Portrayal Of The Criminal Justice System - 1308 Words

deter criminal activity because of their ability to depict anti-criminal behavior in an attractive manner. Overtime the media, whether it be by film, television, news etc., has provided its audience with different depictions of the criminal justice system. Some themes continue to reappear while others vanish due to unpopularity. Typically, all media outlets seek to produce the most trendy and entertaining perspective of what it intends on representing. As a result, the portrayal of the criminal justice system for instance, is often times unrealistic. However, some sources of media hold authenticity to a higher regard and aim to produce a more sufficient illustration. Ultimately though, viewers are more attracted to the more exaggerated and dramatic representation, prompting creators, directors and writers to display their work in a specific manner. Unfortunately, these inadequate portrayals sometimes become what many viewers see as reality. Additionally, the popular depiction of the criminal justice system is that it is inefficient and is in a dire need of reconstruction. The news in particular reports most frequently on violent crimes such as racial dispute, gang violence and other street oriented lawlessness. There are a few different consequences that rise from the overrepresentation of violent crimes. One is that it instigates unnecessary fear of the public and the crime problem in general. Another is that it promotes racial tension between different groups stirringShow MoreRelatedMedia Portrayal Of The Criminal Justice System945 Words   |  4 PagesMedia Portraying the Criminal Justice System Different forms of media, such as television, films, books, and newspapers, have similar ways of portraying the criminal justice system. The media constructs representations of crime and justice and in doing this, it presents an often dramatized representation of the criminal justice system; and this does not just influence on the public’s lay view of crime but also for criminal justice experts (Marsh, 2014). In the media it is commonly known that theyRead MoreRacial Segregation And Popular Culture1676 Words   |  7 Pages The unreliable generalizations and disturbing portrayals of members in a racial group contribute to the justification of unequal treatment in various systems that impact people in the society negatively. Racial biases exist unconsciously in our attitudes. This leads to actions that are negatively interpreted in our cultures and diffuse in the media, which in turn, form prejudice and discrimination that structure systems to target minority groups. The two most frequent racial stereotypes in culturalRead MoreThe Inside Out Program : The Media s Portrayal Of Criminals947 Words   |  4 Pagesdelve into the prison system through the interactions and discussions between the local inmates or classified â€Å"Inside† students. When explaining the program to the average person, some would express interest and curiosity or having a class in a correctional institution; others were weary and even asked why one would decide to take a class full of â€Å"hardened† criminals. This i s what I thought as well when first hearing about the course. From the media’s portrayal of criminals, bombarding news viewersRead MoreAnalysis Of To Kill A Mockingbird1693 Words   |  7 Pagesare discussed. In general, the audience gets a full overview of the criminal justice process; however, the process isn’t portrayed in full accuracy. At the beginning of the movie, we hear of a grand jury charging Tom Robinson. The role of grand juries is to decide if there is enough evidence to indict a criminal defendant, meaning, is there enough evidence to charge them and go forward with a trial (Budziak). Therefore, this portrayal was fairly accurate. However, we never hear of an initial appearanceRead MoreBlack Americans Receive A Stricter Punishment Than White Americans Essay1446 Words   |  6 Pagesand sentenced to death at significantly higher rates than their white counterparts (Kerby 2).† Portrayals in the media have depicted black men as thugs and common crim inals; these negative stereotypes demoralize men of color and allow society to believe and internalize this destructive thinking. The racial disparities that exist in the criminal justice system are an indirect consequence of the portrayals of African American men that circulate in society. Because of racial disparities that occur inRead MorePublic Perception of the Police Essay1471 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract The media portrayal of policing is filled with both positive and negative representations of police work. As a result, a complex relationship exists between media consumption and public attitudes towards the police. The purpose of this study is to test the impact that media consumption has on attitudes toward police misconduct. The research design proposed for use in this study would be the experimental design, a two-group, posttest-only, randomized experiment. Introduction TheRead MorePositive and Negative Publicity in a Case Trial1295 Words   |  5 PagesMedia publishes both positive and negative aspects regarding a criminal case, and with Milats’ case, the media focused highly on negative publicity. As Ruva, Geunther and Yarbrough had found that both positive and negative media realises can influence the jury in different ways, it provided an understanding into the different types of media representation surrounding a case. The different types of media representation will influence ones memory, and pre-trial publicity can cause errors in judgementRead MoreComparing Media Images Of Criminological Research Essay1712 Words   |  7 Pagesaffected comic book stories, those stories are where the shows and films get their material from. They are not exact retellings but they are very closely linked. The creators of Marvel ©, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, showed the world a place where â€Å"’justice’ depended on how characters used t heir power responsibly for the greater social welfare† (Adkinson, The Amazing Spider-Man and the Evolution of the Comics Code: A Case Study in Cultural Criminology). Marvel has always been challenging the norm andRead MoreThe Media And The Criminal Justice System Essay1260 Words   |  6 Pagesperceptions that our criminal justice system is lacking in areas of proper sentencing and protecting the viewers. All this is based upon what we see in the media is the information reliable or not? I say this because of hearing about news personality lying about their experience only to booster the networks rating. When the criminal justice system has contact with the media, most will withhold information or give misleading information to justify the capture or conviction of a criminal. So not only areRead MoreReal Courts vs Fictional Courts1145 Words   |  5 Pageslawyers cannot measure up to the models portrayed in popular culture such as movies and television, says David R. Papk e, the R. Bruce Townsend Professor of law and professor of liberal arts at IUPUI. Papke is nationally recognized as an expert on the portrayal of the legal profession in the visual media. The topic has been the focus of several of his recent projects. Less than half the population has consulted a lawyer, Papke notes, and a very small proportion has seen a live courtroom trial. Most people

Depression Disorder And Its Causes - 1100 Words

Depression Disorder and Its Causes Miami Dade College Depression Disorder and Its Causes A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. A depressive disorder is not the same as passing blue moon, it is not a sign of a personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depressive illness can get better by â€Å"pulling themselves together†, without treatment, this disorder can get worse and can last for weeks, months, or even years. (Tsuang MT, Faraone SV. The genetics of mood disorders. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990) Everybody has low moods on occasion. Whether you get a bad grade in school, a lower raise than you expected, a fight with a loved one, or a death of a beloved pet – there are countless reasons why a person will feel sad or for a while because of something that has happened to him or her. This is often when people say. â€Å"I’m depressed† – and others understand what they mean. But as long as the feeling never interferes with your ability to function in daily life and goes away within no more than, say, a couple of weeks, it’s not medical depression. The term â€Å"situational depression† is sometimes used to describe depression brought on by a significant event in your life. The death of a loved one, losing your job, a divorce and similar major life events canShow MoreRelatedDepression : Causes And Consequences Of Mental Disorders989 Words   |  4 Pagesconsistently found as an association with mental disorders (Poongothai et al., 2009; Shaji et al., 1995). Patients with major depressive disorder also suffer from many co-morbidities (Kessler et al., 2010). The resultant high health expenditures cause low financial status (due to high health expenditure) (Stoudemire, Frank, Hedemark, Kamlet, Blazer, 1986). Low income is both a consequence and a cause (Sareen, Afifi, McMillan, Asmundson, 2011) of mental disorders. In the Chennai Urban Rural EpidemiologicalRead MoreDepression Essay : Depression : The Causes Of Depression893 Words   |  4 PagesDepression Depression affects many people in today’s society for a number of reasons. Depression is a serious disorder, numerous people are affected by it. However, there are places to go that give help that people with depression need. To begin, depression is a disorder that affects a great deal of people. According to Mayo Clinic, â€Å"Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest† (â€Å"Overview,† n.d.). There are many causes to why people have depressionRead MoreEssay Bipolar Disorder1447 Words   |  6 PagesBipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness affects about 1.2 percent of the U.S. population (8). It is defined by fluctuating states of depression and mania throughout ones life. Those who are depressed may be restless, irritable, have slowed thinking or speech, decreased sexual activity, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, suicidal thoughts as well as other changes. Those in a manic state may have increased activity or energy, more thoughts and faster thinkingRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of A Depressive Disorder1591 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is a depressive disorder? â€Å" A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.† (Psychology Today) The term depression in psychology is more than just sadness. â€Å"People with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack ofRead MoreEssay Psychological Causes of Depression702 Words   |  3 PagesPsychological Causes of Depression The actual causes of depression are still unknown today but there are a few theories that could help explain them. It is widely believed by psychologists and scientists that all mental disorders are brought about by a complex correlation of psychological, biological, and social factors. A serious loss, chronic illness, relationship problem, work stress, family crisis, financial setback, or any unwelcome life change can ignite a depressive disorder (PsychologyinfoRead MoreClincal Depression Essay1445 Words   |  6 PagesClincal Depression Depression is a very common disease that will affect a large percentage of the population at some point during their life span. At least 10% of all people will suffer from a major depressive disorder, while even a larger percentage will suffer from some type of mild depression. It is a serious disease that has been linked to other physical and mental illnesses. It has also been a cause of death in numerous cases due to suicide and heart disease. The most disturbing factRead MoreDepression : A Complex Biological Illness Essay1392 Words   |  6 Pages Depression is a mental disorder that is a feeling of sadness that can interfere with daily life for a person and the family and friends of the person. The some of the major signs or symptoms of depression are thoughts of suicide, loss of interest, and appetite changes. There are many things to know about this disorder such as what the it is, what causes it, who is afflicted by it, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment is available . According to a research, â€Å"depression is a complex biological illnessRead MoreThe Major Categories Of Disorder1063 Words   |  5 PagesSome of the major categories of disorder include the following: †¢ Anxiety Disorders †¢ Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders †¢ Dissociative Disorders †¢ Feeding and Eating Disorders †¢ Mood Disorders †¢ Neurocognitive Disorders †¢ Neurodevelopmental Disorders †¢ Personality Disorders †¢ Sleep-Wake Disorders †¢ Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders †¢ Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders †¢ Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders Mood Disorders Mood disorders consist of a widespread range ofRead MoreMental Illness : A Mental Disorder1463 Words   |  6 Pagesbehavioral disorder. This means that around 510,600,000 people suffered from some form of mental or behavioral disorder in 2010 alone. Now, with all this information we must first ask, what is a mental illness? The definition given by the National Alliance of Mental Illness, or NAMI, states that â€Å"A mental illness is a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood and may affect his or her ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis.† Many psychological disorders are developedRead MoreCauses, Symptoms, and Treatments of Unipolar and Bipolar Disorder936 Words   |  4 PagesCauses and 2 Unipolar and bipolar disorders are fairly common and they can have devastating effects to an individual. There has been much study and documentation on these disorders. This paper will review the causes of both unipolar and bipolar disorders. The symptoms of both of these disorders will be highlighted and discussed. Treatment options will be reviewed that are available to individuals who find that they are suffering from these disorders. Unipolar disorder is characterized by an individual

Marketing Plan Strategy Of Boost Juice Free Sample

Question: Disucss about the Marketing Plan Strategy of Boost Juice. Answer: Introduction Marketing is considered as a core function of the business management. The business strategies of a company rely heavily on its marketing strategies. The purpose of any business is to expand its customer base. The profit of an organization are not increased by technology, infrastructure but it is solely dependent upon the customer base and their satisfaction. Therefore, the basic idea of marketing is to create a customer-driven organization wherein the customer satisfaction is given supreme importance. In the present business scenario, the competition among the business organizations has drastically increased. Therefore, the importance of marketing methods has also increased in expanding the market share and retaining the previous customers. The fundamental goal of the marketing strategy is to increase the sales and enhance the brand awareness for the company (Ferrell Hartline, 2013). The marketing strategy encompasses several short-term and long-term methods that are focused on upl ifting the situation and the profitability of an organization. The most fundamental part of the marketing strategy is the marketing mix which refers to the tools and techniques that can be used by the company to influence the consumer behavior and pursue its marketing objectives. Traditionally, the marketing mix refers to the four major aspects which are manipulated to pursue the marketing strategy. At present, the marketing mix is extended to eight aspects, namely, product, prices, promotion, distribution, partnerships, people, processes and physical evidence (Belohlavek, 2008). In this essence, in this report, the marketing strategy of Boost juice is evaluated in the Australian market. In the initial section of the report, the history and the background of the company has been covered. Subsequently, the marketing strategy of the company has been evaluated by the examination of its marketing mix. In the later section, a few recommendations are made to the company to enhance its mar keting methods. Boost Juice Bars is an Australian retail organization that deals with various health products such as juice, smoothies and protein and energy drinks. The company was founded in 2000 in Australia by Janine Allis and today has presence in several countries across the globe. Boost is famous for providing healthy and fresh diet products to the customers has reached sales of over $ 2 billion. The company came into existence when during an American trip, the companys founder examined that the fresh juice bar market is developed in several countries, yet in Australia there are very few juice bar companies despite its healthy and outdoorsy lifestyle. Later, Janine Allis founded the company after development of a business plan, structure and ethics. The first store of the company was opened in Adelaide and there Janine worked everything from making drinks to serving customers. This helped her to study the consumer taste and their preference. Moreover, she also acquired in-depth knowledge of t he market and the logistics involved. The company grew in size and several different stores were opened in different places. The company also hired help and extended its staff due to the increase in the operations (Boost, 2017). Marketing Mix of the Company 8 Ps The marketing mix is the fundamental concept of marketing wherein the marketing methods are systematically applied to enhance the product sales. In the marketing process, the marketers conduct the research about the characteristics of the market, select a target market and develop a marketing strategy. In order to increase the sales, there are some demand-inducing variables which constituents the marketing mix of the company. The classical marketing mix has four variables (Product, Price, Place and Promotion); however, in the recent years expanded into eight Ps of marketing with changes in the business environment. In the below section, the marketing mix of Boost Juice is evaluated. The company offers various health food products. It includes high quality fruit juice, smoothies or juice bars. The company has always focused on quality of the products and incorporated fresh fruit juice blended with yoghurt and healthy smoothies. In the recent years, in order to tap the health-conscious customers, the company has introduced several products such as high protein, super-food, tropical and spirit. The company has made a motto to make all its products from natural ingredients and low fat. The company avoids unnatural products, artificial flavors and sweeteners or preservatives. It has also developed its product according to its target customers. The regular smoothies of the company are filled with the natural nutrients whereas the Super Smoothies are designed to maximize the benefits by adding various Boosters. It has also introduced products in accordance with the customer taste such as tea lovers. In different locations, the company has customized its products to sui t the local tastes. Boost has introduced several tailor-made products which are developed according to the local taste and needs (Boost, 2017). In its marketing strategy, the company has kept the prices of all the menu items low. It is done in order to attract more customers and compete with other food and beverage companies such as Coke and Pepsi. However, keeping the prices low has reduced the profit margins of the company (Prowd, 2013). Boost Juice acknowledges that different customers in different corners of the world have different taste, values, customs, purchasing power and habits. The company ensures that its promotional strategy in the foreign markets is different from its local strategy and adapted according to the local market needs. The promotional strategies are also developed according to the purchasing power, media habits and consumer interest in the local region. In its expansion, the company follows the strategy of franchising. In this strategy, it chooses the prominent and the experienced market players of the local region, who have intensive knowledge of the local market. However, the company also focuses on maintaining the integrity and the brand message of the organization (Boost, 2017). Moreover, with its foundation the company has followed a unique marketing approach of above-the-line and below-the-line marketing. As a result, within five years of its inception the company has arrived at 94% market awareness. The above the line marketing of the company includes the use of social media, television and the radio campaigns. In contrast to it, below the line methods include, e-mail marketing, engaging website, media coverage and customer service (Boos Study Kit, 2015). Boost Juice has adopted the strategy of franchising as its distribution strategy. About 70% of the Boost Juice outlet is franchised to different distributors. It is the method of expanding the outreach to the customers by leasing the business model and the brand name for a specific period of time to other businesses (Switzer Daily, 2009). Boost Juice has developed partnership with Bain Capital a private equity partner (Fitzsimmons, 2014). In addition to it, the company has also formed a new partnership with AIA Australia (IFA, 2016). In the marketing mix, the people refer to the founders, employees and the culture of the company. As per the love life philosophy of the company, it tries to give an exceptional experience to the customers. Therefore, the company has constructed attractive stores with vibrant colors to give exceptional consumer experience. The company is also focused on providing exceptional customer service to all the customers. The process of the company refers to the service delivery, complaints and the response time of the company. The company is very focused on providing exceptional customer services to its customers. The service quality is exceptional, the customers complaints are resolved quickly and the response time is also fast. The physical evidence of the customer experience with the company can increase the sales of the organization. It refers to the user stories, recommendations and the general buzz around the organization. In this regard, the company has well-maintained its website and shares the stories of the customers and their experience in social media with the organization. The company also tries to create buzz by tapping the current social trends. Contemporary Issues and the Competition Due to the advancements in the times and the changing consumer behavior, the marketing management of the business organizations has also undergone drastic changes. Due to the advancements in technology, the outreach of the companies has increased; however, several issues have also emerged due to increase in accessibility of the information. The companies have to maintain their brand image and social responsibility. They cannot consider themselves as entities which are completely separated from their social responsibility or consider that their main objective is profit making (Shankar et al., 2012). As a result, the companies have considered taking several actions to give back to the society where they are operating. Boost Juice also take several initiatives to control their emissions and minimize the negative impact on the environment. The company has introduced different versions of the paper cups which are manufactured from renewable and the sustainable resources. Moreover, the com pany uses non-toxic and food-safe inks which are not harmful to the environment. Along with it, the company has actively participated in several charity and philanthropic activities (Boost Juice, 2017). Moreover, social media also has changed the dynamics of the business environment. The business organizations can instantly connect with their customers and the target market. However, these customers can also connect with each other and provide their feedback and reviews to a larger audience. Therefore, it has become essential for the business organizations to focus on the customer experience and satisfaction each and every time. Furthermore, the companies can also use the social media to study the market trends and the customer preferences. They can also instantly promote their services, products, offers and discounts with social media. Other technological advancement also assists business organizations to increase their operational efficiency and productivity in business. For instance, the companies can automate the processes to minimize the human error. It also reduces the operational costs to the companies (Ferrell Hartline, 2013). However, with the technical advancements, the connectivity of the people and consumers has also increased. Before making the purchase decision, the customers evaluate the product options and then determine which product he has to buy. It has drastically increased the competition among the business organizations. The companies also integrate ethical principles and social marketing to increase their brand value (Fifield, 2012). Recommendations for Formulation of Marketing Strategy In the following section, several recommendations are made so that the business organization can enhance its marketing strategy and attain a larger market share. Boost Juice is focused on providing healthy juices and smoothies to the customers. The competitive advantage of the company is its focus on the health products. However, the product range of the company is limited. Therefore, the company must focus on developing its product range. Boost Juice can offer health food salad, wholegrain bread and its sandwiches to include variety in its product offering (Hill, 2012). The price of the products is comparatively low in comparison to the product value. The company is offering the products at low prices so that it can attract more customers. However, the profit margin of the company is comparatively low. In this essence, the company can provide a detailed product range wherein the products with additional features can be sold at a higher rate. The company uses a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote itself. It uses broadcast media like television, radio and social media to connect with the customers. Boost Juice can enhance its promotional strategy by incorporating its philosophy in the marketing campaigns. It should focus on the use of vibrant colors and sports in its marketing campaigns. It can also join hands with other sports organization or adventure companies to promote its products (Hill Jones, 2009). In its distribution strategy, the company should focus on developing its retail outlets in places known for outdoor sports activities such as beaches or sports clubs. Moreover, the company should also develop a few outlets in the office colleges or youth clubs to tap the market of young generation. In order to expand its business, the company should initiate partnerships with other health product companies. Being a big organization, it can acquire small companies which are focused on healthy diet and food products. It can also work on creating partnerships with financial firms and companies to increase its financial robustness. In the present competitive environment, human resources are considered as a vital asset in the development of the competitive advantage. They represent the company and interact with the customers. The company should focus on developing its human resources to compete with other organizations in the same industry. The service professionals of the company should be provided training to provide the customer excellent services in its retail outlets. Moreover, the company should also invest in attracting the best talent in the industry by providing better remuneration and attractive salary packages (Partridge Sinclair-Hunt, 2005). The process of the company can be enhanced by implementation of technology and technically-advanced machinery and equipment. The company should focus on the implementation of a strategy so that no customer is dissatisfied with the services and the customer service professionals are prompt to enhance their experience with the company (Partridge Sinclair-Hunt, 2005). In order to increase the physical evidence for the product, service and quality, Boost juice can initiate an online blog. The company can share its own experience or the experience of the customers in this blog. Additionally, the company can also establish promotional videos wherein the company can connect with its customer base through online mediums. Boost Juice can share its philosophy, vision and connect it with the Australian community. Conclusion Conclusively, it can be stated that Boost Juice has targeted a niche market in the Australian community and tapped on the health conscious customers. The company was founded in 2000 by Janine Allis when she found that there is no food product for the health conscious customers in Australia. In the founding years, she conducted marketing research and examined the customer behavior by directly dealing with the customers. The company expanded in different countries as well as in Australia through franchising. Moreover, it extended a specific marketing mix to attract maximum customers. It has also implemented the strategy of keeping the prices low to attract maximum customers. The company focuses not only on providing excellent quality products but focusing on a very different consumer experience. In this direction, the stores are painted with vibrant colors and front desk professionals provide excellent services to the customers. In the report, it is recommended that the company increas e its number of outlets in places with maximum young population. In its promotional activities, it can start blog and posting promotional videos. References Ferrell, O.C., Hartline, M. (2013). Marketing Strategy, Text and Cases. Boston: Cengage Learning. Belohlavek, P. (2008). Unicist Marketing Mix. Blue Eagle Group. Boost Juice. (2017). The Boost Story. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.boostjuice.com.au/about Boost. (2017). Why Pick Boost. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.boostjuice.com.au/why-pick-boost Boost Study Kit. (2015). Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.boostjuice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Boost_Study_Kit_2015.pdf Prowd, J. (2013). Boost's pricing problem. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.intelligentinvestor.com.au/2013/07/boosts-pricing-problem Switzer Daily. (2009). Franchising as a Distribution Model. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.switzer.com.au/small-business/business-management/systems/franchising-as-a-distribution-method/ IFA. (2016). AIA makes product enhancements, partners with Boost Juice. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.ifa.com.au/news/15635-aia-makes-product-enhancements-partners-with-boost-juice Fitzsimmons, C. (2014). Boost Juice founder Janine Allis in partnership talks with Bain Capital. Retrieved 27 January 2017 from https://www.afr.com/leadership/entrepreneur/boost-juice-founder-janine-allis-in-partnership-talks-with-bain-capital-20140506-jya8p Shankar, V. et al. (2012). Handbook of Marketing Strategy. Edward Elgar Publishing. Ferrell, O.C., Hartline, M. (2013). Marketing Strategy, Text and Cases. Cengage Learning. Fifield, P. (2012). Marketing Strategy. Routledge. Hill, M. (2012). Marketing Strategy: The Thinking Involved. SAGE. Hill, C., Jones, G. (2009). Strategic Management Theory: An Integrated Approach. Boston: Cengage Learning. Partridge, L., Sinclair-Hunt, M. (2005). Strategic Management. Hertfordshire: Select Knowledge Limited.

Joy Luck Club Essays (951 words) - Chinatown, San Francisco

Joy Luck Club Every person comes to a point in their life when they begin to search for themselves and their identity. Usually it is a long process and takes a long time with many wrong turns along the way. Family, teachers, and friends all help to develop a person into an individual and adult. Parents play the largest role in evolving a person. Amy Tan, author of the Joy Luck Club, uses this theme in her book. Four mothers have migrated to America from China because of their own struggles. They all want their daughters to grow up successful and without any of the hardships they went through. One mother, Suyuan, imparts her knowledge on her daughter through stories. The American culture influences her daughter, Jing Mei, to such a degree that it is hard for Jing Mei to understand her mother's culture and life lessons. Yet it is not until Jing Mei realizes that the key to understanding who her mother was and who she is lies in understanding her mother's life. Jing Mei spends her American life trying to pull away from her Chinese heritage, and therefore also ends up pulling away from her mother. Jing Mei does not understand the culture and does not feel it is necessary to her life. When she grows up it is not "fashionable" to be called by your Chinese name (26). She doesn't use, understand, or remember the Chinese expressions her mother did, claiming she "can never remember things [she] didn't understand in the first place" (6). Jing Mei "begs" her mother "to buy [her] a transistor radio", but her mother refuses when she remembers something from her past, asking her daughter "Why do you think you are missing something you never had?" (13) Instead of viewing the situation from her mother's Chinese-influenced side, Jing Mei takes the American materialistic viewpoint and "sulks in silence for an hour" (13). By ignoring her mom and her mom's advice, Jing Mei is also ignoring some of the similarities between her and her mother. Suyuan has also rejected some of the Chinese traditions. Suyuan rejects the women-repressive Chinese traditions when she tells her daughter that she "believed you could be anything you want to be in America" (141). Suyuan continually tells Jing Mei her "Kweilin story" as a child, the story of the origins of the Joy Luck Club as well as her mother's past hardships. Yet despite the importance of the story and the events constituting the story to Suyuan, Jing Mei "never thought [her] mother's Kweilin story was anything but a Chinese fairy tale" (12). The story would have the same meaning to Jing Mei as if she were being told the story of Sleeping Beauty, or some other American bedtime story. When Jing Mei recognizes the similarities between her mother and herself she begins to understand not only her mother but herself as well. There are subtle connections and likenesses from the beginning between Jing Mei and her mother that Jing Mei does not see. The book commences with Jing Mei taking her mother's place at the mah jong table, creating a similarity between them from the beginning. Suyuan dies two months before the start of the book, and therefore is not able to tell the stories. Jing Mei has learned and must tell her stories in her place, forming another parallelism between mother and daughter. Because Suyuan is dead, Jing Mei must act in place of her mother when she goes to meet her Chinese sisters in China. Throughout the book Jing Mei takes the place of Suyuan, showing she and her mother have a unique link even with the barrier of the living world. Jing Mei finally begins to realize her identity and past when she travels in place of her mother to China to meet her two twin sisters. Suyuan had to make the hard decision to leave her twin babies on the side of the road in hopes some kind stranger would take them in, that way she would not have to see them die. Suyuan searches for her babies all through her life in America, sending multitudes of letters; they finally get in touch with her two months after she has died. Because her mother is not alive to meet her children, Jing Mei takes her place and the trip enables her to finally recognize her Chinese ancestry. The minute she enters China she "feels different" and can realize that she is "becoming Chinese" (306). At fifteen Jing Mei believed she was only