Characteristics Of The Fast Food Sector Business Essay

Characteristics Of The Fast Food Sector Business Essay There is a number of fast food brands in Srilanka and fast food outlets in Colombo can be successful over other fast food outlets in other areas of srilanka because Colombo is the commercial city and capital of Srilanka with a large number of busy population. Most of rich people live in Colombo as there is easy access to everything. Colombo is divided into more than 10 parts for easy identification that are colombo1, Colombo 2à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ colombo7à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Colombo 12. Colombo 1, 2,3and 7 are the popular destinations for high profit seeker fast food outlets as there is a large number of people who dont care price. In Colombo, most fast food outlets target upper class upper middle class people only and sell junk food and beverages which contain chemicals that injurious to health. Although, and some target everybody and sell healthy food and beverages. So, there is a deficit of the high quality fast food outlets which focus everybody and sell affordable and healthy products. There is a market that can be appealed. Research objective This research will look into the internal and external barriers and find out ways and means of overcoming those identified and potential barriers for succeeding. Major objectives of this research as follows and segmented under 3 areas for better understanding and explanation. Major challenges when starting up a new fast food outlet and to survive Current trends Unique hot selling food and beverages Other international and local fast food brands in Colombo People attitudes towards fast food Poor Employee retention and satisfaction Unnecessary costs Benefits of selling healthy food and beverages Benefits to society Benefits to the outlet itself Finding possibility of selling quality and healthy fast food and beverages at low prices Identifying current healthy fast food and beverages Identifying market places that sell quality ingredients for healthy food and beverage Research background Most of the hotel restaurants are situated in Colombo 1, 2, 3,4and 7 including 5 star hotels. There is a number of fast food brands that are Belly Buster, Belliniss, Bros T, Mr. Chicos Texas, Nandos, Deli market restaurant, Dine Mor, Dominos Pizza, Hotel De Hijra, Mc Donalds, Hotel De Pillawoos, Pizza Hut, KFC, Crescat Boulevard, Majestic city food court, Excel world Food Court, etc. Most of the hotel restaurents are diversified and they sell fast food. So, there is a huge competition to attract customers and this has lead to selling anything to make profits. Research problem Most of the fast food outlets are catering upper class and upper middle class (selling non affordable fast food) and selling non-healthy food beverages. No fast food outlet in Colombo seems to get off the current pattern. So this situation will be good enough to enter this business using a research with a new theme like quality healthy food and beverages to everybody. If there is a possibility of starting up a new fast food outlet to outlet affordable quality and healthy fast food and beverages, how good it is. People in Colombo or customers buy those highly priced and non-healthy food and beverages. Maybe, they are already informed of the bad effects of eating non-healthy junk food and the reason is they have no other option like, high quality fast food outlets which sell affordable healthy products. So, if I could develop recipes for making healthy food and beverages at low prices and buy fresh vegetables and fruits at low prices it will be quite possible to sell affordable healthy food and beverages using strategies. In order to achieve this aim those issues need to be addressed. Research methodology This study will adopt qualitative research with the use of questionnaires, observations and interviews and to refer and study profitable and successful fast food outlets, success stories, etc. The questionnaire is designed for measuring the customers attitudes, perception and behavior when choosing the fast food outlets One or two successful fast food outlets managers and its employees (especially waitresses and waiters) and one or two fast food outlets managers and its employees in fast food outlets which compete to get an adequate amount of consumers would be interviewed A few fast food outlets in particular areas which attract more people than others and what people most consume at each fast food outlet and what the busiest day of each week is for each fast food outlet will be observed. Research tools Data collection methods and instruments- questionnaires Interviews (only selected personnel) Observations Characteristics of the fast food sector The fast food sector is one of the sectors of the food service industry. Quick service- food and beverages need to be served very quickly. There should not be too much waiting to serve products. Ease of access- fast food outlets should be easily accessible. Flexibility- fast food outlets should be ready to accept returns or any customer request to change what they have already bought. Limitation of the study As mentioned below, there were limitations and difficulties such as; Very limited local resources were available for reference Some waiters and waitresses were reluctant to be interviewed. There are a number of fast food brands in Colombo and therefore, some of them could not be studied Chapter 1 summary This is initially more focused on the introduction and background of the research by giving a brief introduction to the research. At the middle and latter parts of the chapter, it will elaborate the research objectives while taking about the nature of the fast food sector and research limitations. It has also discussed the significance and the gravity of the research and the research problem. Chapter 2 Literature review The term fast food relates to food that can be prepared quickly. Most of this popular type of food availed in packaged form called takeaways. The fast food industry has its roots in the for sale stands, that were part and parcel of ancient and East Asian societies. (Gaynor Borade, 2012) The concept of fast food is generally associated with urban development. Fast food outlets today are elaborate quick service outlets. The franchise operations have generated restaurant chains that offer standardized meals across the globe. On account of a low capital requirement and popularity of fast food, fast food restaurants and drive through outlets are common throughout the world. Also known as sit-ins.These restaurants cater to the dry food demands of the younger generation, extremely tight adult work schedule. (Gaynor Borade, 2012) Today, some fast food outlets sell dangerous food which contains chemicals that are injurious to health. Favorite chemicals used as part of the food making process are -titanium dioxide(found in dressings), azodicarbonamide (found in some subway breads),sodium phosphate(found in coffee in fast food joints)à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(Uttara Manohar,2012). Health problems that are brought on because of regular junk food eating-asthma, strokes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. (Uttara Manohar, 2012) I found that some ladies and gentlemen have taken step forward written articles about the bad effects of fast food to convince people who are in the dark. They propose healthy food and beverages. Does any of this sound appetizing? I think not. To indulge once in a while is all right; after all you are human enough to have cravings. What you shouldnt do is indulge to a point where it qualifies as gluttony. Treat yourself to healthy homemade foods using fresh produce instead, coupling low-sodium ingredients and all-natural add-ons. Eat your favorite junk food meal twice a month, and not more. Spread the good word. (Uttara Manohar, 2012) Eating Junk food now lead to obesity among most of youngsters and adults. (Uttara Manohar, 2012) So, needs quality and healthy food beverages As a result of a recent health revolution, fast food chains and restaurants have started the integration of all possible food nutrition in their menu. Hamburgers and French fries are probably the most famous fast foods, are nowadays made with the help of healthy low cholesterol fats, lesser oil, and whole wheat breads. Many hamburgers nowadays, have a high content of salads and vegetables in them and are made with sauces and prickles that are rich in vitamins. The fries are nowadays not deep-fried and have a low content of oil in themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Scholasticus K, 2010). Not only healthy food, Cleanliness hygiene issues are relevant to the premises, equipment and staff. Tidy premises, smart uniforms and the use of protective gloves, for instance, can all have a positive effect on the perception of the food service operation as being clean and hygienic. (Cousins et al.2002) A fast food outlet which sells healthy products is identified social responsibility and it can make profits as there are well educated and sensible people who support by writing and becoming customers of the fast food outlet which sells quality and healthy food and beverages. Strategies Normally, if any business needs to survive, it must develop strategies as the environment is always changing. There are marketing strategies, pricing strategies, etc. There are various pricing methods such as; cost-plus, prime costing methods, backward pricing, rate of return pricing, profit per customer pricing, elasticity pricing and completion pricing(Cousins et al.2002).Marketing strategies, such as; market segmentation, porter generic strategies. There are numerous Pricing strategies such as; Loss leader, demand-based pricing, etc. One of the major marketing strategies is market segmentation. Researching the market will facilitate the identification of consumers needs, wants, demands, goals and values as they relate to food and beverage products (Cousins et al.2002).there are many different ways to segment a market such as; geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral segmentations. After well identifying all the market segments that we can approach with good products, we can be sure that our business will be successful as we can satisfy the customers needs with the right product and also we can then get customer loyalty which ensures continuation of the business. Price is the element of the meal experience that also relates to value (Cousins et al.2002). So, we need to ensure that there is strategic pricing where a high-priced product might not be perceived as a low quality product and also, a low priced product might not be perceived as a low quality product. Pricing strategies are so important to get customer loyalty. Social responsibility Recognizing social responsibility and being responsible for the welfare of the society can be ultimately a good strategy as there will be support from the society to keep the organization which has set a code of business and social ethics. Social responsibility objectives stress the ethical aspects of a food service organizations objectives. These include 1. Safety of products 2.working conditions 3.honesty for example, not offering or accepting bribes or other inducements, 4.equal opportunities and 5. Pollution and other environmental concerns (Cousins et al.2002). So, when we are running the business ethically and abiding by law, the ethical society will give their vote for continuation of the business. To indulge once in a while is all right; after all you are human enough to have cravings. What you shouldnt do is indulge to a point where it qualifies as gluttony. Treat yourself to healthy homemade foods using fresh produce instead, coupling low-sodium ingredients and all-natural add-ons. Eat your favorite junk food meal twice a month, and not more. Spread the good word. (Uttara Manohar, 2012) Employee motivation and retention To succeed in any business we need a good staff or human capital that can be effective and efficient. Therefore, a fast food outlet must have appropriate recruitment and selection strategies, the right HR policy, and should keep the existing staff motivated to get the maximum productivity of them and prevent labor turnover. When it comes to motivation of employees, we need to well understand and practice the current contemporary views and theories on motivation such as Elton Mayos the human relation movement,Rensis Likerts the four systems of management, Douglas McGregors theory X and Y, Fredrick Hertzbergs hygiene theory, Abraham Maslows hierarchy of human needs, Edgar Scheins the psychological contract and career anchor, Amitai Etzionis the managers power and workers power, Carrot and stick method, etc (CTH,2011). out of them, Maslows hierarchy of human needs and Hertzbergs two factor theories are well respected. Maslow proposed a hierarchy of universal human needs representing the order in which these needs become motivators of human behavior. Human beings needs and desires are inexhaustible. As soon as one need is satisfied another appears to take its place. This is one of the most influential theories on motivation as it describes human needs and desires divided into sets or levels. The sets are physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, ego needs and self actualization. Hertzberg found that factors associated with the job environment such as; compensation, supervision, working conditions, company policy, so on, create dissatisfaction and unhappiness on the job when they are inadequate; they become dissatisfied. But removing the causes of dissatisfaction doesnt create satisfaction and it therefore doesnt motivate performance. Hertzberg called these factors hygiene factors (maintenance factors). Hertzberg found that the factors that motivate consists of opportunities in the job itself for achievement and growth such factors as recognition, achievement, advancement, responsibility, the work itself. He called these factors motivators. To start up a new fast food outlet other than buildings and equipment we need to understand corporate social responsibility that is ensuring that the fast food outlet sell quality and healthy products, the environment is not being polluted, etc , must have good strategies to win the competition and make more profits, and a great staff who can be productive. Chapter 2 summary This chapter is about literature reviews, various strategies, arguments and thoughts. At the beginning, it discusses origin of fast food outlet and at the middle; it discusses healthy and non healthy fast food beverages and its effects with reviews. At the end, the current marketing strategies which are essential to survive are discussed and one of the crucial parts that need to be addressed to succeed a business is employee satisfaction and retention is discussed. Chapter 3 Research methodology This chapter will discuss and emphasize on the methodology of this research study. Initially, formation and conceptual framework is illustrated and thereafter, it will discuss selection methods of data, reviving, identifying of variables. Afterward, study development is shown. After this, the realization and practice of this study comes under the sections of sample selection, data collection method, and data analysis and summarizing. Micro culture(internal) Internal culture for starting up a new fast food outlet and survive Cost Employment and employee retention Location, etc. Macro culture(immediate) Influence of politics, promotions, etc. Increase of fast food outlets Peoples attitudes toward fast food, etc. External macro cultural issues Other competitive industries International fast food brands, etc. Factors influencing starting up a new fast food outlet and surviving The above segmented factors (micro culture, macro culture and external macro cultural issues) are being examined and assessed under organizational and national levels. Hypothesis development Three hypothesis have been developed to study the impact of the variables Hypothesis 1: Micro culture-high initial cost, difficulty of finding employees and retaining them, poor location and lack of customer attractions, competitors hot selling food and beverages will be the barriers to start up a new fast food outlet. Hypothesis 2: Macro culture- increase of low quality fast food outlets in Colombo and they are creating a bad picture amongst the existing fast food customers towards fast food outlets will result in difficulty of attracting customers and maintaining goodwill. Hypothesis 3: External macro cultural issues- international fast food brand outlets will do more promotional activities to attract more and more customers. As a result, the new fast food outlet will not be able to attract a plenty of customers. Operationalisation of variables Concepts Variables Indicators Source form How to find answers factors influencing starting up a new fast food outlet and surviving Internal culture for starting up a new fast food outlet and survive Cost Interviews with the fast food managers Employment and employee retention Interviews with the fast food managers Risks Interviews with the fast food managers Hot selling fast food and beverages Interviews with the fast food managers and questionnaires Macro culture(immediate) Increase of fast food outlets General opinion of the public questionnaires Political influence Competitors offers and promotions Observations and Interviews with the fast food managers Market place Interviews with the vendors External macro cultural issues International fast food brands in srilanka Interviews with the international fast food brand outlet managers. Other competitive industries Methodology Sampling and selection 10 customers of each of the fast food outlets ( Dine Mor, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds, KFC, Mr. Burger King ( situated in the Malay street of Colombo 2) are taken as samples to get answers for a few questions which are included in the questionnaire. Data collection methods and instruments A questionnaire is used to find hot selling fast food and beverages among different age groups and General opinion of the public towards the fast food outlets Two or three successful fast food outlets managers including international fast food brand outlets and its employees (especially waitresses and waiters) and two or three fast food outlets managers and its employees in fast food outlets which compete to get an adequate amount of consumers would be interviewed to find answers for their cost of running the business, their classes of fittings and furniture, how they retain their employees, their hot selling products and how they interact with the public. Interviews are with vendors who sell quality ingredients for making healthy food and beverages. A few fast food outlets in particular areas which attract more people than others and what people most consume at each fast food outlet and what the busiest day of each week is for each fast food outlet will be observed. Data analysis As this is a qualitative research, this research would use deductive reasoning method. Chapter 3 summary This chapter discusses methodology of the research study. The structure, variables or the framework is considered. Thereafter, methodology, sample and data collection methods are declared. Chapter 4 Data presentation, Analysis and discussion This chapter is about data presentation, analysis and discussion. Most of the weighting is given to primary data since there was not a plenty of secondary data. It focuses on findings, discussion and analysis which cover hypothesis testing. Findings Data collected from the questionnaire 40 people were given the questionnaire. The findings are as follows; All the 50 people recommended Dine mor, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds and KFC and only 19 recommended Mr. Burger king. 22 persons favorite fast food brand is Pizza Hut, 13 persons favorite brand is Mc Donalds and the rest 15 persons brand is KFC Their favorite fast food/s Fast food Number of the people Pizza 50 Hamburger 36 Chicken submarine 41 Veggie burger 37 Fried chicken 29 Other 23 Other included fried potatoes, fried meats, etc. Their favorite beverage/s Beverage Number of the people Soft drinks like, Coca Cola 50 Fruit juices (orange juice, avocado juice, etc) 50 Ice cream 45 Level of quality of the fast foods sold by the fast food outlets in Colombo Number of the people High (KFC, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds, Dine Mor) 50 Satisfactory (Mr. Burger king) 27 Not satisfactory Time they consume fast food Number of the people At morning 7 At noon At evening 43 Number of the people who like healthy fast food and beverages is 40 ** Dine mor, Mc Donalds and KFC appear to be popular fast food brands in Colombo. Their favorite fast foods include pizza, burger and fried chicken. The people believe that level of quality of the fast food outlets (KFC, Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut, and Dine Mor) is high in Colombo. Majority of them consume fast foods at evenings. All of the people like healthy fast food and beverages. Information gathered from the interviews Cost -Average cost of the interviewed fast food outlets per month is more than Rs.300, 000 this figure includes production cost and general administration cost. -Initial cost to start a fast food outlet varies according to factors like, level of service, ambience, food and beverages, number of employees, etc. Risks -Food and beverages need to be processed in a quality setting otherwise they would be polluted. -Food and beverage production should be limited prior to the past experiences of selling. -employees would leave the organization if they are not well treated, etc. Employee retention -to retain employees there should be the right HR policy, effective employment of recruitment and selection strategies, reward systems, etc. Hot selling food and beverages -Pizza, burger, fried chicken, fried potatoes are amongst the hot selling fast foods and soft drinks like Coca Cola, fruit juices, ice creams are the hot selling beverages. Competitors offers and promotions -The competitors commonly use price reduction, buy one and get one for free promotion, free home delivery, etc. Raw material market place -prices of fruit and vegetables have been increased recently and every market place tend to sell their products at higher prices. However, directly buying from the farmers is the cheapest way but this involves additional costs such as transportation, labor costs, etc. Information gathered from the observations -The busiest times for Mc Donalds were during 3.00- 6.00 pm -The busiest times for KFC were during 4.00- 7.00 pm -The busiest times for Mr. Burger King were during 4.00-7.00 pm -The above fast food outlets have been serving for a plenty of customers at the above mentioned time ranges. -Most of the customers tended to consume fried chicken, fried potatoes, pizza and burgers. So, they were the hot selling fast foods at that time. -the hot selling beverages were fruit juices and cool coffee Analysis and discussion Analysis 1 Hypothesis 1: Micro culture-high initial cost, difficulty of finding employees and retaining them, poor location and lack of customer attractions, competitors hot selling food and beverages will be the barriers to start up a new fast food outlet. -High initial cost, difficulty of finding employees and retaining them, poor location and lack of customer attractions are the barriers to start up new fast food outlets. -Starting up of a new fast food in Colombo does not involve high initial cost, difficulty of finding of skillful employees and difficulty of retaining them, difficulty of finding a place full of customer attractions and difficulty of making competitive fast food and beverages. -Therefore, it is possible to start up this fast food outlet in Colombo. Discussion 1 High initial cost can be ignored due to that my budget is above the found average cost to run a fast food outlet in Colombo per month. Finding of skillful persons can be done using local sources such as recruitment agencies, newspaper advertisements, own website advertisements, etc. Retaining of them can be done as this research identified strategies such as motivation strategies, pricing strategies, etc. There were a number of places in Colombo which are full of customer attractions and a building can be taken on rent in such place in Colombo. Healthy fast food and beverages are going to be made with the peoples votes and so, these definitely have a market. Analysis 2 Hypothesis 2: Macro culture- increase of low quality fast food outlets in Colombo and they are creating a bad picture amongst the existing fast food customers towards fast food outlets will result in difficulty of attracting customers and maintaining goodwill. increase of low quality fast food outlets and they are creating a bad picture amongst the existing fast food customers towards fast food outlets result in difficulty of attracting customers and maintaining goodwill starting up of a new fast food outlet is not affected from increasing low quality fast food outlets in Colombo. -therefore, it is possible to start up this fast food outlet. Discussion 2 Most of the interviewed and the questionnaires peoples attitude towards fast food is positive as they say that they do not consume fast food on behalf of every meal. They voted for healthy fast food and beverages this means a fast food outlet that sell healthy fast food and beverages can be started. This fast food has no bad effect from the people as they like fast food outlets which sell quality and healthy food and beverages. Analysis 3 Hypothesis 3: External macro cultural issues- international fast food brand outlets will do more promotional activities to attract more and more customers. As a result, the new fast food outlet will not be able to attract a plenty of customers. -International fast food brand outlets do more and more promotional activities. -for starting a new fast food outlet, appropriate and competitive promotional activities were identified. -therefore, it is possible to attract a plenty of customers Chapter 4 summary Presentation, analysis and discussion of research findings were elaborated and at the same time, it compares developed hypotheses in relation with findings. Chapter 5 Conclusions and recommendations This researchs aim is to find possibility of starting up a new fast food outlet in Colombo. Therefore, this research looked into the internal and external barriers and found out ways and means of overcoming those identified and potential barriers for succeeding. When the following are satisfied it is possible to start up a new fast food outlet in Colombo. Starting up of a new fast food outlet in Colombo does not involve high initial cost, difficulty of finding of skillful employees and difficulty of retaining them, difficulty of finding a place full of customer attractions and difficulty of making competitive fast food and beverages Starting up of a new fast food outlet is not affected from increasing low quality fast food outlets in Colombo For starting a new fast food outlet, appropriate and competitive promotional activities were identified According to the research, therefore, it is possible to start up a new fast outlet in manta place, Colombo 2 which sells quality and healthy fast food and beverages. Recommendations -This fast food outlet should be open from 4.00-700 pm. -This fast food outlet should get star rating as soon as possible to prove its quality. -This fast food outlet should not sell soft drinks. -It should develop a menu of healthy fast food and beverages other than the current ones. -It should use more advertising to reach more customers. -It should sell fast food fried chicken, pizza, burger, etc without other ingredients which make people fatty. -It should have a good waste disposal system that ensures protection of the environment. -It should build attractive exterior to attract customers -It should maintain goodwill with customers Word count=4468 Reference list Books COUSINS, JOHN.FOSKETT, DAVID.GILLEPSIE, CAILEIN. (2002)Food and Beverage Management, second edn.Harlow: Pearson Education Limited JEFFREY, S. and CATHY, A. (2005) Hospitality Strategic Management, New Jersey: John Wiley Sons Articles -Borade, GAYNOR. (2012) History of the Fast Food Industry. Fast food (March) Available from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-the-fast-food-industry.html -Jathar, rutuja. (2011) Junk Fast Food. Fast Food, (September) Available from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/junk-food-list.html -Manohar, uttara. (2012)Fast Food Facts: Effects of Fast Food. Fast Food, (March) Available from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fast-food-facts-effects-of-fast-food.html Mascarenhas, cherly. (2012) Healthy Fast Food Drinks. Fast Food, (April) Available from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/healthy-fast-food-drinks.html -Perera, Mangala. (2012) Sri Lankas F and B industry now fastest growing sector. Business Times, (January) Available from: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120122/BusinessTimes/bt10.html -CTH (2011) Human Resource Management Available from: www.cthresources.com , p. 24-34

The Not So Great Gatsby Essay -- essays research papers

The Superficial Gatsby   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel entitled The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby is at times made out to be better than us. At first glance he is sophisticated, using big words and claiming that he is an 'Oxford man.'; But when we look closer we can easily see that this man is a farce. Much of this man has been shrouded in mystery. We know very little about his past until later in the book. We don't know where he was born, who his parents are, or where all of his money came from. He frequently disappears form Nick's view seemingly without a trace. All of these things make him out to be somebody of real importance but by looking closely we can gather an abundance of evidence to the contrary. We see that he is just a man looking for the lost love of his life, Daisy. He is a man looking for the American dream and when he does not find it, we see at last that he is just like the rest of us.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The word great is somewhat vague in meaning. Whether someone is great or not often times depends on the person judging them. My personal beliefs as far as greatness are concerned are not very complicated. When I think of someone who is or was great, I think of Jackie Robinson, Louis Armstrong, and Albert Einstein. These are all people who affected the way we live and have changed our society as a whole for the better. My parents are great; my teachers are great, and my coaches are great. All of those people have a lot of influence directly over me and they are always changing me for the better. A truly great person has to make sacrifices and be very brave. Jackie Robinson was the first black person to enter the major leagues. To face the kind of racism that he faced and still perform the way he did is a feat hat I don't think I could do. His bravery and grace under pressure has earned him a place among the greats. He is a wonderful example of greatness, and there are many more like him. Not everyone has the same kind of standard for greatness as I do. Another part of being great is growing up from an impoverished background. Some people, like the two kids who murdered thirteen kids at Littleton High, think that Hitler was a great man. Some people think that Stalin and Milosevic are great. These dictators did not rise to power without support from other people. People fought and died for these tyran... ...s life by loving her and doing the best he could to get her back. Daisy's problem is that she is pushed around a little too easy and just like that she seemingly forgets everything between Gatsby and herself. But being a great person is more than just those few things. Being a great person means being great and living up to that standard for most of your life. Most really great people continue to meet the standard of being great for a long time. That is part of what makes them so great. Jay Gatsby has turned his past life in to a fraud. Jay Gatsby who, for his own purposes, would break up a marriage. These are not traits of a truly great man.Then we come to the question: Why? Why would Fitzgerald name the book 'The Great Gatsby?'; I believe it is because Nick is the narrator and does see him as great. When I was finished reading this novel I did not come off thinking not thinking 'wow that man was really great.'; I came off thinking (among other things) 'wow that title is not acc urate'; because there is an abundance of evidence to the contrary even when it is presented by a narrator that thinks he is great. I believe that is what Fitzgerald wanted us to think (among other things).

Domestic Violence And Its Effects Essay

Domestic Violence And Its Effects Introduction            This essay the main women characters in ‘Trifles’ by Susan Glaspell and ‘Sweat’ by Zora Neale Thurston to explore domestic violence. The two plays form an ideal pair which explores domestic violence and its effects in the society. The essay considers how this issue is dramatized differently by Glaspell and Zora. By examining the two novels together, in the limelight of domestic violence and its impacts, the essayist will better discern, in relief, of the two plays achieve success and continues to fascinate the readers. Both novelists explore the relation between the legal narrative, official and illegitimate, suppressed stories, in which the females and the male’s version of conflict ascend over one another and the fate of women, determine their trials. In Trifles, the law is bent and the context of the women replaces the context of men in the court.            Domestic violence or emotional abuse is a behaviour used by one spouse to take control of the other. Forms of domestic abuse include sexual abuse, emotional, physical and economical, and can range from coercive, subtle forms of misuse to brutal physical abuse that may result to death or .disfigurement. Domestic violence affects those involved together with their substantial families, co-workers, friends and community at large. This crime affects children brought up in such families seriously. It subjects them to numerous physical and social problems. This creates a significant chance of increasing the risks of such children becoming the society’s next victims and abusers. The Trifle and the Sweat will give us a great opportunity of exploring some forms of domestic violence and their effects to the victims.            Susan Glaspell and Zora Neale Hurston lived during the early 1900s (Wagner-Martin, pp. 33). During this period, the role of the women in the society was being submissive to men as well as taking care of the domestic duties and responsibilities. This took place in all rural areas. Women hardly worked in order to support their families financially (Lupton, pp. 46). Their principal duties were to take care of children and attend other household duties. As a result, females were placed in the second class status where they were not considered as intelligent as men and were subjected to abuse. The two plays capture the struggles faced by women during this time. Males regard women in the plays with all the formulaic trappings in the setting of the rural American. Nevertheless, Glaspell and Hurston show women rarely fit the stereotype and should never be underestimated at all.            The society during this time had great influence on the way people lived, and could either liberate or oppress based on their standards of living. The society believed in the male superiority and women were oppressed and discontented with their lives. The women in the ‘Sweat’ and the ‘Trifles’ are alienated from their spouses as a result of traditional beliefs that dictate that women should be submissive, the males should dominate marriages, and the need of possessions to facilitate a happy marriage (Lupton, pp. 48).            The Sweat tells the story of a hero Delia Jones, who washes clothes for the whites in Florida town. She used to use the money she got to support her family (Hurston, pp.77). Nevertheless, Delia is married to an unkind man, Sykes. He is abusive to Delia, both physically and mentally. He has an affair with another lady and he uses the money earned by Delia to comfort his mistress. One day, he brings a rattle snake to his house in order to abuse Delia. Ironically, the snake kills him. As the play ends up the author makes the reader under that Delia does no effort to save the life of her abusive husband as he lay dying of bites inflicted by the snake.            Married women are unequally treated. They are required to do all domestic works and be submissive to their spouses. They are required to do things in order to please their husbands. Delia is abused by Sykes who physically beats her from time to time. As a result, domestic violence washes out the love between them. This is evident from the passive response of Delia when her husband suffers from the pains inflicted into his body by the rattle snake which he had brought into the house to abuse Delia. The narrator makes the theme clear by the reaction of Delia. Where there is abuse in marriage, suppressed parties will always want to revenge to the evil did by their husbands. Delia reacts with less concern about the pain her husband is going through as a way of revenging the abuse she has been going through the married life.            Domestic violence causes unfair treatment to the passive party. In the very beginning of the story, the writer makes the reader witness how women are used to attending all domestic chores. At this time, there were no employment opportunities for women more so the blacks. Nevertheless, Sykes is very unsympathetic to the needs of Delia who works for very little money in the laundry. He refuses to work and leaves his wife with all financial responsibilities. When Sykes tries to beat his wife, she says, † Looka heah, Sykes, you done gone too far. Ah, been married to you fur fifteen years and Ah been takin in washing for fifteen years. Sweat sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!† (Hurston, pp.89). This clearly shows that in families dominated by domestic families, the life is so unfulfilling to the spouse affected and there is no love for each other.            Marriages dominated by violence are subject to threats to each other. Sykes keeps on beating his wife and repeatedly uses threats such as â€Å"Don’t give me no lip neither, else Ah’ll throw em out and put ma fist upside yo head to boot.† (Hurston, pp. 91). Ironically, the society knows what happening between the two spouses but they believe that what happens in marriages is too personal to question.            Domestic violence leads to unfaithfulness and hatred in marriages. The novel reveals that Sykes carries publicly affairs with another woman. To make the matters worse, he uses the hardly earned money by his wife to comfort the mistress. Sykes keeps on telling Delia that she is too thin and that his other partner is fatter, just to make Delia inferior to his mistress. One day as Delia comes from work she sees the two in a general store. Sykes publicly embarrasses her and says he has no problem with spending her wife’s hard earned money with his mistress. That very night she confronts her husband and the two confess hatred to one another. The author makes the reader understand that domestic violence is accompanied by hatred and misuse of one another. In the end, Delia revenges back in order to get the inner peace. When Delia is hiding in the hangar from the rattlesnake, Hurston writes, â€Å"A period of introspection, a space of retrospection, and then a mixt ure of both. Out of this an unpleasant calm.† (Hurston, pp. 78) Possibly this is all Delia will ever find to pacify her soul.            Domestic violence is characterised by conflicts as seen in the case of Sykes and her wife. The conflict between the two starts when Delia brings her work in the house. Sykes is angered when he comes home and finds his wife sorting the cloths of her bosses. He verbally abuses her and tells her that he does not want the laundry in their home. He also attacks his wife on religious conviction. He wants her to respect the Sabbath day and keep it holy by not working. Delia tells him that her work caters for their home and wins them their daily bread. As a result, the author makes the reader understand that domestic violence makes parties not appreciate the roles of their spouses. They are always at the blame of each other and the marriage is dominated by criticism as evident in the marriage between Delia and Sykes.            Domestic violence leads to murderous deeds in marriages. As a result of the hatred, adulterous behaviours and abuse of one another the feeling of killing the abusive party enters into the other party. For instance, as Trifles opens, Henderson asks Mr. Hale to explain to him what happened. Mr. Hales responds by narrating a series of events which led to his discovery on murder, more so his conversation with Mrs. Wright, whom he found in the kitchenette with the body of his husband laying carelessly. He says, â€Å"I was surprised; she did not ask me to come up to the stove, or to set down, but just sat there, not even looking at me, so I said, ‘I want to see John.’ And then she-laughed† (Glaspell, pp.37). The narrator makes it clear that Mrs. Wright never minds about the death of her husband as laughed at him when he demanded to see her husband. Glaspell presents Mrs. Wright as a woman who had no feminine hysteria behaviour.            Domestic violence leads to neglect of the spouses: Neglect can be said to be ignorance, or lack of giving proper attention to one another. Neglect is a major form of domestic abuse faced by many females today’s society. This form of abuse is rarely reported to the concerned authorities as women make mere excuses in regard to those behaviours. Mrs. Wright of Trifle though she is a fiction character suffers the neglect as many women of today. Before the marriage, she was known for her pretty dress which she used to attend to choir with. This personality depicted the confidence and respect she had for herself. After marriage, her life makes significant changes. She had no children and used to stay alone in the house that she occupied together with her husband. She used to stay at home alone for many hours attending family duties.            Domestic violence leads to suppression of the spouses: Where violence exists there is always suppression of another. This argument is supported by the two novels. In trifles, Mr. Wright suppresses and dominates his wife. The suppression makes her be unable to take part in society as she wished to. John Wring does not mind about how her wife thought or wished. The same suppression and the indifferences between the two can be seen as the possible drive for accusations made against Mrs. Wright for murdering her husband while in his sleep. References Ben-Zvi, Linda. â€Å"‘Murder, she wrote’: The genesis of Susan Glaspell’s Trifles.† Theatre Journal 44.2 (1992): 141-162. Glaspell, Susan. â€Å"Trifles. Plays by Susan Glaspell.† (1991). Hilton, Leon. â€Å"Trifles, by Susan Glaspell.† Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory 21.1 (2011): 147-149. Hurston, Zora Neale. Sweat. Rutgers University Press, 1997.Lupton, Mary Jane. â€Å"Zora Neale Hurston and the Survival of the Female.† The Southern Literary Journal (1982): 45-54. Wagner-Martin, Linda, and Cathy N. Davidson, Eds. The Oxford book of women’s writing in the United States. Oxford University Press, 1999. Source document

Benefits Of Using Needle Exchange Programs - 1529 Words

Are drug users people too? The health and safety of all people is crucial. It’s important keeping drug dependent people free of HIV this prevents its spread to their partners and their children. In order to provide necessary care, free sterilized needles should be given to drug users. The public should be advised of positive effects of needle exchange programs and warned of the risks of not supplying adequate syringes. The provocative idea of giving drug addicts clean needles to help slow the spread of HIV/AIDS was first broached in 1985. This concept has been under research ever since. Harm reduction approaches for those who inject drugs, including the distribution of clean needles and syringes, are proven interventions to prevent transmission of HIV and other blood-borne viruses, and are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other leading public health agencies. Much examination has been undertaken to prevent the spread of these deadly diseases. In the meantime, AIDS has spread more rapidly among intravenous drug users than any other group. Needle Exchange programs have been set in place all over the world to test its effects. A needle exchange program is defined as: Any program intended to slow the spread of AIDS (and hepatitis C) among IV drug abusers (IVDAs), in which a governmental or charitable agency exchanges sterile needles for dirty, potentially contaminated needles used by IVDAs when injecting (â€Å"shooting†) heroin or other substances. SmallShow MoreRelatedMethadone Clinics1161 Words   |  5 PagesMethadone Clinics and Needle Exchange Programs: Critical Thinking There are many people in the world today that are drug addicts and cannot quit by themselves which is where the methadone clinics come into the picture. Methadone reduces the withdrawal symptoms therefore making it easier to quit drugs. 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