SWOT of Mercedes Essay Example for Free

SWOT of Mercedes Essay Qualities Due to Mercedes is a main of car organizations and lead other producer around the globe. It is settled, gives excellent vehicles, and appreciates awesome marking, acquiring itself a lot of regard and eminence. It is a notable supplier of extravagance, offering strong structure and expertly tuned ride comfort, making them one the most agreeable vehicles to ride. The organization is likewise showcase insightful, with great access to worldwide circulation with a variety of understandings and collusions. Shortcomings The incredible quality implies that they are cost is extravagant, with a significant part of the expense subsequently design. The solid marking which advances this has positives and negatives shoppers like a decent brand, yet significant expenses can likewise be an issue. Advancement is one away from of shortcoming. The companys limited time battles are uncommon, and the vehicles set aside a long effort to make, which can prompt anxious clients. As of late, UAW contracts have thrown the organization under a negative light. Mercedes Benz ought not dismiss the consistently changing business sector base. What's more, watch out for the necessities of the buyer, and the contenders. Opportunity There will consistently be a lot of chances for Mercedes-Benz, which can prompt higher benefits and future extension. The new perfect vitality vehicles will be the future, and will be a significant new open door for the organization on the off chance that they can make sure about the correct innovation. Blasting vehicle showcases on the planet offer new places to sell, and the sharpening of effectively settled highlights will guarantee that new clients will need to buy from Mercedes-Benz. Dangers Rivalry is expanding, as new and overwhelming Asian vehicle markets move towards the worldwide stage. Japan and America have expanded vehicle charge for enormous extravagance vehicles, which makes them less attractive. There are additionally increasingly unobtrusive social and social elements which could have ramifications for productivity later on.

Intelligence gathering Essay Example for Free

Knowledge gathering Essay The essential target of insight gathering â€Å"†¦is to manage future threat, not to rebuff past wrongdoings. † This rings particularly evident in the realm of psychological oppression. In spite of the fact that you are not looking to rebuff past violations, you can't limit their convenience when endeavoring to comprehend what's to come. Data is unending as far as amount. There are no restrictions to the assets that can make valuable and reasonable data. Maybe the best wellspring of data is what originates from human sources. In any case, in law authorization the utilization of covert officials and sources is restricted. The expenses and dangers related with such tasks are exponential. Additionally, a significant number of the fear monger gatherings and sorted out abhor bunches are shut social orders and are hard to penetrate. â€Å"To attack Iraq without planning to convey quickly and educate appropriately the powers important to build up request, ensure the occupants rich social heritage, and defend the material framework of government and the wellbeing framework is scarcely to show worry for genuine individuals as recognized from theoretical thoughts. † (Thomas 2003 4). Nor is Ð ° assurance not to count in any event the non military personnel Iraqi dead and disfigured, the inadvertent blow-back, in a manner of speaking, of freedom. Nor is leaving Afghanistan wrecked the better to seek after Ð ° war of decision and opportunity however barely need in the Middle East, Nor is willed amnesia about the destiny of the Central American nations where, for the sake of majority rules system during the Reagan years, neo-preservationists supported war as opposed to cultivating bargain and utilizing the social change that may have offered substance to law based structures. Be that as it may, these demonstrations and oversights are completely steady with Ð ° critical force imparting bargain to the hard defenders of an unadorned closed-mindedness. Also, they are reliable too with Ð ° feeling that organization pragmatists and neo-traditionalists seem to have together, which is lack of interest to what liberal helpful people consider basic: due respect for the assessment of our old equitable partners and due worry for the lives of the people groups we propose to democratize. â€Å" (Thomas 2004 11). Along these lines, a significant part of the data accumulated originates from customary sources, for example, reports, court orders, unknown tips, open area, and records the executives frameworks. This data is utilized to populate different analytical databases. When examining Ð ° wrongdoing or creating answers to progressing examples, arrangement, or patterns, law requirement staff frequently depend upon various databases and records the executives frameworks. â€Å"One unsurprising yet little commented outcome of the shock submitted in America on 9/11 has been an upsurge of scholastic enthusiasm for the investigation of fear based oppression. The quantity of US foundations and research focuses and think thanks which have now added this subject to their exploration plans or, at times, have been recently settled to have some expertise in this field has mushroomed. In Britain and other European nations the expansion in intrigue has been increasingly unassuming: a few colleges are presently starting to select authorities in fear mongering studies to show the subject as a component of the educational plan of political theory or universal relations. However all through European scholarly community there is still Ð ° profound situated hesitance, if not out and out refusal, to perceive that considering fear as Ð ° weapon, regardless of whether by sub-state gatherings or systems, is Ð ° genuine and fundamental academic movement. The vast majority of the standard British initial messages on governmental issues and universal relations make no reference to the idea of fear based oppression, or on the off chance that they do it is just to excuse it in light of the fact that it is essentially Ð ° pejorative term for guerrilla fighting and opportunity battling. Similarly astounding is the disregard of the utilization of dread by systems and their security powers. The oversight of Ð ° reference to these marvels in the early on writings is all the additionally surprising taking into account the way that from the beginning of time systems have been liable for battles of mass dread, of Ð ° lethality and damaging tendency far more prominent in scale than those pursued by sub-state gatherings. (Mary 2003 25) â€Å"It takes little creative mind to see that the occasions of September 11 conveyed Ð ° significant stun to Americas feeling of its relationship with the outside world. Observers inside and outside the United States endeavored to discover words to communicate their feeling of the hugeness of the assaults. The assaults were Ð ° â€Å"wake-up call for Americans. † They established the â€Å"end of American innocence,† Ð ° last hit to Americas special situation of separation from the chaotic and brutal clashes that cursed less preferred nations. America had now unequivocally entered the â€Å"real world† of universal legislative issues, its â€Å"illusion of invulnerability† at long last broke. A significant suspicion behind these responses was that Americas position toward the outside world could and should change as Ð ° consequence of these occasions. American noninterference (to the extent that it despite everything existed), its propensity to act singularly, in reality its popular â€Å"exceptionalism† itself should definitely offer path to an affirmation that the United States was much the same as some other force. What exact approach suggestions may spill out of such acknowledgment was up 'til now muddled; it was sufficient that the occasions of September 11 comprised Ð ° defining moment in American remote relations. The world, it was said over and again, could never be the equivalent again, and neither would America. Reproduction activities of psychological oppressor circumstances which have happened can be incredibly valuable. Exercises can be scholarly. Reaction designs and arranging positions must be seen in the more extensive setting of government approach making. Issues appeared by recreation can be inspected with Ð ° view to arrangement are strategy producers arranged for Ð ° potential emergency or not? Correspondences breakdown, working experiencing some miscommunication and the effect of basic complication are normal troubles. Fear based oppressor strategies and procedures change and this can strain the abilities of the specialists to react adequately. â€Å" (John 2004 33-36).

Importance of Understanding Culture in International MA

Importance of Understanding Culture in International MA We can name several huge mergers that ultimately failed, and we can also point out several reasons for these failures. It could be that there is a lack of forward-thinking among the parties involved, or it could also be that not enough research was conducted to fully justify the merger or acquisition. In some cases, the two companies have completely opposing visions, and they do not really meet halfway, enough to merit business integration, or to make one work. Poor governance and weak leadership are also instrumental in single-handedly destroying a deal, and poor communication among the parties will only drive the nail even further. These are all true, even when we speak of MA on a larger scale, specifically international MA. © Shutterstock.com | Vector GoddessIn this article, we will explore 1) international MA and 2) the role of culture in international MA, take a look at an example of 3) Daimler with Crysler and Mitsubishi, and finalize with 4) contributing factors to cultural integration.INTERNATIONAL MAThe increasing activity in international markets is continuously stirring the global business landscape, tempting more and more businesses to get a piece of the action. Thus, they look into various international market entry strategies and entering into cross-border transactions, with their eyes set on creating, or being part of, a global network of businesses. It’s simple, really. Entry into new markets means greater opportunities, faster growth, and higher profit.The Wall Street Journal is touting 2015 to be the “biggest MA year ever”, with 112 deals announced in the beginning of December 2015, involving small to large companies from all over the world. Data providers said that the global MA v olume is now estimated at $4.304 trillion.Some of the international MA deals announced include the acquisition of London’s SABMiller plc by Anheuser-Busch InBev for $108 billion. The Belgium-based company is currently the world’s largest brewer, and SABMiller happens to be the second-largest brewer, in terms of revenue. Another international MA that is getting a lot of press is the acquisition of Pfizer Inc. of Dublin-based Allergan PLC for around $160 billion.Granted, these MA deals have only been announced, and whether they will succeed or not will be seen in the coming months. There is still that probability that the MA will not close, and it could be due to several reasons, most of which have been mentioned earlier.Some of the main reasons for failure of international MAs include:Lack of involvement of the owners, who are operating under the assumption that, once they hire professional advisors to oversee the deal, their work is done. That is not the case, because the adviso rs are only supposed to provide advice and assistance; it is the owners who must be directly involved every step of the way.Unrealistic expectations. On paper, the numbers may look good, and anyone looking at it may think that there is no way the deal will not succeed. However, due to lack of research and realistic analysis, the theoretical valuation may not coincide with the practical proposition of the benefits that are expected to arise from the merger.Poor execution of the integration process. Many think that the deal is done once the integration has been performed; they fail to consider the post-merger integration stage, where there are still critical areas that need to be addressed. After the merger, there may be inefficiencies that fail to be dealt with immediately, so the integration is not as clear as they would have wanted.Cost inefficiencies. It is possible for the companies undergoing integration to hemorrhage cash during the integration. They may end up investing more t han they can actually earn back in the long run, which is a sure way to make the deal fail. These may also arise from errors incurred during the negotiation process.But there is one factor that is seen by most as the most pervasive reason for failure, particularly in international MA: culture.THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN INTERNATIONAL MACulture, by itself, cannot be seen as a reason for international MA deals failing to close, or giving the results expected by the parties after the integration. What makes culture a stumbling block in many MA deals are the differences that arise during the integration.The term “culture” is not strictly confined to the set of characteristics or norms that differentiate one country or nationality to another (although national culture can also get in the way of MA, as will be discussed later). When we say culture in the context of international MA, it specifically means the cultural gap in the corporate or organizational cultures of the merging companies. Organizational culture refers to that set of values, norms and assumptions that govern how the people within an organization act, interact, and work on a daily basis.MA denotes a partnership, or a relationship that both will benefit from. In order for a solid relationship to establish, it is important to know who your partner is. Looking at their culture is one way to go about it.In order to understand the importance of culture awareness when it comes to international MA, let us look into its role, or how it shapes mergers and acquisitions.Culture â€" whether national or organizational culture â€" will give you a clearer understanding on a company’s way of doing business. Much of the daily and regular operations of a business are driven by culture, and you will be able to feel a bit more of the “pulse” of a business by first acquainting yourself with their culture.Understanding culture will provide explanations on what the target company does differently from the acquiring co mpany. But it is not enough that you know what the differences are; the most important part is understanding why these differences exist. By understanding their culture, you will be in a better position to figure out whether the two companies will be compatible, and also get an indication on the level of success of the MA.Since culture essentially refers to the way of doing things, it also means that it affects how a business is managed. Many cross-border MAs have failed, pointing to mismanagement as the main reason. However, when they dig deeper, it is often seen that the new manager had a management style that was deemed unfamiliar by the workforce. A classic example was the failure of the US’ Walmart when it attempted to enter Germany by acquiring two German companies â€" Wertkauf and Interspar â€" in 1997 and 1998, respectively. The Germans questioned the leadership of the American managers, because they simply did not understand that it is how the Americans do it.The culture of the target company is also indicative of the culture of the market being entered. If there is anyone who knows the market best, it is the company that actually operates in it. Therefore, one way to gain an understanding of the market is by looking at the culture of the company being acquired or merged with.DAIMLER WITH CHRYSLER AND MITSUBISHIAutomobile giant Daimler is a good example of international MA gone wrong, when it was involved in a couple of major cross-border or international deals: first with Chrysler, and then with Mitsubishi.DaimlerChysler AGLet us first take a look at one of the pivotal and most publicized international MA deals that went south due to cultural differences.The merger between Daimler and Chrysler in 1998 made waves in the global business landscape. Here, you have two of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world â€" Germany’s Daimler and United States’ Chrysler â€" merging as “equals”. It was even called by many as a “marriage made in heaven”. The result was DaimlerChrysler AG.In 2007, barely 10 years after the historic merge, the two companies decided to split, with Daimler selling Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management for over $6 billion.Cultural differences were identified as the main culprit of the failure of the $38 billion merger between these two giants. Apparently, there was a wide cultural gap in the two companies’ corporate cultures. Daimler’s was described as “conservative, efficient, and safe”. The Detroit-based company Chrysler, on the other hand, was “daring, diverse, and creating”.One difference that was cited was the attitude of the employees to hierarchy. Over at Daimler, they are used to having a clear and unambiguous chain of command. The ranking persons of authority are at the top, and they deserve all the respect from the subordinates below them. Chrysler, however, utilizes a more egalitarian approach, encouraging a team-oriented atmosphere among its people.This is bound to b e problematic for Chrysler, which is not used to having to kowtow to anyone in authority. There was also the fact that some were not entirely convinced that it was a merger of equals between the two companies. Some critics said that, rather than an equal merger, it was Daimler acquiring Chrysler, so there was an expectation that Chrysler should adhere to the culture of the former. This naturally led to mistrust between the groups of employees of the two companies. It certainly did not help any when the Daimler executives were seen as “high-handed” in imposing their culture on the people of Chrysler.There was also the difference between how the two companies viewed what is important to their clients. According to Daimler, customers value reliability in their automobiles, and they expect nothing less than the best quality. Chrysler, the daring and creative one, insisted that customers prefer more flash and style, so it put more emphasis on the designs and competitive pricing. As a result, they were not coordinate or cohesive on how the manufacturing process should go, resulting in division.Daimler and MitsubishiThis is a classic case of national culture causing differences between two companies in an MA. After the merge, DaimlerChrysler wanted to enter the Asian market, and what better way to do that than by striking an alliance with one of the major players in the Asian automotive market?DaimlerChrysler started an alliance with Mitsubishi Motors and, right off the bat, the major differences between German culture and Japanese culture were causing conflicts. Daimler either did not care, or they were not aware, of the Japanese “way of doing business”.The Japan business culture was deeply grounded on trust, empathy and paying attention to how others are feeling. German business culture is more on the pragmatic side, putting more stock on facts and figures, and paying little to no heed to personal relationships.The Japanese workforce of Mitsubishi Alliance also did not take kindly to the people of Daimler barging in and giving orders as if they are in their home turf. The Japanese tend to be territorial, and this applies to business as well. Having complete strangers telling them what to do â€" in their own territory â€" clearly did not sit well with them.There was also a marked difference in the orientation of the two cultures in terms of their goals. The Japanese are more long-term oriented, meaning they are patient, so they were not easily swayed by the initial difficulties that besieged Mitsubishi Motors at the time. Daimler, however, was looking at the short-term. They saw the financial difficulties as indications that the company is not in good shape financially. Since they were not seeing immediate profits coming in, they saw no point in investing further. This resulted to the two companies being more distant than ever, leading to the dissolution of their alliance.In both cases, Daimler’s aggressive “it’s our way or the h ighway” attitude in leading posed problems, since they were imposed on cultures that were not used to it.CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO CULTURAL INTEGRATIONLike it or not, culture has a great impact on business. It also goes without saying that, in MA, cultural integration takes a lot of work. It’s actually quite a sensitive area that people engaged in MA must tread with caution. Here are some factors that would make cultural integration smoother, paving the way for international MA deals.Awareness of partner’s corporate and national culture. Knowing who your potential business partner is means looking into how they do business, and how their unique national or regular culture influence the way they do things.Leadership and leadership support. Understand how they lead, if there is a chain of command and how it works. This entails getting a feel of their business hierarchy, or how authority is established and followed through. It is also highly advised that the integration take steps to empower local management. Employees of an acquired company may be aware of, and accepting of the fact, that they have been acquired by another company, and that there are bound to be changes. However, it takes time for them to get used to new leadership and new leadership styles. By empowering local management, they will have a smoother transition, and help facilitate the integration.Skills and training. People governed by a certain organizational culture are likely to have a different way of acquiring skills and expertise. By knowing what these are, the potential partners will be in better positions to reconfigure the organizational framework that will best benefit the new partnership.Sufficiency and consistency of communication. Communication is one of the most important ingredients of a successful business. By bridging cultural differences, you are also encouraging the smooth flow of communication and, in the process, facilitating the buildup of trust between and among the emp loyees of the two companies.When undergoing global or international MA, there are possible two ways to prevent cultural differences from destroying a potentially successful merger or acquisition.Agree to set aside cultural differences. This is the aggressive tack, since it literally forces the parties to ignore the cultural issues that may arise.Allow the local business to run its unit, while keeping profit targets and strategy clear.Often, the acquiring company would want to maintain its own culture, or have its own culture prevail over that of the acquired company. This was what took place with DaimlerChrysler AG. Daimler wanted to enforce its organizational culture on Chrysler.Where did it go wrong? There are several possibilities, which include the attitude adopted by Daimler when trying to enforce its culture, and how it went about infusing Chrysler’s culture into its own.In the process of evaluating a potential MA, it is highly recommended that the companies thoroughly asses s the culture of their target company or acquisition. More specifically, they should evaluate whether the culture of the target acquisition is compatible with theirs. Not only will this smoothen the integration, but increase the chances of the merger or acquisition becoming successful and profitable in the long run.Whatever decision was made by the merging companies, it is important to choose only one culture, and commit to it. The parties should sit down and have a good talk about it, reveal the gaps that they are faced with and reconcile if there is a need to do so, and put the chosen culture into practice. Managing the culture actively is the next phase, and this is left in the hands of the managers and executives of the companies.Culture clashes are already a given in any international or cross-border MA. They could make or break the entire MA process. Thus, it is important to pay as much attention to culture as you do to other aspects of MA.

Lafayette vs. Napoleon True Revolutionary - 2498 Words

Lafayette vs. Napoleon: True Revolutionary Like many revolutionaries, Napoleon and Lafayette were both beloved by their followers and were forever praised for their accomplishments. There were different angles taken by each individual to reach their goal. As we find out in Lafayette in Two Worlds by Lloyd Kramer, Lafayette’s influence on America and how his legacy in both the American and French revolutions assisted one another to make him a important figure in both societies. In Felix Markham’s Napoleon, Napoleon is a revolutionary at heart, beginning in his childhood days. He wants the fame and power of a revolution and achieves it by climbing up the political ladder. It is important to understand that while both Lafayette and Napoleon†¦show more content†¦From the rich to the poor, from the governments to the protesters. This is because Lafayette would listen to the people and what it is they wanted. On Wednesday mornings, for example, the commander in chief would receive any citizen who visited headquarters. All of these interactions formed a direct bond between Lafayette and the crowd, a bond that deputies feared and the government respected. (Kramer 236) The people looked toward â€Å"Lafayette as their defender† (Kramer 236). And the government saw Lafayette as a mediator between the people and themselves. For the most part Lafayette loved this. He loved his country and he wanted to do anything he could to help the people of his country out. Because the people respected Lafayette in every manner, he was able to keep people calm. When there would be tension between the people and the government, it was Lafayette that would be able to calm the people to follow law and order. This love from the people is what allowed Lafayette to accomplish so many things. In 1791, Lafayette had lost his political and military power in France. With the French Revolution of 1830, this gave him the opportunity to regain the powers that he had lost and wants to regain. His role would be limited through, basically being â€Å"a symbolic status that constantly shaped and limited his action and influence† (Kramer 227). When Lafayette returned to Paris, he started to reinstate some of the ideas and precedents back from when he was in

The Mammoth Task Of Completing Any Serious Evaluative...

The mammoth task of completing any serious evaluative process requires teamwork, determination, and a sense of urgency. The hours of analyzing, reading, studying documents, collaborating, and meetings can drain the most ardent staff. In the case of DSU’s 2013 Year One Evaluation, a 28-person committee, two peer evaluators, the President, and clerical staff labored many hours to complete the necessary reports. The comprehensive evaluation involved many more persons. Notable Similarities between the Two Evaluations The Comprehensive Evaluation of 2012 and the Year One Evaluation of 2013 bore many similarities. For one, the same ALO and ISAAC conducted both evaluations. The ISAAC is appointed and serves for a two-year period and, thus, was the same group in 2013 as it was in 2013. In fact, Bryant and Brown still serve as 2015-2016 co-chairs (â€Å"ISAAC Membership,† 2015, p. 1). The ALO serves an indeterminate length and, as of November 2015, was still Debra Bryant. The tone of both evaluations and their attendant reports are overwhelmingly positive and one is left with a positive view of DSU from them. One of the reasons that 2013 offers such a bright outlook is the fact that the administration, staff, faculty, and students of the university made a determined effort to address the concerns of the 2012 committee. This course of action meant that the 2013 report reflected a considerable effort on the stakeholders’ part to ensure that the university received a positiveShow More RelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesSaddle River, New Jersey 07458. All rights reserved. Manufactured in the United States of America. This publication is protected by Copyright, and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission(s) to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions DepartmentRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagesprinted on acid-free paper. Copyright  © 2009, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995, 1992, 1989, 1986, 1981, 1976 John Wiley Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization

Dementia How and Whom Does It Affect Free Essays

Running Head: DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 1 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Liberty University COUNS 502 B-23LUO Instructor: Dr. Richard Pace Shelly M. Becker March 5, 2013 DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 2 Abstract Although dementia is often viewed as an â€Å"old person’s disorder, its effects ripple down in many directions such as family, caregivers, finances, and the healthcare system, leaving behind many unanswered questions and confusion for all. We will write a custom essay sample on Dementia: How and Whom Does It Affect? or any similar topic only for you Order Now The purpose of this paper will be to answer some of these questions, so that a better understanding of dementia will be possible. By doing so through research already performed, articles written on the subject, and information found in books written by experts in the fields of gerontology, developmental disorders (neurological), and dementia specifically, the average reader will be able to define dementia, understand basic concepts and theories of causation, explain the progression of this disorder, and fully appreciate the potential and real effects this disorder has on the individual, caregivers, costs (both for the individual and society), and lastly, learn coping strategies to help all affected make the best out of a debilitating disorder of the brain. Keywords: dementia, gerontology, neurological, developmental disorders, caregivers DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 3 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Introduction Although dementia is often viewed as an â€Å"old person’s† disorder, it affects ripple down in many directions such as to family, caregivers, finances, and the healthcare system, leaving behind many unanswered questions and confusion for all. Based on research and information reported by experts in many fields, this paper will explore the different aspects surrounding dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, with the goal of helping the average person to better understand this debilitating disorder, become more familiar with how it affects everyone, and lastly, make available to the reader techniques and strategies that could benefit the afflicted, their caregivers, and medical professionals dealing with patients suffering from dementia. It is safe to say that everyone does, or will, know someone in their lifetime that has dementia. One reason for this is the rapid growing numbers of elderly as a segment of global population. According to Chop and Robnett (1999): Baby boomers first turned 50 in 1996, and since then, every 7 seconds an American will turn 50 until the year 2014. In addition, growth of the older than 65 cohorts will continue to increase as baby boomers began turning 65 in 2010. It is estimated that y 2030, 22 percent, or 70. 2 million, Americans will be older than the age of 65. Even more astonishing, those over 85 years of age are the fastest growing segment of our DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? population. They are expected to triple in size between 1986 and 2030, and be nearly seven times larger in 2050 than in 1980! (pp. 2-3) The rapid growth of this age group is not only being seen in America, it is occurring globally. In addition to the baby boomers now becoming â€Å"of age†, [quotation marks added] other factors contributing to the larger numbers of elderly, are the advances in the fields of medicine and in technology. It was not too long ago that the average life expectancy was around â€Å"45 years of age in 1900†, according to Chop and Robnett (1999), â€Å"increasing to 76 years in 990†(p. 48). Because dementia is more commonly diagnosed in the elderly, we will be experiencing an increase in numbers of diagnoses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a greater percentage of the elderly are being affected by dementia, but more likely that this is a reflection of the greater number of elderly surviving to the age that onset is more likely to occur. This in turn will increase the probability that each of us at some point in our lives will be affected by this disorder, whether it is through a family member, friend, co-worker, or ourselves. In light of the above, it is more important now than ever, to bring about a greater awareness and understanding to all so that we may better be prepared to meet the needs, at all levels, of this rapidly growing group of our elders. Types and Symptoms of Dementia One of the areas that is of concern, and that research is being aimed at, is the need to find an accurate diagnostic tool(s) that can definitively diagnose dementia in its early DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 5 stages. As we age, there is a natural decline in many areas of our functioning and/or appearance. We often see changes in physical capabilities such as balance, strength, and we see changes in our sight, hearing, and general appearance, (hair color, we become shorter, or develop wrinkles). And yes, there are often changes of decline in cognition as we age, changes in comprehension, memory, or clarity of thought. In the past, we thought, as a society, that this was normal aging, all of it. Grandma was senile and that was the way life progressed. As stated earlier, our life expectancy was much shorter and we often did not see the final stages of dementia, therefore we didn’t view the decline in these areas as abnormal. The early stages of dementia often mimic the natural decline in some people of their senses. With medical advances, and longer life spans, we began to see that some people didn’t experience this deterioration in the same way. Some people live to be 100 and are still alert and in control of all their functions!! So to answer the question, are individuals with dementia normal? Should we all be afraid that the longer we live, the less capable we will be in living life? The answer is no. â€Å"Progressive severe loss of memory-routinely forgetting conversations or that one ate at a particular restaurant-and impaired thinking abilities are not a normal part of aging. Rather, such problems may be signs of a dementia-loss of brain functions due to an organic cause. Dementia is a generic term that includes a host of symptoms related to brain failure. There are several causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause. † (Kuhn, 1999. p. 11) Dementia is not a disease. It is a condition caused by a number of diseases. Currently, it DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 6 is estimated that more than 4 million, to as many as 7 million, people in the United States have dementia and more than 14 million people will be demented by the year 2050. (Levine, 2006. p. 6) The following is a list of the different types of dementia found in the DSM-IV-TR, Fourth Edition (2000): Alzheimer’s; Vascular Type; Type Due to HIV Disease; Dementia Due to Head Trauma; Dementia Due to Huntington’s Disease; Dementia Due to Parkinson’s Disease; Dementia Due to Pick’s Disease; Dementia Due to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Dis ease; Dementia Due to Other General Medical Conditions; Substance-Induced Persisting Dementia; Dementia Due to Multiple Etiologies; and Dementia Not Otherwise Specified (p. 147). The common feature of these different types is memory impairment. Depending on the etiology, the other features of each vary. For example, with AD, the progression is very slow, lasting 8-10 years or longer, resulting in death. On the other hand, in Vascular Dementia, the onset is abrupt with rapid changes in functioning occurring versus slow the progression of symptoms. Also, early treatment of hypertension and vascular disease may prevent further progression, whereas in AD there is no way at this time, to prevent its progression. For the purpose of this paper there are too many different types of dementia, and their symptoms vary, making it impractical to discuss them all. Therefore, because Alzheimer’s is the most common of the types, the following discussion will be limited to its main features. (Hoffman, 2009. ) Alzheimer’s was first described in 1906 by a German neurologist named Dr. Alois DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 7 Alzheimer. During that time period, as was pointed out earlier, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease were viewed collectively as senility. What Dr. Alzheimer found when he performed an autopsy on a woman of 51 years of age was what we call today beta-amyloid plaques between neurons and bundles of protein threads within the neurons. These were the same as what were found in the brains of the elderly who were considered senile and just getting old. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that these were understood to be intrinsic to a brain disease, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and that the symptoms of AD were not a normal part of aging, but rather were due to the diseased brain failing and dying off in part due to these plaques and tangles. pp. 2-5) This was not the only organic feature found as a part of AD. The discovery of certain mutant genes present in those suffering from AD, led to evidence of a genetic cause that places one at higher risk. In cases like this, the onset of AD occurs between the ages of 30-50 yrs. This is referred to as early-onset AD, as it occurs between the ages of 30-50 years old. Late on-set AD, t ypically occurs after the age of 65. Other factors that increase the risk of AD are (Hoffman, 2009, p. 50) high blood pressure, diet, diabetes type 2, women are slightly higher at risk, as well as (Feldman, 2000, p. ) African Americans and Hispanics being at higher risk than Caucasians. (Andersen, Kessing, Korner, Lauritzen, ; Lopez, 2007). Also, disorders such as depression or delusional disorder increase the chances of developing AD (p. 628). Again, the risk factors are there, but little is known as to why how, or if they will affect the outcome of developing AD, or not. So much research has been going on over the last 20 or so years, which has DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 8 increased the understanding of AD tremendously. But being able to have a way to detect AD in its earliest stages at this time, is still not possible. The goal of this intense research is that we may be able to use the information learned thus far, like the presence of tangles and plaques, the body’s inability to be able to circumvent their build up in the brain, to find a way to stop the progression of AD before the symptoms are too many, and/or re unable to be stopped. So much more needs to be learned before we reach that point. Nevertheless, advances in the field of medicine and in technology are so amazing and rapid. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI’s}, and other high tech instruments that are now available to view images of the brain and how it functions, will hopefully lead to answers soon for the victims of AD and other types of dementia, a nd for their families. The areas that are affected for the individual with AD are many. The most devastating is the affect on memory. There is a normal amount of memory loss in most of us as we age. The difference for somebody with AD is that it begins to interfere with their ability to perform daily activities and continues to progress as time moves forward. It can be compared to the disease model of addiction. Something becomes an addiction when it interferes with your life on a daily basis, and it exhibits progression. AD is difficult to diagnose in its early stage. The individual and family members usually notice that something is different, but it doesn’t get addressed at this point. This could be for many reasons such as fear, denial, and /or just being plain uninformed about AD. The first 2 or 3 years seem to be a gradual decline, in the short term memory especially DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 9 at first. (Kuhn, 1999. ) The brain is so amazing that as humans, we learn to compensate for deficiencies when we have them. (p. 43) For example, someone who has head trauma from an accident and loses some speech can often, with therapy, retrain the brain in another area to relearn how to speak. This applies to AD also. Because of the progression though, this can only be done for so long. After around 2-3 years, the decline in memory, and the effects that this has on other areas of functioning, begins to spiral down at a faster rate. As the brain cells die and the neurons and synapses no longer are working, the person will begin to forget names, places, events, how to use the telephone, where they are, and eventually who they and their loved ones are anymore. In the beginning, the individual is often aware of what is happening, and this will cause a reaction, of course. Their past coping skills, their support system, and their spiritual beliefs concerning life and death, will all influence how they will handle what is happening to them. Often some grieving will occur both in the individual, as well as those close to him. There is the knowledge of impending death, but in addition, now the family members watch as the person literally dies away in front of them. And for the afflicted, they grieve as they see themselves losing their sense of self and not knowing how they now will fit into the world ( Feldman, 2000). During the stage of development known as adolescence, one’s cognitive and emotional advances lead to being able to form relationships with others, think abstractly, which aids in the development of spirituality when trying to find one’s identity, and to perform executive functions such as making plans, organizing, projecting oneself into the future mentally, and following steps in an DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 10 order to achieve something (pp. 385-389). All of this leads to a loss of being able to relate to others which can lead to isolation and depression and anxiety at times. Levine, MD. , 2006). Other areas of the person that diminish in capability are language, visual-spatial perceptions, such as depth perception which can interfere with walking for example, as well as getting lost. Behavior is also affected and can be seen when impulses and socially acceptable boundaries are no longer relevant, or controllable because of a lack of comprehension, or the y are just forgotten, leading to inappropriate actions or speech. In the late stage, the person is no longer even recognizable as the loved one once known. They become incontinent, unable to feed their self, talk, walk, or interact in any way (pp. 45-47). Effects on Family, Caregivers, and Society Little has been done to study the effects of dementia on children in the families where a parent has been diagnosed with early-onset AD. One study performed in the Uk by researchers Spector, Stott, and Svanberg, in 2009, looked at 12 children under the age of 18. They found that overall, the burden of caring for a parent with AD has a negative impact on their relationships with peers, on their schoolwork and achievement goals, and often led to emotional difficulties. The children often felt that it was their responsibility and downplayed the whole situation. They often felt a loss of their parent and that they were now taking on the role as the parent. Grieving was common. A positive outcome was the possibility of the experience leading to higher self-esteem due to the fact that it DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 11 showed the resilience within them to adapt. One finding was that the children had little, to no support system, or anyone to talk to. Their peers had no clue and support groups were / are not set up and available. This would be one way to assist these children. Another would be to educate the school system and train counselors to assist children, who are acting as adults in situations like this (p. 740). According to Harris and Keady (2008), in their study of selfhood in patients with early-onset, the loss of self is often more complex and unique to each family than in those with late-onset. This possibly is due to the fact that between 30-50 years old, one’s self-identity has many active components they must face losing such as their work identity, sexual identity, and family identity (p. 437). Some of these may overlap with patients of late-onset AD, but most often they don’t. This area of research is very scarce and in need of more studies so as to be able to help this group of families find strategies to better cope as they work their way through this situation â€Å"The most common form of caregiving relationship in dementia is between spouses or partners† (Clare, van Dijkhuizen, Pearce, Quinn, 2008, p. 770). Often an adult child takes on the role of caregiver. In all instances, the stress of caring for a loved one with AD is usually very stressful and leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, confusion, and even anger. As an adult child caregiver, the parent-child roles get reversed and this can create uneasiness for both parties. In the early stage of AD, the sources of frustration and stress come more from having to learn how to cope with the changes that are required to be a caregiver, such as free time to relax, socialize, etc. Also, the fact that little DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 12 information is provided about the condition(s) to families and caregivers makes it more difficult to know what to do and when. Not knowing what to expect next can be a stressor in itself. Not only is there a negative impact on the mental condition of caregivers, but there is also a negative impact on their health. Looking at the overall picture, the story looks grim. Life is full of challenges and not only can they strengthen us to learn new ways to adapt and cope, but they are God-given opportunities to connect at a level so deep with another being, and then use that connection to hopefully relieve some of their suffering and pain. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout life and at this final life span stage, those who have AD and are losing everything to the disease, deserve to be treated in such a way that they too may be able to die with dignity. Society in Western Culture often has a negative overall view of old age. If you are non-productive, and unable to care for yourself, many take the view that you are worthless and a drain on society. This is turn influences the decisions made by politicians and government about how this huge group of elderly will be cared for. Seeing the elderly as negative is called ageism, and it is alive and well like many other ‘isms’ of today. The problem now is that the reality of issues concerning healthcare, financial assistance and housing options for the elderly, especially those who are ill with AD and/or other types of dementia, are no longer concerns of the future. These need to be addressed now in order to truly benefit this fast growing cohort and the future for us when we also reach this stage of life. DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 13 Conclusion We now know that dementia is a condition that is caused by underlying diseases such as vascular disease. It is not a normal part of aging and it has genetic component, as well as a malfunction in the brain that causes the buildup of tangles and plaques which kill the neurons, cells, and synapses in the brain. This all leads to the symptoms which slowly rob a person of all their faculties, resulting in death. The effects on the patient are many and can create depression, anxiety, and frustration over what is happening to them. It also has effects of the family members and the caregivers. The majority of these effects seem to be negative (depression, anger, isolation, and illness). But they can also be positive, such as satisfaction and increased affection toward the patient, or higher self esteem due to doing the right thing and being responsible and loving. In our society, we all have to come to grips with our attitudes toward the aging. The enormous numbers of those over 55 can’t be ignored any longer. Increased awareness of AD and its symptoms will hopefully create motivation for creating and developing programs to assist in teaching strategies and coping skills for caregivers. Another avenue for change is creating groups to advocate for national healthcare that will then assist in making healthcare available to those with AD and to the elderly as a whole. And last, continuing research to search for a way to diagnose AD in its early stage with the hope that we can then provide ways to treat the symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of AD. The more knowledge we have, the more empowered we are to make changes. The focus should be on all pulling together to make a difference in the lives of those suffering with DEMENTIA: HOW AND WHOM DOES IT AFFECT? 14 AD in their â€Å"Golden Years† instead of enjoying this last stage of life and being able to feel content as we self reflect and pass on our wisdom and/or truths we have learned about life as we complete our passage through this last stage of existence. Running header: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 DEMENTIA AND ITS EFFECTS Shelly Becker Liberty University Introduction to Human Development COUN 502 B-23 LUO Dr. Richard Pace March 6, 2013 ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 Berman, C. W. , Becker, M. F. (2010). Transference in Patients and caregivers. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 64(1), 107-114 Retrieved February 4, 2013 from http:/search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx-? direct=+ rue db=a9hAN=48973816site=ehost-livescope=site The topic of transference is relevant to all therapeutic relationships. The caregiver and recipient of care are seen as being in such a relationship, which then implies that trans- ference is at high risk of occurring. The article explores counter-transference as well, and how if not dealt with, this can have a negative effect on the overall relationship, and its therapeutic outcome. Braun, M. , Scholz, U. , Bailey, B. , Perren S. , Hornung, R. , Martin, M. (2009). Dementia care-giving in spousal relationships: A dyadic perspective. Aging Mental Health, 13(3), 426-436. doi: 10. 1080/13607860902879441 This article investigates the various effects of care-giving for spouses diagnosed with dementia on both the caregiver and the recipient. Previously, the data compiled mostly came from the caregiver only. This study differs in that it takes into account the feedback from both parties to get a better picture of the overall effects on the dyadic relationship. By doing so, hopefully this will lead to new insights and more effective interventions for a better outcome as the article points out. Castelli, I. , Pini, A. , Alberoni, M. , Liverta-Sempio, O. , Baglio, F. , Massaro, D. , Nemni, R. (2011). Mapping levels of theory of mind in Alzheimer’s disease: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 3 a preliminary study. Aging Mental Health, 15(2), 157-168. doi: 10. 1080/ 13607863. 2010. 513038 This article specifically deals with how Theory of Mind (ToM) is understood in relation to dementia and various forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s. When neuro-imaging is explained as the basis for learning in cognitive early stages of development, it is easier to understand how it might fit in with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In very simplistic terms, neuro-mirror-imaging underlies ToM and if this is no longer functional in the aging brain, it could explain to an extent, the symptoms exhibited in these brain disorders which in turn could lead to more effective interventions. Clare, Li, Dijkhuizen, M. , Pearce, A. , Quinn, C. (2008). The experience of providing care in the early stages of dementia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Aging Mental Health, 12(6), 769-775. Retrieved February 8, 2013 from: Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost Many families, and patients with dementia, are given little to no information on Dementia, especially the early stages of it. It seems that very little is known about the early stages. This article is looked at from the point of view of the care-givers and how they interpret the situation and subsequently the care they give to the patient, who is often their spouse or parent. The relationship to the â€Å"patient† prior to the onset of dementia influences the perceptions and actions of both the caregiver and recipient. All of this is reflected in the article. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 4 Diagnosis. (2011). Annals of Internal Medicine, 154(11), 5-8. Retrieved on February 8, 2013 from: http://search. Ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? Direct=true db=a9h AN=62807891 site = ehost-live 7 scope = site This article is very informative with respect to the importance of early detection of dementia as well as an accurate diagnosis of dementia. The effects of longer life spans in the field of medicine are discussed. We now have to deal with a much longer, and complex unfolding of the aging process than say 50 years ago. What can we do to improve diagnostic capabilities of trained medical professionals so as to be able to provide timely and accurate information and treatment interventions so as to increase the outcomes of successful? Harris, P. , Keady, J. (2009). Selfhood in younger onset dementia: Transitions and testimonies. Aging Mental Health, 133), 437-444. oi:10. 1080/13607860802534609 Very interesting article! Most often dementia is thought of as only an â€Å"old person’s† disorder. This article indentifies 5 areas of self and discusses how they are affected by the onset of dementia and other brain degenerative disorders, specifically with regard to the younger people if effects (ex. ages 40-67). Personal testimonies were gathered from those afflicted and then carefully interpreted and grouped and va lidated to reach the conclusions drawn. The results on the self are very informative! ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 5 Korner, A. , Lopez, A. G. , Lauritzen, L. , Andersen, P. K. , Kessing, L. V. (2008). Delusional disorder in old age and the risk of developing dementia-a nationwide register-based study. Aging Mental Health, 12(5), 625-629. doi: 10. 1080/13607860802343118 The distinction between delusional and demented is discussed. Questions such as if being delusional is a reliable predictor of future dementia were posed, as well as looking for the connecting factor(s), if any, between the two disorders. Symptomology was discussed and the importance of medical professionals being well-versed in this, so as to be able to correctly diagnose, offer appropriate treatment, and increase the chances for predicting future disorders in a fairly reliable fashion. Spek, A. A. , Scholte, E. M. Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. A. (2010). Theory of Mind in adults with High Functioning Autism (HFT) Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 280-289. doi: 10. 1077/s10803-009-0860-y ToM is explained in detail s to how it applies to the two disorders mentioned in the title. The reason I chose to include this article was because it gave a very good historical view of Theory of Mind as well as explained how it is seen as being the ‘possible missing link† between normal cognitive functioning and the functioning of brain disorders like HFA and Aspergers, as well as dementia and Alzheimers. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 6 This article gave me a broader understanding of ToM and its applications. This article also included applications to theories of religion, philosophy, and life in general. I found it very useful and enlightening and intend on researching it much more in depth in the future! Svanberg, E. , Scott, J. , Spector, A. (2010). ‘Just Helping’: Children living with a parent with young onset dementia. Aging Mental Health, 14(6), 740-751. doi: 10. 1080/1360786100371374 With the onset of dementia in younger patient, under 67 or so, the children of this group have been forgotten in the research. I believe this is due in part to the numbers of this group are small in comparison to the overall age of onset. This has left the families and children, as well as the patient with little information and or helpful interventions aimed at them specifically. These children, as pointed out in the article, suffer effects in their schooling, social lives, and their overall description and responsibilities expected of them in their previous roles as children. Often now they must act as if the ‘parent’ and the ‘parent’ as if the child. The study was helpful in understanding this group better and its implications for the adolescent or younger child. Tremont, G. (2011). Family Care-giving in Dementia. Medicine Health Rhode ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY 7 Island, 94(2), 36-38. Retrieve February 2, 2012 from: http:// search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? direct=true db=a9h AN=58104122 site=ehost-livescope=site This article centered around care-giving when the caregiver was a family member of the patient. Most often this was the spouse, then the adult child. The factors that ere isolated were gender, type of relationship (married, parent/child), age, and the general feature of the relationship prior to the onset of dementia. For example, was the marriage controlled by one or the other more, or was it considered to lean toward equality? Did the spouse take on characteristics of the parent prior to onset of dementia? Were there built up resentments? Was this true for either the caregiver and/or the recipient? If it is an adult child, how did the relationship while growing up play into the current care-giving situation? These types of questions are important to all concerned for many reasons. A lot of this article is pertinent to my paper. Running Head: REFERENCES 1 Dementia: How and Whom Does it Affect? Liberty University HSER 502 B-23–LUO Dr. Richard Pace March 5, 2013 REFERENCES 2 REFERENCE LIST American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. 2000). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association. Berman, C. W. , Becker, M. F. (2010). Transference in Patients and caregivers. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 64(1), 107-114 Retrieved February 4, 2013 from http:/search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx-? direct=+ rue db=a9hAN=48973816site=ehost-livescope=site Braun, M. , Scholz, U. , Bailey, B. , Perren S. , Hornung, R. , Martin, M. (2009). Dementia care-giving in spousal relationships: A dyadic perspective. Aging Mental Health, 13(3), 426-436. doi: 10. 1080/13607860902879441 Castelli, I. , Pini, A. , Alberoni, M. , Liverta-Sempio, O. , Baglio, F. , Massaro, D. Nemni, R. (2011). Mapping levels of theory of mind in Alzheimer’s disease: a preliminary study. Aging Mental Health, 15(2), 157-168. doi: 10. 1080/ 13607863. 2010. 513038 Chop,W. C. , Robnett, R. H. (1999). Gerontology for the Health Care Professional. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company. Clare, Li, Dijkhuizen, M. , Pearce, A. , Quinn, C. (2008). The experience of providing care in the early stages of dementia: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Aging Mental Health, 12(6), 769-775. Retrieved February 8, 2013 from: Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost REFERENCES 3 Diagnosis. (2011). Annals of Internal Medicine, 154(11), 5-8. Retrieved on February 8, 2013 from: http://search. Ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? Direct=true db=a9h AN=62807891 site = ehost-live 7 scope = site Feldman, R. S. (2001). Development across the Life Span. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Foundation, Inc.. Froemke, S. , Golant, S. , Hoffman, J. (2009). The Alzheimer’s Project Momentum in Science. New York, N. Y. : Public Affairs. Harris, P. , Keady, J. (2009). Selfhood in younger onset dementia: Transitions and testimonies. Aging Mental Health, 133), 437-444. doi:10. 1080/13607860802534609 Kuhn, David, MSW. (1999). Alzheimer’s Early Stages. Salt Lake City, Utah: Publishers Press. Korner, A. , Lopez, A. G. , Lauritzen, L. , Andersen, P. K. Kessing, L. V. (2008). Delusional disorder in old age and the risk of developing dementia-a nationwide register-based study. Aging Mental Health, 12(5), 625-629. doi: 10. 1080/13607860802343118 Levine, R. A. M. D. (2006). Understanding and Preventing Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders. Lanham, Maryland: Rowan Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Spek, A. A. , Scholte, E. M. Van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. A. (2010). Theory of Mind in adul ts with High Functioning Autism (HFT) Asperger Syndrome. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 280-289. REFERENCES 4 doi: 10. 1077/s10803-009-0860-y Svanberg, E. , Scott, J. , Spector, A. (2010). ‘Just Helping’: Children living with a parent with young onset dementia. Aging Mental Health, 14(6), 740-751. doi: 10. 1080/1360786100371374 Tremont, G. (2011). Family Care-giving in Dementia. Medicine Health Rhode Island, 94(2), 36-38. Retrieve February 2, 2012 from: http:// search. ebscohost. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu: 2048/login. aspx? direct=true db=a9h AN=58104122 site=ehost-livescope=site How to cite Dementia: How and Whom Does It Affect?, Essay examples

The Happiest Boy in the World free essay sample

Memories Occasionally, as he writes the letter, the father stares over at his young and innocent son, who slumbers by a bag made of burlap. The smells of poverty assail the fathers nostrils as he scratches out word after word, trying to say just the right thing. During the writing of the letter, memories of his own experiences with the landlord, who was generous with rice, but demanded twice its value at payback time, pop into his mind, coloring his moods and emotions.All of this time, as he struggles with memories and tries to express himself for the sake of his son, his good nature and pure heart are obvious to the reader. Hope and faith After finishing the letter, the father asks a worker to take it into town and deliver it to the landlord personally. In time, the fathers son grows very curious about the contents of this letter, and he finds a way to sneak off and read it. We will write a custom essay sample on The Happiest Boy in the World or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As he sees what his father is trying to do for him (to give him a better life, and allow him to get schooling that will help to release him from the endless cycle of poverty), he feels a glow in his heart, and soon realizes that he is indeed, the happiest boy in the world. However, we are left hanging, since we never do find out if the landlord agrees to the fathers proposed scenario. Rustic and beautiful, this very short story has authenticity, and it is quite touching in its own way.