Examining The Friendship Of A Single Soul English Literature Essay

Examining The Friendship Of A Single Soul English Literature Essay To the query, what is a friend? Aristotles response was a single soul dwelling in two bodies.' These friends are the ones who most likely know us better than we know ourselves, and whose names are forever branded on our heart (Parrott Parrott, 1998). Consider for a moment, which of these people are in your life; your friendship with them didnt happen in the blink of an eye. Over time we gradually begin to let these people see who we really are, and our friendship begins to grow into something memorable. Friends are what have enriched my life. Oh, I have loved my family, but its not the same. Friends have brought me more of the world; theyve added spice and variety (Apter Josselson, 1998). We are born into our family, but one amazing thing about our life is that we have the ability to choose our friends. There are some common characteristics that span across all types of friendships: rules shape the friendship, can last a lifetime and typically consist of people in the same age rang e (Floyd, 2009). How are cross-sex friendships similar to same-sex friendships? How are they different? Using major motion pictures that depict this remarkable bond between friends, we realize the qualities these friendships possess that make them similar and yet how different they really are. Similarities Notice that when Aristotle was asked, what is a friend? he didnt respond a single soul dwelling in two female bodies, or two male bodies, or even a male and a female body, its a single soul in two bodies. Friendship has no limits; there is no rule that says we can or cannot have friends of the same or opposite sex. Regardless of how many friends we have, same-sex or cross-sex, they all share the same purpose. Each and every relationship provides comfort during difficult times, outlets for expression of fear, feelings and fantasies, companionship, acceptance, and greater self-knowledge (Monsour, 2002). In the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Bridget, Tibby, Lena, and Carmen define friendship as it occurs between girls/women. We were there for the things we couldnt face alone, or the ones we didnt want to face at all. Together, it was as if we formed one single, complete person (Ephron Brashares, 2005). Despite the obstacles that the girls face, their love and support for each other keeps their friendship strong. We know now that no matter how far we traveled on our own separate paths, somehow we would always find our way back to each other; and with that, we could get through anything. To us, who we were, who we are, and who well be. To the sisterhood, this moment, and the rest of our lives together and apart (Ephron Brashares, 2005). Although the girls have their own obstacles to deal with, they overcome them individually because of the unique bond that is their friendship. Likewise, the movie 8 Seconds tells the incredible true story of World Champion Bull Rider Lane Frost. The film not only documents Lanes rise to fame, but also displays Lanes friendship with fellow bull riders, Tuff Hedeman and Cody Lambert. Some people believe that men are incapable of having intimate friendships like women with other men (Derlega, 1992). Floyd (2009) states that equal levels of closeness are apparent in same-sex friendships regardless of sex. While doing an interview with George Michael, Lane says this about friend and fellow rider, Tuff Hedeman: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦me and my traveling partner Tuff Hedeman have been trading places all year. Sometimes hes in first, next week Im in first. If he wins, Ill be so happy for him, Ill forget about myself losing (Merrick, 1994). Lane, Tuff, and Cody arent just traveling buddies; they support each other no matter what, despite the fact that they compete against each other. After Lanes tragic death in 1989, Tuff realized how much Lane believed in him, and how amazing the friendship truly was. Back in the spring, Lane said, this is your year. that Id win the championship; [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] now its only a week away and I really think that I got a chance. I never had anybody believe that much in me (Merrick, 1994). Tuff Hedeman won the World Championship that year, just as Lane had predicted, and Tuff rode an extra eight seconds in memory of Lane. Harry Burns and Sally Albright are two iconic best friends. Harry: The first time we met, we hated each other [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the third time we met, we became friends. Sally: We were friends for a long time (Ephron N. , 1989). Can men and women be friends, without sex getting in the way? This question was presented in the 1989 movie, When Harry Met Sally. Despite the fact that Harry and Sally end up together at the conclusion of the film, the friendship they have is more than that of any ordinary couple involved in a sexual relationship. Making a cross-gender relationship work does not solely depend on recognizing our differences. Its a matter of appreciating those differences as well (Parrott Parrott, 1998). Harry and Sally have a friendship very similar to what two women or two men might have; they are each others confidantes, support systems, and are committed to making their friendship work. After looking at three different films depicting friendships, the similarities between same-sex (female), same-sex (male), and cross-sex friendships become apparent. The social support given by same-sex friends can also be observed in cross-sex friendships (Monsour, 2002). Samuel Taylor Coleridge said, friendship is a sheltering tree, regardless of sex, it is obvious that all of these friendships are exactly that; a sheltering tree for everyone involved in the friendship. Differences We cant just look at the similarities between friendships, because lets face it, men and women are very different. The basic rules of friendship are similar, but the way we go about accomplishing them isnt always the same. Migliaccio (2009) says that a mans friendship is more than simply a product of being a man [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] the form of intimacy men experience is called closeness in the doing, also known as shared activity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦women and men value different aspects of their respective friendships, women place greater emphasis on conversational and emotional expressiveness, whereas mens friendships focus on shared activities and interests (Floyd, 2009). A stereotypical girls night might consist of dinner, some drinks, and conversations about friends, love, life, and the future. On the other hand, a guys night could be a game of poker or a night at the gym playing a pick-up game of basketball. Within female friendship we satisfy our psychological hunger to explore different thoughts and feelings [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] they build one anothers confidence or tear it down (Apter Josselson, 1998). Despite having to spend the summer away from each other, the girls in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants keep their friendship strong by writing letters to each other as if they were still together. In a letter that Lena writes Carmen, she expresses how afraid she actually is to fall in love. Hes right, Car. I am afraid. Theres a part of me that wants to let him in but then I feel myself put this wall up and I dont understand why. Maybe thats what strikes me most about Kostas: that despite everything hes suffered he can still look at life in the most uncomplicated way. Ive never known that kind of faith. It makes me so sad that people like Kostas and Bridget who have lost everything can still be open to lovewhile I, who have lost nothing, am not. (Ephron Brashares, 2005) Bridget, Tibby, Lena, and Carmen are able to express their emotions, fears, and feelings through a letter and a pair of secondhand jeans. Wear them, theyll make you brave (Ephron Brashares, 2005). The psychological hunger to examine ones ambitions, and emotions is satisfied by female friendships, there is no need to perform femininity such as men perform masculinity in their friendships. A womans friendship inevitably shapes and changes who the woman is (Apter Josselson, 1998). Unlike women, men stereotypically dont share all the intimate details that go on in their lives. As stated earlier, men generally emphasize the activities and interests they share with their friends. Lane Frost, Tuff Hedeman, and Cody Lambert, obviously have a friendship consisting of shared activity. First of all, they compete together in bull riding competitions; and when they arent, they spend their nights out at the bars shooting a game of pool. Although the guys still support each other, the emotional connection that typically is apparent with women is sometimes nonexistent. After a bull steps on Lanes groin, Tuff tells Lane he needs to cowboy up, Ive got two words for you Lane, Cowboy Up (Merrick, 1994). The idea that masculinity is a major part in friendships between two or more men is evident in 8 Seconds. The interaction between male friends is not simply because we are men, but a part of performing masculinity in society (Migliaccio, 2009). Lane, Tuff, and Cody, perform mas culinity by expressing boldness, strength, and resiliency. Its guts and love and glory, one mortals chance at fame. His legacy is rodeo, and cowboy is his name (Merrick, 1994). When Harry met Sally, a life long friendship began. The obvious difference in their friendship was the exact thing Sally denied sex, and eventually love. At the end of the film, Harry races to meet Sally in order to tell her exactly how he feels: I love that you get cold when its 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when youre looking at me like Im nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night (Ephron N. , 1989). One substantial difference between same-sex friends and cross-sex friends is the possibility for two cross-sex friends to fall in love. Another is that cross-sex friends are able to encourage the opposite sex friend to engage in opportunities that are usually associated with the opposed gender; such as men engaging in emotional expressions and women participating in shared activity (Floyd, 2009). Conclusion Quoting Frederick Buechner, Friends are people you make part of your life just because you feel like it. Basically your friends are not your friends for any particular reason. They are your friends for no particular reason. No one has the power to choose our friends except us, therefore it doesnt matter what sex our friends are. After viewing three movies where different types of friendships are exhibited, the similarities and differences between each type of friendship is very distinct. These distinct qualities that make our friendships alike or not, have the power to change the roles of our friends. Who are your best friends? Does it matter what their sex is?

Antoni Gaudi – Essay

Antoni Gaudi One of Spain’s most internationally recognized architects, Antonio Gaudi has left his mark throughout Barcelona and Catalonia. His whimsical vision and imaginative designs have brought a bit of magic to this historic region. Gaudi? s culmination of traditional elements with fanciful ornamentation and brilliant technical solutions paved the way for future architects to step outside the box. Born in Reus, Catalonia in 1852, Gaudi was the first in over four generations to leave the family tradition of metal working. As a child, Antonio never excelled in school. He suffered from arthritis, which kept his attendance low, and preferred to spend his time observing plants and animals, as well as studying forms in nature, which would eventually be so prominent in his designs. It was also during his early years studying with the Escolapius Fathers that Gaudi recognized the â€Å"value of the divine history of the salvation of man through Christ incarnate, given to the world by the Virgin Mary. † He later incorporated such beliefs into his greatest work, The Sagrada Familia. Around 1870 Gaudi moved to Barcelona to study architecture at the Provincial School of Architecture. His grades were again less than superior. However, the young student did earn special recognition in the areas of Trial Drawings and Projects, which allowed him to put his outlandish ideas to use. His professor proclaimed that what had been produced in these two courses was either the work of an insane man or a genius. In 1878 Antoni Gaudi was one of only four students to be granted the title of Architect by the school? s director. At a time of cultural and political renaissance in Europe, Gaudi looked to many sources of inspiration for his work. Medieval books, Gothic art, Oriental structures, the Art Nouveau movement, and, of course, the glory of nature, strongly influenced his designs. His deep love of music, as well as his interest in writers such as John Ruskin, who said that â€Å"ornament is the origin of architecture,† also played a roll in the development of Gaudi? s unmistakable style. After graduating, Gaudi found comfort in the flourishing city life of turn-of-the century Barcelona. Numerous doors were opened for him among the bourgeoisie, artists, and intellectuals of the time. The young architect had a reputation for dressing in the latest fashion, and surrounding himself by high society. However, Gaudi never forgot his working-class roots. His first major project as a professional architect was workers? housing in a factory, the Coopertiva Mataronese, which was intended to improve the workers? quality of life. Gaudi presented his design at the Paris World Fair in 1878. It was there that he met Eusebi Guell, the man who would become one of the artist’s closest friends and most loyal patrons. In the following years, with rapidly growing interest in his work, Gaudi took on many important projects. Among them was the house built for the wealthy ceramic manufacturer, Manuel Vicens, as well as â€Å"El Capricho,† a villa for the brother-in-law of the Marquee of Comillas. Soon after, Gaudi began designing a palace for his good friend Guell (Palau Guell), and then later the two collaborated on Park Guell, which was intended to be a garden city. Gaudi, however, is most recognized for his work on â€Å"La Sagrada Familia,† a twentieth century cathedral in Barcelona. Gaudi took over the project in 1884 after a disagreement between a member of the Temple Council and the original project manager, Fracisco de Paula del Villar (Gaudi’s former professor), over materials. Antonio Gaudi was a mere 31 years of age when he officially gained control over the building. The architect devoted the next forty-two years of his life to its construction, until his sudden death at age 74 in 1926.

Athletic Shoes Industry - 4589 Words

Athletic Shoes Industry Strategy Comparison Report of Nike, Inc. and Adidas AG wei 4/30/2010 ABSTRACT This report is an analysis of the athletic shoes industry on both a global and U.S. market. This report is to analyze the external and internal issues facing this athletic shoes industry, and the companies that operate within it. This analysis includes a comparison of Nike, Inc. and Adidas AG who are footwear manufacturers in the world. However, Nike spent thirty years developing from the challenger position change to the challenged from Adidas. Rivalry among business firms grew more intense as the economy develops. This report will compare competitive advantages and distinctive competencies between two companies, and conclude†¦show more content†¦However, these countries also build their own athletic shoes brands to join to this big market. These athletic shoes companies have the cost advantage for basic need and these countries customer don’t have high consumption power. The local brand athletic shoes at low price are the best choice for them. Growth of industry The footwear industry includes the athletic shoes and non-athletic shoes. From 2004 to 2008, the athletic shoes market shares about 44% and keeps growing every year. (See Table 1) United States has more than twenty billions of dollars of athletic shoes market. Also global market has more than eighty billions of dollars. (See Figure 1) From 2003 to 2005, Athletic shoes market size-growth rate decreased from 12% to 6% in the global market. Furthermore in 2007, athletic shoes sales just had 2% increases from 2006. However, the athletic footwear market declined 3.2% in 2008 and dropped by 1.4% in 2009 in the U.S. market. The reason is the bad global economic environment happened at that time. Insert Figure 1 here Athletic shoes industry is highly competitive and has low growth rate in the U.S market. However, has been forecasted, the U.S and global athletic shoes markets will increase after 2009. (See Figure 1) The table shows that athletic shoes industry has 44% market share in all footwear market and keeps the low growth rate in every single year from 2009. In the U.S. market, the compound average growth rate (CAGR) (SeeShow MoreRelatedRyka, Inc.: Lightweight Athletic Shoes for Women995 Words   |  4 Pages( Ryka, INC.: Lightweight Athletic Shoes for Women Business and Industry Analysis ) Ryka is doing business of athletic shoes for women, which are made on the shape of a woman’s foot, and are designed and developed considering women’s unique fit needs. It is the only athletic footwear company, which is exclusively for women, by women, and now supporting women. Because a woman’s needs in a comfortable, attractive, high performance athletic shoes that are attractive, comfortable, and well suitedRead MoreThe Athletic Shoe Industry Is Made Up Of Companies That Produce Footwear For Athletic Use1638 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The athletic shoe industry is made up of companies that produce footwear for athletic use. This is a strong industry and has been around for over 100 years. The athletic shoe industry is one of the fastest growing footwear industries and have top growing sales compared to other footwear industries (NDP Group, 2016). The key players that currently dominate the market are Nike, Adidas, and Puma (Kates Bolduc, 2013). This paper will use the porter five forces, industry life cycle, andRead MorePorter Five Forces of Reebok1314 Words   |  6 PagesIndustry Analysis Using: Michael Porter’s Industry Forces Model Reebok International, Ltd. (1995): The Nike Challenge Case Authored By: Thomas L. Wheelen, Moustafa H. Abdelsamad, Shirley E. Fieber, and Judith D. Smith Analysis By: Tim Sacks Threat of New Entrants Barriers to Entry The athletic shoe industry is slowly becoming a global oligopoly. There are many barriers to entry preventing new entrants from capturing significant market share. Large athleticRead More Nike1698 Words   |  7 Pages(503-671-6453, www.nike.com) is the worlds #1 athletic shoe and apparel seller. Nike currently employs 20,700 employees, with total sales of $8.78 billion. Nike and the athletic shoe industry have evolved into one of the most competitive market in recent years. But, analysts believe that athletic shoe sales will slow down over the next few years. The slowdown will come with the change in consumer trends. For instance, the younger market is beginning to buy more casual shoes and work boots. Another reason forRead MoreMarketing Analysis : Products And Services1616 Words   |  7 Pagespairs of athletic shoes annually. All sports footwear are categorized under the brand of Easy Run, including running, training, walking, hiking, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, and soccer. Work shoes, sandals, boots, and casual styles are available through the company’s Easy Life brand, which joined the Easy Run’s family in 2011. The company launched its unique custom-made running shoes service in 2012 and customers could personalize the colors or even knit theirs name on the shoes. In futureRead MoreHow Should Reebok Get Its Market Share Back?1612 Words   |  7 Pagesproducts are athlete shoes. Reebok footwear and apparel have been an international brand since 1984. In 2003, its worldwide sales were about $3.5 billion.　It is a number two brand in the athletic shoe market in U.S., however, the industry in growth rate is decreasing (Zerio 2005). In this paper, I would like to present the best way for Reebok to market their products in such industry situation. The Problem Statement Considering the changing urban culture and the athletic shoes market, determineRead MoreAdidas Industry Analysis964 Words   |  4 PagesAdidas athletic shoes 1. General History The global footwear market is a growing market with an increase in consumer demand based on globally increasing consumer incomes. The sports footwear market is significantly characterized by the high speed of innovation, which forces the companies to invest more in development initiatives. At the same time the companies are trying to reduce costs through decreasing supplier prices in order to stay competitive. Looking forward, the footwear marketRead MoreNikes Core Competencies Exist In Their1511 Words   |  7 Pageselements provide much value and benefits to Nike’s consumers, are not easy for competitions to imitate, and can be leveraged widely to most of their products and markets. Although Nike does not manufacture any of its own shoes, the company is still today’s leader in selling athletic shoes and apparel. Nikes marketing strategy is an important component of the companys success. Nike is located as a premium-brand, selling well-designed and costly products. Nike lures clients with a marketing strategy centringRead MoreNike Five Forces1573 Words   |  7 PagesRivalry (3) 1. How many companies in industry? As Nike is an international company that has their product selling worldwide, they have countless of competitors, including many domestic local firm. However, not all of these companies have the power to compete with Nike, only a few international companies are Nike ¡Ã‚ ¦s major competitors, for instance, Adidas and Reebok. 2. How do they compete each other in term of 4P marketing strategy Product: As an athletic shoes producer, they try to provide betterRead MoreECO 365 WEEK 4 presentation paper1403 Words   |  6 PagesThe athletic footwear industry in the United States is highly profitable and continuously growing. In this paper I will identify market structure of the athletic footwear industry, the major retailers, and competitive strategies that can be used to maximize profits. History The Athletic shoe industry had its start in 1892 when U.S Rubber company invented Keds and by 1917 they were being mass produced. Over the years the athletic shoe industry in the United States has evolved from crude shoes with