Little Miss Sunshine Essay Essay Example

Little Miss Sunshine Essay Essay Outline Little Miss Sunshine Symbolic Interaction Theory Title: Family Experience in Little Miss Sunshine We will write a custom essay sample on Little Miss Sunshine Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Little Miss Sunshine Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Little Miss Sunshine Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Introduction The Hoovers I. The family structure II. The characteristics of the family members III. Reality of the challenges experienced in the Hoover Family The symbolic Interaction Theory I. Description of the theory II. Relating the theory to family interactions III. Relating the movie to the theory Influence of the Movie I. How the movie influences people’s thoughts and ideas about marriage II. Is the family in the movie an ideal family? Name: Lecturer: Course: Date: Family Experience in Little Miss Sunshine Movies are quite helpful in understanding sociology. This is because, films are often a reflection of the society and they observe the societal and family trends at a particular time. For instance, family movies made in the fifties and sixties are different from those made today. By analyzing such movies, one is able to tell how the family structures were at the given time. Many early movies depicted families normally as comprising of a mother, father and their children, with all the members of the family having their roles clearly defined. The theme of single parent families was not common. Although conflict was common, it did not often lead to violence (Reynolds and Kinney 518). Presently, movies address all types of families including households with same-sex parents. Additionally, most movies and television programs evidence conflict and violence. Television programs and movies are a way of gauging societal trends and observing changes and experiences in the family. The movie Little Miss Sunshine presents the story of a seemingly dysfunctional American family bent on fulfilling their daughter’s dream of participating in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest for young girls. The family uses a Volkswagen Van for a road trip to save on expenses. The family is an extended one, comprising of the girl’s parents, brother, uncle and grandfather. The uncle is a homosexual who has just rejoined the family after trying to commit suicide. The grandfather gets along with his granddaughter and he even helps her prepare for the contest. He is old and he ends up dying as they are travelling to the contest due to a drug overdose. The brother is an introvert and remains sad most of the time in the journey. The father is a motivational speaker, although his career has experienced various downfalls. Apart from the grandfather, the men in the family are reserved about the road trip. They are hesitant about going to the contest but they eventually off er their support for Olive, the young contestant. The mother seems to be the strong one in the family and the ones who holds it together. She is willing to make her daughter’s dream materialize despite the mounting challenges. The family encounters various challenges during the trip such as dealing with a broken down van. Many families experience most of these challenges. They are faced with financial constraints and they have to sacrifice luxuries and comfort just like in the movie. Due to varying needs and preferences, conflicts and emotional instabilities are quite common. Families also experience tragedies necessitating effectual handling practices as noted in the film. Support within family members may mean executing extreme measures in a bid to fulfill the dreams of loved ones. Substance abuse is another issue that families, especially those with young members have to handle (Aldiabat and Navenec 1063). Movies often depict happy-endings where the protagonist becomes the hero. Little Miss Sunshine is different as it shows that a person can win through failure. The Hoover family learnt the importance of each member in terms of synergy depicted in the scene where they join Olive on stage. The rest of th e family members knew that Olive would not win and they were probably humiliating themselves, but they found happiness through the challenges they had overcome as well as being supportive to each other. Therefore, families face challenges as those depicted in the film by the Hoover family in the movie and collective support and decision-making act as helpful factors. Rogers describes the symbolic interaction theory as â€Å"ways through which people and systems interact and communicate with one another as well as the essence and characteristics of that interaction and communication† (93). In other words, people interpret relayed information received in terms of culture and experience. Individuals perceive the world based on the meanings they attach to their experiences that are acquired through social associations. The theory posits that people interact through symbols and knowing the symbols used will lead to a higher understanding between the involved parties. The theory recognizes that in a family, all members have different personalities. Additionally, given time, families change and grow. Due to this, families are important since they influence and develop a child’s perspective towards culture, beliefs and values. They determine the manner in which a child develops his or her interactions (Reynolds and Kinney 522). The theory r ecognizes the roles that people play. Through the process of interacting, people create and improve their roles. The symbolic interaction theory recognizes that individuals are active members of the society and that they actively shape their experiences. However, these actions are not usually translated as experiences but they are a way for people to experience and exercise freedom. A person will be influenced by other people to adopt a certain attitude or behave in a particular manner (Aldiabat and Navenec 1070). The dramaturgical approach asserts that people create settings with rules and rituals, through which they ensure that their interactions have meaning and importance to them. These practices help to classify the required environments and maintain social order. The looking glass approach in symbolic interaction holds that people can identify their self-identity through their interactions with others (Rogers 95). In the movie, various elements of symbolic interactions are evidenced. All members of the Hoover family have different personalities as well as perceptions about the world. Olive and her brother are different in many ways. Olive has a happy, outgoing and cheery attitude towards life even when things do not seem to go her way. On the other hand, her brother seems to hate everybody and is always indifferent towards the rest of the members. The theory recognizes the change and growth in families. This is evident in the movie, with almost every member outgrowing a given form of behavior. Richard, Olive’s father, is first presented as a man propelled by his need to succeed as a motivational speaker and thereby according priority to this over his family. In fact, Richard has developed a self-help program and the first step to the program is that people should avoid being losers. As the trip ends and he spends more time with his family, Richard changes his perspective and develops a new attitude towards the priorities. Olive’s brother, who had vowed not to speak, has some visible changes as well. This occurs after he learns that he cannot attain his dream of being a pilot since he is colorblind. Olive’s uncle changes from a man who was once suicidal and becomes a responsible man. More so, he is able to overcome his depression and even discusses the problem to the initiator. Influence is an evident aspect in family relations (Rogers 98). The men initially have reservations about going to the contest but through the trip associations, they end up joining Olivia on stage. The adults in the movie realize that Olive does not have the talents that the other girls offer by noting her limitations after observing the preparation process. Unlike the other girls, Olive is plump and plain. She arrives at the contest late and therefore has to skip the necessary preparation processes; the rest of the competitors have applied make-up creating high competition in the pageant. They had obviously spent a lot of time and money for the given function. The adults are intimidated by these occurrences and let the perceptions of others determine their attitude. The themes of marriage and family are prevalent in the film and thereby influence people in different ways. The prevailing idea is that families are not perfect and regardless of what one does, he or she cannot entirely control what other members prefer. The Hoover family faces many diverse challenges, and in a way, some of their roles seem to be reversed. For instance, most individuals do not expect the elderly (grandfather) to abuse drugs (heroin) or use offensive words but teenagers fit the profile perfectly. The film encourages acceptance between the members. Although the family knows that Olive has no chance of winning the contest, they offer their support to the end. The family members do not discourage Olive in any way thus boosting her self-esteem to face the crowd and perform her dance at the contest. The movie is a clear illustration that marriages do not have to be perfect. Spouses should support each other and be there for each other despite the circumstances. Oliveâ€⠄¢s mother does not share her husband’s idea of being a motivational speaker. However, she does not discourage him from the aspiration. On the contrary, she supports him, as a wife should. There is no ideal family in terms of family members and experiences since each unit faces different challenges. Families have different ways of handling and managing their problems. For some, like the Hoover family, the main challenge is created by lack of monetary assets, while for others it may mean dealing with diverse issues and challenges such as rebellious children and unfaithful spouses. There is no distinct way of handling such problems; a given family may choose to ignore problems and put on a happy face for publicity purposes (Rogers 98). This does not solve the problem and it only accentuates it. For the Hoover family, the road trip was important since it enabled them to face their problems and offer collective resolutions towards the same. While other families may not take road trips, they can adopt other practical approaches, as deemed desirable. Little Miss Sunshine provides a chance to learn about symbolic interactions. The family interacted with each other along the w ay, perhaps more than they did when they were at home. They were able to work out the challenges they were facing as a family. These challenges were important for their growth and development as individuals and as family members. Works Cited: Aldiabat, Khaldoum, and Navenec Carole. â€Å"Philosophical Roots of Classical Grounded Theory: Its Foundations in Symbolic Interactionism.† The Qualitative Report July 2011: 1063-1081. Print. Reynolds, Larry, and Kinney Nancy. Handbook of Symbolic Interactionism. Walnut Creek: Rowman Altamira, 2003. Print. Rogers, Anissa. Human Behavior in the Social Environment. New York: Taylor Francis, 2010. Print.

Free Essays on Steven King Essay

In Stephen King’s essay â€Å"Why We Crave Horror Movies†, he explains why people go to horror films. Watching horror films is a way that many people show they are not hesitant to sit through a few hours of the same killing and menacing seen on evening news reports. King claims that the very act of viewing these films desensitizes us. Horror films are also a good way to â€Å"re-establish our feelings of normality†. After viewing violent movies, people say to themselves â€Å"I am glad that I’m normal†. The emotions and fear of people need to be exercised and checked on a regular bases. According to King, the horror movie is â€Å"†¦ morbidity unchained, our worst instincts let free, our nastiest fantasies realized†¦ and it all happens, fittingly enough, in the dark.† I agree with Stephen King when he says that horror movies are like riding roller coasters. During middle and high schools, my friends and I frequented many theme parks. We quickly chose to go on rides which were considered the scariest. We sat in the front to get the biggest thrill from a ride. The size and speed of these rides had no affect on us, because we were after the exhilaration we knew these rides would provide. People go to watch horror films not because it’s scary but because its exhilaration gives us a rush. Stephen King emphasizes that horror films push people to an intense drive in their emotions. Another good example of this is stealing. The rise in adrenaline that is given from stealing is incredible. Knowing that one can take something - even if they have the money to pay for it - and get away with it is a gigantic drive for people. Stealing is something that is very mischievous and can often remind people of their childhood. For example, taking a cookie from the cookie jar when they were five after their mother already told them they could not have one. King makes many valid points in his essay. Horror movies are meant to be sources of entert... Free Essays on Steven King Essay Free Essays on Steven King Essay In Stephen King’s essay â€Å"Why We Crave Horror Movies†, he explains why people go to horror films. Watching horror films is a way that many people show they are not hesitant to sit through a few hours of the same killing and menacing seen on evening news reports. King claims that the very act of viewing these films desensitizes us. Horror films are also a good way to â€Å"re-establish our feelings of normality†. After viewing violent movies, people say to themselves â€Å"I am glad that I’m normal†. The emotions and fear of people need to be exercised and checked on a regular bases. According to King, the horror movie is â€Å"†¦ morbidity unchained, our worst instincts let free, our nastiest fantasies realized†¦ and it all happens, fittingly enough, in the dark.† I agree with Stephen King when he says that horror movies are like riding roller coasters. During middle and high schools, my friends and I frequented many theme parks. We quickly chose to go on rides which were considered the scariest. We sat in the front to get the biggest thrill from a ride. The size and speed of these rides had no affect on us, because we were after the exhilaration we knew these rides would provide. People go to watch horror films not because it’s scary but because its exhilaration gives us a rush. Stephen King emphasizes that horror films push people to an intense drive in their emotions. Another good example of this is stealing. The rise in adrenaline that is given from stealing is incredible. Knowing that one can take something - even if they have the money to pay for it - and get away with it is a gigantic drive for people. Stealing is something that is very mischievous and can often remind people of their childhood. For example, taking a cookie from the cookie jar when they were five after their mother already told them they could not have one. King makes many valid points in his essay. Horror movies are meant to be sources of entert...

Company valuation is an art not a science Essay

Company valuation is an art not a science - Essay Example There are several rationales for mergers. Companies undertake M/A because of (a) synergy created by operating and financial economies, differential efficiency, or increased market power; (b) tax considerations; (c) purchase of assets below their replacement cost; and (d) diversification, not to mention possible managers’ personal incentives. For any of the four economic reasons mentioned, the M/A is successfully undertaken only if the resultant post-M/A firm attains a value greater than sum of the two separate firms (Brigham and House, 2004, p.796-798). A M/A is necessarily a sale or exchange, which means that the determination of company values is a requisite. There are various methods of valuation that may be undertaking for the purpose of M/A. These include assessing the target or merging companies’ book value, economic value, replacement value, and break-up value. The book value is the accounting value, that is, the net amount of the company’s total assets less total liabilities; the per-share value is arrived at by dividing this net amount by the number of common shares. As conveyed by its definition, the book value of a company is a straightforward valuation method based on historical transaction costs. The dividend-discount model, the most popular equity valuation method to determine the worth of the firm to the shareholders, is equal to the present value of all future cash dividends. This would prove useful to a company contemplating a financial merger that did not involve unifying operations. The target company is expected to conduct its business in the same way it has before the merger or acquisition, and the acquiring company expects to benefit in the nature of a majority stockholder (Helfert, 2003, pp. 390). The replacement or reproduction value is the amount that would be required to replace an existing fixed asset in kind. Replacement value is one

Identify points of Comedy and Tragedy on the "Big Two-Hearted Essay

Identify points of Comedy and Tragedy on the "Big Two-Hearted River" by Ernest Hemingway - Essay Example omedy takes place when Nick goes to wade into the water and when he steps in, the current causes him to lose his balance and he slips on the rocks letting one of the grasshoppers to get away. â€Å"He was sucked under in the whirl by Nicks right leg and came to the surface a little way down stream. He floated rapidly, kicking. In a quick circle, breaking the smooth surface of the water, he disappeared. A trout had taken him† (50). This ends in the tragic death of the grasshopper but the initial drop and struggling of the grasshopper is somewhat comic based on the way Nick had let it go by slipping. The struggle that Nick continually goes through is also somewhat comic. Something continues to go wrong when he is trying to bag a larger trout. â€Å"The trout hung heavy in the net, mottled trout back and silver sides in the meshes. Nick unhooked him; heavy sides, good to hold, big undershot jaw and slipped him, heaving and big sliding, into the long sack that hung from his shoul ders in the water† (74). Tragedy is also something that occurs often in the story as illustrated by Nick when he guts and prepares to eat the trout by performing communion through eating the fish and drinking water from the river imitating what Jesus did in a church service when he used red wine to represent his blood and bread to represent his body. He performed what Jesus did as exemplified by the following. â€Å"Nick cleaned them, slitting them from the vent to the tip of the jaw. All the insides and the gills and tongue came out in one piece they were both males; long gray-white strips of milt, smooth and clean. All the insides clean and compact, coming out altogether. Nick took the offal ashore for the minks to find† (93). â€Å"He laid his rod down moved along to the shady end of the log and took the sandwiches out of his pocket. He dipped the sandwiches in the cold water. The current carried away the crumbs. He ate the sandwiches and dipped his hat full of water to drink,

Federal emergency management agency (FEMA) Term Paper

Federal emergency management agency (FEMA) - Term Paper Example The FEMA also secures state and local governments with the resources and the expertise in specific areas where help is needed (FEMA, 2012a). They also provide funds for rebuilding; and release funds for infrastructure relief by allowing affected individuals to secure low interest loans. This agency also secures funds for the training of emergency response personnel within the US and other territories (FEMA, 2012a). The FEMA’s mission is to support citizens and â€Å"first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards† (FEMA, 2012b). The goals of the FEMA include the preparation of communities for emergencies. In effect, it secures resources to improve the capacity of federal, state, and local government agencies in order to secure best practice and secure grants for local communities (Malcolm, 2012). Another goal of the FEMA is to mit igate the damage caused by disasters. These mitigation goals come about before and after disasters occur; this is when risk management is carried out before disasters and grants are offered for affected individuals in order to mitigate the impact of such disasters (Malcolm, 2012). Another goal is to protect communities from external threats and more importantly to respond to disasters and emergencies. Supporting recovery in communities impacted by disaster is also a significant goal for the FEMA (Malcolm, 2012). The objectives of this organization include the securing the participation of agency employees for the renewal process; emphasizing mitigation as a means of reducing the risks to people, property and communities of disasters; securing a culture of assistance among citizens by ensuring national emergency management partnerships; establishing an all-hazards resource in emergency management; maintaining close relationships with federal agencies in most areas of emergency manage ment; establishing flexibility in the state and local emergency management programs; securing a quick and effective administration in assistance claims; and establishing means by which the efficacy of the FEMA programs can be assessed (FEMA, 2012c). The structure of the FEMA leadership is primarily lodged with the President of the United States from whom main orders for the mobilization of the organization resides (FEMA, 2012d). The FEMA is headed by an administrator, assisted by a deputy administrator and the chief of staff. Staff members would include the directors for the following offices: Executive Secretariat, and the Office of the National Advisory Council. The Chief Counsel would also form part of the administrative staff, including the senior advisor to the Secretary for Emergency Management and the Deputy Administrator of the office for Protection and National Preparedness (FEMA, 2012d). Under the Protection and National Preparedness office are the following assistant dire ctors in specific areas: national preparedness, grant programs, national continuity programs, and the Office of National Capital Region Coordination. The Administrator for the US Fire Administration would also form an office under the FEMA administration (FEMA, 2012d). An associate administrator for t

Transaction Cost Economics and Organized Labor Essays -- Economics Mar

Cooperation and exchange among individuals often organize in firms rather than adhering to market institutions. This anomaly of market systems can be explained through what Oliver Williamson calls â€Å"Transaction Cost Economics.† Transaction costs are defined as the â€Å"costs of running the economic system† (Williamson 18). Similar to friction in a physical system, transaction costs may be small compared to other costs such encountered by market players, but basing entire models on a ‘frictionless’ system is unrealistic. It is these transaction costs explain the development of firms and hierarchies rather than contracting by market forces. There are three limitations to a market system: bounded rationality, opportunism and asset specificity. Bounded rationality describes the limitations of knowledge by market players. Whereas they will act rationally in a market situation, they are not always presented with all the information required to make a rational decision. Opportunism arises when certain market players are unwilling to accept the status quo and believe they have the ability to improve their position. Finally, asset specificity refers to certain players having technical and contractual inseparabilites. An example of asset specificity is an accounting firm with a long term contract with a given company. After the long term contract expires, the accounting firm would be first in line to renew their contract with the given company. There may be other accounting firms in the market that could also offer similar accounting services, but the company will likely keep its original accounting firm. Switching wo uld incur transaction costs such as transferring of files over to the new accounting firm, legal fees associate... ... asset specificity can no longer be ignored as in classic market models. A highly trained employee is a very specific asset since a firm would incur great costs in training a novice employee and bringing the novice’s productivity up to that of a highly trained employee. Thus, a firm could not easily replace the highly trained employee as the case would be in a market situation. Thus non market contracts are forged to keep the specific asset that is high human capital. Williamson and Coase use transaction cost economics to explain why labor is often organized in firms rather than relying on market institutions. The increasing effect of asset specificity on the labor market is a key validation for their analysis. Firms are more efficient than market institutions in that they save on transaction costs associated with writing, signing and enforcing contracts.

Computer benefits Essay

In today’s modern world, computers are needed everyday. Around the world, children use computers from the time they are little. It’s true that children should have fun when they are young; however, in my opinion, a child who knows how to use the computer will be more successful in the future. My reasons for this view are personal, academic and professional. From a personal point of view, computers can help young people to learn more about the world. For example, some children use the Internet to find information on different subjects. In this way, they learn to find answers by themselves. By using the computer when they are little, children feel more comfortable around computers. They also know how to use the computer for different reasons. From an academic viewpoint, children have to learn how to use this new invention. For instance, when I was in college, many students used to bring their laptops to class. They used to take notes, do research and share information. They wrote their essays, made presentations and created useful lists. Children who can use the computer when they are young have more confidence than other children. From a professional perspective, the computer is found in every kind of office. Today, employers will still hire people who cannot use computers and give them computer training. But tomorrow, companies will expect people to have these skills already. As a result, by encouraging children to use the computer for a short time every day, parents are preparing their children for future jobs. In conclusion, it is clear that computers are now a part of our regular life. Children who can use computers easily and confidently will do better in the future.