Slacks Fabrics |5 rolls |145/m |39,875. 0 | |Dress/Gown (local) |5 rolls |55/m |15,125. 00 | |Dress/Gown (imported) |3 rolls |120/m |19,800. 00 | |Barong |5 rolls |108/m |29,700. 00 | |Tuxedo |5 rolls |125/m |34,375. 00 | |Buttons |5 kilos |250/k |1,250. 0 | |Beads and Sequins |5 kilos |300/k |1,500. 00 | |Embroidery Threads |5 boxes |360/b |1,800. 00 | |Embroidery Threads |4 boxes |1320/b |5,280. 00 | |Needle Book (kit) |5 boxes |6. 50 |32. 50 | |Sewing Thread |8 boxes |206. 5/b |1,651. 60 | |Zipper |8 rolls |33 |264. 00 | |Tape Measure |5pcs |4 |20. 00 | |Yard Stick |5pcs |22. 75 |113. 75 | |Garter |7 rolls |315/r |2,205. 00 | |TOTAL | |P 420, 291. 85 | | Office Materials | |Particular |Quantity |Price Per Unit |Acquisition Value | |Stapler |2 |P 120. 00 |P 240. 00 | |Scissors |3 |55. 00 |165. 00 | |Calculator |2 |390. 00 |780. 0 | |thumbtacks |4 |10. 00 |40. 00 | |TOTAL | | |P 1,225. 00 | |Office Supplies | |Particular |Quantity |Price Per Unit |Acquisition Value | |Long Coupon Bond |1 ream |P 168. 00 |P 168. 0 | |Short Coupon Bond |1 ream |158. 00 |158. 00 | |Pencils |15 pcs |6. 00 |90. 00 | |Pens |10 pcs |7. 00 |70. 00 | |Staples |5 boxes |15. 00 |75. 00 | |Folders |50 pcs |6. 00 |300. 0 | |Paper Clips |1 box |25. 00 |25. 00 | |Fastener |1box |35. 00 |35. 00 | |Record Book |1 pcs |89. 00 |89. 00 | |Binder Aids |1 box |32. 00 |32. 00 | |Adhesive tape |2pcs |22. 0 |44. 00 | |TOTAL | | |P 1,086. 00 | Machineries and Equipment |Machine | |Particulars |Quantity |Price |Life |Acquisition Value |Annual Depreciation | |Sewing Machine |3 |P 8,995. 00 |5 |P 26,985. 00 |P 5,397. 0 | |Embroidery Machine |2 |12,300. 00 |5 |24,600. 00 |4,920. 00 | |TOTAL | | | | |P 10,317. 00 | II – Equipment |Equipment | |Particular |Quantity |Price |Life |Acquisition Value |Annual Depreciation | |Computer Set |1 |P 25,000. 0 |5 |P 25,000 . 00 |P 5,000. 00 | |Printer |1 |3,500. 00 |5 |3,500. 00 |700. 00 | |Air Conditioner |1 |14,000. 00 |5 |14,000. 00 |2,800. 00 | |Water Dispenser |1 |4,200. 00 |5 |4,200. 00 |840. 00 | |Body Form |6 |2,000. 00 |5 |12,000. 00 |2,400. 0 | |Working Table |1 |3,900. 00 |5 |3,900. 00 |780. 00 | |Steel Cabinet |1 |5,700 |5 |5,700. 00 |1,140. 00 | |Electric Iron |1 |690. 00 |- |690. 00 |- | |Ironing Board |1 |350. 00 |- |350. 00 |- | |Electric Fan |1 |1,300. 00 |- |1,300. 0 |- | |Clotheslines Stand |5 |1,299. 00 |- |6,495. 00 |- | |Dress Bag |100 |49. 00 |- |4,900. 00 |- | |Hangers |20 |74. 75/set |- |1,495. 00 |- | |Coat Hangers |50 |69. 75 |- |3,487. 00 |- | |Soft Broom |1 |45. 0 |- |45. 00 |- | |Trash Bin |1 |89. 50 |- |89. 50 |- | |Dust Pan |1 |25. 00 |- |35. 00 |- | |Pail |1 |115. 00 |- |115. 00 |- | |TOTAL | | | |P 87,301. 50 |P 13,630. 00 | Utilities Consumption Operating Expense | |Particulars |Amount | |Lease Payment |P 24,000. 00 | |Office Supplies |13,032. 00 | |Dress Shop Suppl ies |420,291. 85 | |Repair and Maintenance |144,000. 0 | |Electricity Utilities |5,786. 00 | |Telephone Utilities |11,988. 00 | |Water Utilities |6,000. 00 | |TOTAL |P 625,097. 85 | FINANCIAL STUDY Project Cost Summary Project Cost Summary | | |Amount | |Capital Expenditure | | | |Furniture and Fixture |P 45,880. 00 | | |Office Equipment |87,301. 50 |P 133,181. 50 | | | |Direct Expenditures | | | |Feasibility Study (preparation) |7,000. 0 | | |Survey |3,000. 00 | | |Partnership Expense |5,750. 00 | | |Permit and Licenses |1,725. 00 | | |Legal Fees |3,500. 00 | | |Insurance |3,500. 0 | | |Advertising Expense |1,930. 00 | | |Office Material |1,225. 00 |27,630. 00 | | | |Working Capital (1 month) | | | |Salaries |26,550. 0 | | |Light and Power | | | |Electric Bill (482. 25) | | | |Water Bill (500. 00) |982. 25 | | |Communication | | | |Telephone (999. 00) |999. 0 | | |Lease Payments |2,000. 00 | | |Repair and Maintenance |12,000. 00 | | |Office Supplies |13,032. 00 | | |Dres s Shop Supplies |96,158. 77 |151,722. 02 | |TOTAL | |312,533. 2 | The total estimated Total Project Cost for WEDLOCK TRENDS is P312, 533. 52. |Wedlock Trend Dress Shoppe | |Projection Income Statement | |For the 1st year until 5th year | | |2014 |2015 |2016 |2017 |2018 | |Sales (sched. XI) |P1,754,400. 0 |P2,418,600. 00 |P2,891,040. 00 |P3,098,400. 00 |P3,576,000. 00 | |Direct Expense |27,630. 00 | | | | | |Salary (sched. VIII) |318,600. 00 |321,786. 00 |325,003. 86 |328,253. 90 |331,536. 44 | |Operating Expense (sched. XII)|625,077. 85 |643,830. 8 |663,145. 09 |683,039. 44 |703,530. 63 | |Depreciation (sched. I) | |20,806. 00 |20,806. 00 |20,806. 00 |20,806. 00 | |Earnings Before Income Tax |P 783,092. 15 |P1,432,177. 82 |P1,882,085. 05 |P2,066,300. 66 |P2,520,126. 93 | |Tax |274,082. 25 |501,262. 24 |658,729. 7 |723,205. 23 |882,044. 43 | |Net Income |P 509,009. 90 |P927,724. 56 |P1,223,355. 30 |P1,343,095. 43 |P1,638,082. 50 | | | |Assumptions = 3 % Operating Expense per annum | | | |1 % Salary per annum | Wedlock Trend Dress Shoppe | |Projection Cash Flows Statement | |For the 1st year until 5th year | |Cash Receipts |Pre-Operating |2014 |2015 |2016 |2017 |2018 | |Capt. Contribution |P 2,500,000. 00 | | | | | | |Sales (sched. XI) |- |P1,754,400. 0 |P2,418,600. 00 |P2,891,040. 00 |P3,098,400. 00 |P3,576,000. 00 | | | |TOTAL |P2, 500,000. 00 |P1,754,400. 00 |P2,418,600. 00 |P2,891,040. 00 |P3,098,400. 00 |P3,576,000. 00 | |Cash Disbursement | | | | | | | |Capital Expenditure |P 133,181. 0 | | | | | | |Direct Expense |27,630. 00 | | | | | | |Salary (sched. VIII) |- |318,600. 00 |321,786. 00 |325,003. 86 |328,253. 90 |331,536. 44 | |Operating Expense (sched. XII) |- |625,077. 85 |643,830. 8 |663,145. 09 |683,039. 44 |703,530. 63 | |Tax |- | |274,082. 25 |501,262. 24 |658,729. 77 |723,205. 23 | |Profit |- |P 509,009. 90 |P927,724. 56 |P1,223,355. 30 |P1,343,095. 43 |P1,638,082. 50 | |Total |P160,811. 50 |P1,452,687. 75 |P2,167,422. 99 |P2,712,796. 49 |P3,01 3,118. 4 |P3,396,354. 80 | |Net Cash Flow |P2,339,188. 50 |P 301,712. 25 |P 251,177. 01 |P 178,243. 51 |P 85,281. 46 |P 179,645. 20 | |Net Cash Flow Beg. |- |2,339,188. 50 |2,640,900. 75 |2,892,077. 76 |3,070,321. 27 |3,155,602. 73 | |Cash Balance Beg. |P2,339,188. 50 |P2,640,900. 75 |P2,892,077. 76 |P3,070,321. 27 |P3,155,602. 73 |P3,335,247. 93 | Wedlock Trend Dress Shoppe | |Project Balance Sheet | |For the 1st year until 5th year | | |2014 |2015 |2016 |2017 |2018 | |Asset | | | | | | |Cash |P2,640,900. 75 |P2,892,077. 76 |P3,070,321. 27 |P3,155,602. 73 |P3,335,247. 93 | |Furniture and Fixture |45,880. 00 |42,500. 00 |39,120. 00 |35,740. 00 |32,360. 00 | |(sched.I) | | | | | | |Equipment (sched. II) |87,301. 50 |66,684. 48 |49,288. 50 |31,862. 50 |11,436. 50 | |Total Assets |P 2,774,082. 25 |P 3,001,262. 24 |P3,158,729. 77 |P3,223,205. 23 |P3,382,044. 43 | | | |Liabilities & Capital | |Capital |P 2,500,000. 0 |P 2,500,000. 00 |P 2,500,000. 00 |P 2,500,000. 00 |P 2,500,000. 00 | | Taxation |274,082. 25 |501,262. 24 |658,729. 77 |723,205. 23 |882,044. 43 | |TOTAL |P 2,774,082. 25 |P 3,001,262. 24 |P3,158,729. 77 |P3,223,205. 23 |P3,382,044. 43 | Wedlock Trends : 4 partners and Capital Contribution of each is : Partner 1; P 625, 000. 0 Partner 2; P 625, 000. 00 Partner 3; P 625, 000. 00 Partner 4; P 625, 000. 00 Ratio Analysis |Profitability | | | |Average Net Income |P1,128,253. 54 |41. 06% |The profit ratio is 41. 06%, means that for every peso of sales, there is | | | | |a net profit of P. 41. | Average Net Sale |P2,747,688. 00 | | | | | |Average Net Income |P1,128,253. 54 |45. 13% |The ratio is 45. 13%, means that for every peso of sales, there is a net | | | | |profit of P. 45. | |Owners Equity |P 2,500,000. 0 | | | | | |Average Net Profit |P1,128,253. 54 |36. 30% |The contribution of total assets to the net profit is 36. 30% for every | | | | |peso worth of asset it has a profit of P. 36. | |Average Total Asset |P 3,107,864. 8 | | | | | |Liquidity | | | |Average Current Asset |P3,006,830. 09 |494. 65% |The liquidity ratio is 494. 65% or a peso of current liability is | | | | |supported by P 4. 94 or 5 worth of the current assets | |Average Current Liabilities |P 607,864. 8 | | | | | |Pay Back Capital | | | |Parnership Capital |P 2,500,000. 00 |2. 22 |The capital can be recovered within 2 years of appreciation which is | | | | |favorable. | |Average Net Income |P1,128,253. 54 | | | Schedules Schedule I – Furniture and Fixture Furniture and Fixture | |Particular |Quantity |Price |Life |Acquisition Vale |Annual Depreciation | |Sofa Set |1 |P 28,895. 00 |5 |P 28,895. 00 |P 5,779. 00 | |Office Table w/ Chair |1 |7,700. 00 |5 |7,700. 00 |1540. 00 | |Full Length Mirror |1 |2,300. 00 |5 |2,300. 00 |460. 00 | |Full Length Mirror |2 |1,600. 0 |- |3,200. 00 |- | |Plastic Chair/Monobloc |6 |390. 00 |- |2,340. 00 |- | |Jacket Stand |1 |995. 00 |- |995. 00 |- | |Umbrella |1 |450. 00 |- |450. 00 |- | |TOTAL | | | |P45,880. 00 | P 7,779. 00 | Schedule II – Equipment Equipment

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Essay

The different beliefs, characteristics and looks of different ethnicities give more diversities in a place. The differences in cultures create color in every region. It allows people to understand each other and respect each other’s differences and beliefs. On the other hand, these differences are emphasized too much that instead of being the key to a harmonious living, leads to gaps, differences and even fights (Singelis 4). In a certain region, diversity is inevitable especially in a place like the United States. The United States is the melting pot of many cultures. Over the years, the country has become the destination of people from all over the world to achieve their dream. It seems that each state has its own taste of a different culture. Aside from that, immigrants have slowly settled in the country making it much more diversified. You wouldn’t be surprised that there is a little China Town in every state. There is also a growing number of Muslims in the country. This is a good sign for us as it shows that the war does not hinder our Muslims brothers to reside in our country. They are also given the freedom to stay here whenever they want. Other nationalities such as Filipinos, Indians, Japanese and Koreans have chosen to stay in the Land of the Dreamers. The Americans are known for their quest in reaching our dreams. And that is probably one of their best attributes. It is also probably one of the reasons why a lot of people choose to settle here. They too think that they will reach their dreams by going to America. Despite the diversity that has evolved in our culture, there is still this distinct American taste that is present is the American culture. This distinction in each culture paves way for people to know each other. (Singelis 152) Each culture, ethnicity is proud of its heritage. American families, for example, are very particular in implementing the American culture. American parents taught their children to love their country and have pride that we are Americans. This is, after all, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Our families teach us to be good Americans by passing on the value of citizenship, American holiday celebrations and traditions, leadership, entrepreneurship, competition and positive attitude. On the other hand, each culture is like that. The media plays a huge role in exposing the differences in each culture. Movies, documentaries all feature distinct qualities of each culture. These differences are somehow exposed in wrong way. Most of the time, cultures are perceived based from what people hear about them. I really think that the differences in cultures and ethnicities are given too much emphasis without being aware of it. In effect, this led to conflicts and gaps between cultures. It is a sad fact that instead of being united especially in these times of crisis, we are still separated by our personal beliefs. The media would be a really good help in promoting unity. It would help if similarities are focused and if people will be taught to respect one another’s beliefs too. A good example of this would be the movie Gran Torino. The movie is about an American old guy who lives near a bunch of Hmong people. Hmongs are people from China, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand who came to the United States to find their fortune. They decided to live altogether in one neighbor so that they too can perform their traditions and gather often. The American guy and some of the Hong’s turned out to be true friends and depended on each other. It was good to see the culture of the Hmongs in the movie. It was an eye-opener to many of those who have watched it. The only similarity between the American and the Hmongs was that they both wanted to live peacefully. It happened when they got to know each other and respected their own beliefs (The Gran Torino 1). Movies like Gran Torino should be featured more often. I think it is a good thing to showcase the different distinction of each culture especially the minorities. These minorities deserve their recognition from the world. Maybe with given much time, people should get to know the history, beliefs and traditions of the many cultures and ethnicities especially if they are just in the neighborhood. It is good to know that we are uniting for the sake of living peacefully and harmoniously. Work Cited Singelis, Theodore. Teaching about Culture, Ethnicity and Diversity: Exercise and Planned Activities. California: SAGE Publishing, 1998. â€Å"The Gran Torino. † 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2009 .