Goals of business

Goals of business Introduction In the 1970s, Milton Friedman argued that the only purpose of business was to maximise profits. This was based on the assumption that such action would benefit the society through increased employment. Friedman maintained that taking part in other activities would render a company less competitive and consequently less beneficial to the society, employees and the owners.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goals of business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Since this time, the debate surrounding the degrees to which today’s organisations should be socially responsible has been the source of much research. Therefore, it is important to note that businesses have other aims other than providing profits to their members. For example, they provide innovation which in return brings growth, employment and lifestyle to people’s lives. Many products in the market have been solving several consumer probl ems than before. Additionally, businesses aim at offering social amenities to the society. As presented in this paper, these goals have their merits and demerits. The aim of this paper is to critic and analyse the claim that the main goal of businesses is profit maximisation. To achieve this different business goals are listed in separate paragraphs. Each paragraph discusses and explains particular business goals. According to Ahlstrom, the major goal of businesses is to create new and innovative products, which bring economic growth and improved living standards of the world’s population. Therefore, businesses should aim at providing these benefits to society. This is because failure to do so can lead to long term drop in the society’s welfare. For example, small drop in growth for a long time can reduce the benefits that firms can offer to the society (Henry 1983). One of the ways that firms can use to achieve growth while at the same time offering innovation is by, effective disruptive innovation. An example of this disruptive innovation is technological innovation. Some of the benefits of constant economic growth are increase in per capita income, job creation, improved revenue and living standards. Failure for businesses to grow or slow growth has led the equity markets to punish the companies that made caused the drop.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, improved growth has made companies to take on better skilled and experienced people. Additionally, the societies’ wellbeing improves and reliance on foreign aid and welfare associations has reduced. Improved living standards have also been realised in countries, such as Europe, North America and parts of Middle East. Therefore, the average annual income of an average individual has raised by around 450% between 1820 and the end of the 20th century. Th is steady growth is an indication of a healthy industry. Another benefit of economic growth is improved life expectancy. For example, a person in 1000 could live for approximately 24 years while today, one can live up to 66 years and even more. From the above analysis, it is clear that businesses should aim at bringing growth and innovative products to the consumers rather than to make profits for the shareholders and owners. This is because, through improved growth, consumer revenues increase leading to improved consumption and living standards (Ahlstrom 2010). According to Bejou, the sole or the major purpose of businesses should be to express compassion which can bring a difference in society. This compassion should be a part of the company’s goals, mission, vision, strategy and decisions that are aimed at reducing the society’s suffering. Some of the values of compassionate companies are integrity, responsibility towards the stakeholders, freedom, Community Social Responsibility (CSR), animal rights protection, among others (Bejou 2011). CSR is the obligation of businesses to offer social, legal and economic support and development to the environment and society. It can also be referred to as ethical contribution towards economic development (Van Beurden Gossling 2008). According to annual reports of research done in 2009, the following are examples of the compassionate companies: Ford Motor Company. This is an award winning company which has created a Food Pantry project that funds food banks across the nation. Additionally, the company’s community service enables its employees to participate in charity works across the globe. For example, in 2009, the company’s employees voluntarily contributed to community service in 44 countries globally (Bejou 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goals of business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Pepsi Company. The compa ny practices compassion by ensuring good governance towards its investors. Additionally, the company is committed towards providing quality and healthy products to consumers as well as educating consumers about its products and nutrition. It is also at the forefront in protecting human rights and natural resources. The company’s employees enjoy ethical working relationships, empowerment and diversity. Pepsi is also a major contributor to the society. For example, it has contributed funds to help earthquake victims in Chile, Pakistan, China and Haiti. Additionally, it has helped the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia (Bejou 2011). Acropostale Incorporation. The company’s value of integrity enables it to uplift the society’s living standards. For example, during holidays, it offers gifts to hospitalised children, collects and distributes clothes to earthquake victims and the homeless (Bejou 2011). The company also offers support to flood and famine victims. Green M ountain Coffee Roasters Incorporation (GMCR). The company is known for its contribution to environmental conservation, support to the community, its sustainable products and healthy working conditions (Bejou 2011). Target. From 1946, the company has been giving 5% of its income to the community members. Additionally, the company contributes towards environmental conservation. For example, it uses LED (light-emitting diode) displays for lighting. The company is also involved in security enhancement, disaster alleviation and renovation of school programs (Bejou 2011). From the above analysis, it is clear that corporations should be responsible for the environment and the community. Therefore, companies should learn that even though profits are part of the organization’s goals, ethics, vision and compassion are the most important goals; profit maximization should not be their main aim. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has the following characteristics. It is an existing and old idea (it is not new) which portrays the business’s willingness to do good; and its nature and scope are uncertain. Therefore, the CSR that a company conducts depends on upcoming societal needs.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Some of the advocates of CSR are the International Business Forum (IBLF), the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), governmental and nons of unethical business practices include failure to pay the suppliers and provision of poor quality consumer goods and services. Critics of capitalism and the Marxists dismiss these responsibilities and argue that the capitalistic businesses are greedy and unethical (Shaw 2008). In order to achieve ethical behaviour, firms can use a free-market model (Wilcke 2004). Conclusion In this essay, I have argued that businesses have more than one goal. For example, they aim at maximizing profits, offering social responsibility to the society, providing growth and development and ethical responsibility. These goals have merits and demerits to the business. Therefore, businesses should strike a balance and decide the goals that they want to achieve. Businesses that are socially irresponsible, unethical, unlawful and disrespectful to the society’s needs face various challenges. Some of them are economic sanctions and law suits. Additionally, these companies face reduced sales as the society shy away from their products. Eventually, these businesses lose public trust and, which affects their profitability. However, these businesses take pride in reduced costs that relate to social responsibility. This is because they engage in little social responsibility activities and projects. On the contrary, ethical, lawful and socially responsible businesses receive improved reputation which leads to improved sales and growth. This is because the society trusts these firms’ products and services. However, socially responsible businesses face challenges such as increased operating and financial costs. These costs can affect the profitability of the socially responsible firms. Businesses should learn that even though achieving both profit maximization and social responsibility is costly, it results in a wide range of benefits to both the business and society. Given the many benefits associated with social responsibility, the main goal of businesses should not be to increase the wealth of the shareholders and owners. References Ahlstrom, D 2010, ‘Innovation and Growth: How Business Contributes to Society’, Academy of Management Perspectives, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 10-23. Bejou, D 2011, ‘Compassion as the New Philosophy of Business’, Journal of Relationship Marketing, vol. 10, pp. 1-6. Cosans, C 2009, ‘Does Milton Friedman Support a Vigorous Business Ethics?’, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 87, no. 3, pp. 391-399. Craig Smith, N 2003, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility: Whether or How?’, California Management Review, vol. 45 no. 4, pp. 52-76. Dalai, L 1998, The art of happiness, Riverhead Books, New York. Henry, M 1983, ‘The Case for Corporate Social Responsibility’, The Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 4 no. 2, pp. 3-15. Husted, B W Salazar, J 2006, ‘Taking Friedman Seriously: Maximising Profits and Social Performance’, Journal of Management Studies, vol. 43 no. 1, pp. 75-91. Pfeffer, J 1998, The human equation: Building profits by putting people first, Harvard Business School Press, Boston. Shaw, W 2009, ‘Marxism, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility’, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 84, no. 4, pp. 565-576. Van Beurden, P Gossling, T 2008, ‘The Worth of Values – A Literature Review on the Relation Between Corporate Social and Financial Performance’, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 82, no. 2, pp. 407-424. Viscusi, WK 1995, Fatal tradeoffs: Public and private responsibilities for risk, Oxford University Press, New York. Wilcke, RW 2004, ‘An Appropriate Ethical Model for Business and a Critique of Milton Friedman’s Thesis’, The Independent Review, vol. 9 no. 2, pp. 187-209. Customer Inserts His/Her Name Customer Inserts ID

An assessment of Paris competitive strategy in the European tourism Dissertation

An assessment of Paris competitive strategy in the European tourism industry - Dissertation Example I would also like to appreciate the research staff for their help and contribution. They encourage me by ascertaining that the research will be effective. Their guidance supported me in handling with day-to-day issues and problems. I would also like to express my gratitude for those participants who supported me in collecting information. With the support of their concern and trust, information was gathered originally. Without their contribution, it was not possible to gather the information. Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for my family and friends who encouraged me and helped me in carrying out this research. They established my confidence through which I was capable to complete this study. Their trust and belief helped me immensely in acquiring my aim and doing this study successfully. Abstract The tourism market is one of the biggest and rapid growing industries all around the world. As per the World Tourism Organizations predictions, the industry will remain to flourishing and use more people in the 21st century. Along with the development of the tourism and hospitality market internationally, expectations of consumers and demands for higher quality are augmenting while consumer preferences are varying also (Montanari and Williams, 1995). Competition among the organizations, both internationally and nationally, is getting intense on one another. In this industrial context of increased consumer expectations, different market areas that demand special products and services, and tough competition, hospitality and tourism firms are looking for ways to progress in service quality, competition, customer satisfaction and performance, this paper takes the perception that humans and organizational behaviors are closely related with the success and failure of the tourism industry and help in the achievement of the desired goals through exceptional performance (Buzard, 1993). The purpose of this dissertation is to focus the core concepts related wit h the successful tourism and through a Paris case study, recommendations and suggestions for one of the major metropolitan of Europe; London has created an immense opportunity to explore the subject in detail. Table of Contents Acknowledgements 2 Abstract 3 Chapter Two: Literature Review 7 Chapter Three: Humans and Organizations Behaviors in Tourism Industry 8 Organizational Behaviour 9 Criteria to Measure Competitiveness in the Tourism Industry 9 Tourism in Paris 12 Competitive Advantages 13 Suggestions for Paris 16 Annual Investments 18 Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Findings 20 References 25 Chapter One: Introduction 1.1. Dissertation Overview Tourism has emerged one of the most crucial aspect and the most profit generating performance in numerous small island emerging states. It has transformed into the source of employment generation and revenue for small island’s people (Zuelow, 2011). A transformation in the tourism requirement for an island may have a big impact on t he GDP (Gross Domestic Product), which refers to the total worth of services and goods generated in a country in a specific period of time, normally a year, the Balance of payments and the budget (Ashworth and Kavaratzis, 2010). Tourism has transformed into a highly developing industry in the current state of business, where destinations majorly depend on their natural and few manmade assets to make their tourism market. It is sometimes a core component for economic development and progress. The economic influence of tourism has shifted the

Nanjing China Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nanjing China - Assignment Example The well-known Confucius Temple is not just a remembrance place for the Great Sage but has an encompassing territory clamoring with shops, eateries and a nibble road housed in customary engineering structures (Elle, 2011). The Zijinshan Observatory, Purple Mountain Observatory, toward the city's east focus was the first innovative observatory fabricated in China. Physical Geography Qinhuai River, in the city's southwest, runs one hundred kilometers. The waterway used to be the most prospering piece of the city in the days of yore. Nanjing is in one of the biggest monetary zones of China, the Yangtze River Delta, which is a piece of the downstream Yangtze River waste bowl. The Yangtze River streams past the west side of Nanjing City, while the Ningzheng Ridge encompasses the north, east and south side of the city. The city is 300 kilometers west of Shanghai, 1,200 kilometers south of Beijing, and 1,400 kilometers east of Chongqing. The city of Nanjing has lavish greenery falls over cl earing slopes and mountains. Conduits run through the city of steel and glass. The city of dreams and supreme aesthetics blooms like a lotus blossom skimming along a waterway careless in regards to the outside world. Nanjing came to fruition at the conjunction of the Yangtze and Qinhuaihe streams. Goujian, King of Yue State, had a city constructed by the Qinhuaihe and named it Yuecheng two and half hundreds of years back. Later the Chu State had a city called Jinling raised at the foot of Qingliangshan Hill.

Misuses of Statistics Essay Example for Free

Misuses of Statistics Essay While Statistics can also be misused in many ways such as using not representative samples, small sample size, ambiguous averages and dispersions, detached facts, implied connections, wrong and misleading graphs, wrong use of statistical techniques, serious violation of assumption behind the statistical techniques and faculty surveys, we should also realize that Statistical literacy is not a skill that is widely accepted as necessary in education. Therefore a lot of misuse of statistics is not intentional, just uninformed. But that does not mitigate its danger when misused because Statistical techniques are many times misused, to sell products that don’t work; to prove something that is not really true, to get the attention of public by evoking fear and shock. Statistics has numerous uses. It is difficult to find a field in which statistics is not used. Statistics plays integral part in many disciplines, and do not take reported relationships at their face value, especially if you cannot see a direct, causal link between them. There may be a common-sense reason why they are linked through a third, unreported variable or other intended or unintended connections. Going through exercises 1 through 10 on page 810, I decided to do exercise number 4. The question reads â€Å"In many ads for weigh loss products, under the product claim and in small print, the following statement is made: â€Å"These results are not typical.† What does this say about the product being advertised?† It is intriguing but rather serious when media plays with our emotion just to get our attention in whatever ways they can. Both print and electronic media have created a means of satisfying our emotional instabilities by coming up with advertisements that will capture our attentions. Weigh loss products and program are few of the many that have been bombarding the airwaves. Many at times I pondered when watching television or listening to radio commercial, whether these are really delivering what they are saying that can. I have deliberately changed my channels when I am watching television and a commercial come on the television. In this assignment, I am going to synthesized question number 4. I am going to keenly look the small prints that say â€Å"These results are not typical† What does this say about the product being advertised? I think there are two sides to this, one is the legal obligations that they will be face with if they fail what they promised, the other is nothing is typical. What works for you might not work for me. We are all different and unique in our own ways. We all have different method of losing weight. What might work for one person is not necessarily going to work for you, what you arent guaranteed is to lose what that that person lost in the ads. They are only giving us the best results they have gotten from their products and it does not mean that it might work for you or me. There is no 100% guarantee in this process. The next question that I am going to comment will be number 16. â€Å"Do you think that it is not important to give extra tutoring to students who are not failing?† To answer this question in a survey, you must understand what they are asking for. This is very confusion question. Double negative can be confusing, which might lead to an incorrect response. I think because each student is different, each should be given opportunity to explore whatever opportunity that is available to them to excel in their school work at their own pace, regardless of who they are in your class. As we have seen from above, ads might be exactly how they are presented to us. I think every ad should be research before venturing into it. This ads and the survey are known as detached statistic ads, which mean there was no comparison made. As we can see from the two different set, there were no comparisons in either one of them. Indeed, while Statistics can also be misused in many ways such as using not representative samples, small sample size, ambiguous averages and dispersions, detached facts, implied connections, wrong and misleading graphs, wrong use of statistical techniques, serious violation of assumption behind the statistical techniques and faculty surveys. Therefore a lot of misuse of statistics is not intentional, just uninformed. But that does not mitigate its danger when misused. Hence we should be very careful in our decision making process as what to believe it References Bluman, A. G. (2011). Mathematics in our world (1st ed. Ashford University Custom). United States: McGraw-Hill.

Views on Laura Schlessinger :: essays research papers

Laura Schlessinger Pages 34-37 The Facts 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is the first delusion mentioned by Schlessinger? What importance does it have to the main point of the essay? The first delusion that she stated was that you can tell if something is going to happen, by checking it against a checklist. Throughout the essay she shows how some of the people don’t fit into the category. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Schlessinger rejects the notion that a single cause, such as being picked on in school, can turn a teen into a murderer. She suggests a much simpler case. What is it? Schlessinger suggests that some people are evil, and that is why you can’t make a checklist for it. 3. What, according to the author, are the attractions of evil? IN other words, why are people drawn to it so easily? The main reason that the author suggests is that you get results right away. Also you Get the sensation that you are in control and have the power. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One might think that evil would be shunned and avoided, but not so. In fact, according to Schlessinger, how is evil often treated? Laura says that evil is either condoned or even rewarded by our general public in society. 5. What are some of the shortcomings of our criminal justice system, according to the author? What other social systems are no better? The author says that the justice system is not hard enough on the kids. She also says that parents look over things too much. Page 2 The Strategies. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In paragraph 5, what question does the author pose? How does she answer the question? The author poses the question by saying if everyone is evil then why aren’t their more people killing each other. She answers this question by stating while all the kids aren’t killing everyone there is more swearing, stealing, and early age sexual acts. So while she states that they aren’t all murderers she states that they are a lot worse then before. The Issues 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Assigning blame for teenage violence is a complicated issue, made murky by society’s contradictory opinions. Where do you lay the blame for the seemingly increasing amount of teenage violence in out country? I think that while there is an increase in the murders that are being committed, I don’t think that it is at a point where they should be getting so much media attention.

Plato-Machiavelli Comparison

Danielle Butler October 16, 2011 English 101/ O. C #2-Machiavelli Though often presented as two ideological opposites, personally I find there to be a lot more similarities between Plato and Machiavelli than usually acknowledged. Obviously there are some sharp contrasts. If one examines the excerpts from Machiavelli’s â€Å"The Prince† and Plato’s â€Å"The Republic†, it’s easy to conclude that Plato believed it to be essential for a government leader to be just, good, and free from corruption. Whereas Machiavelli’s ideal ruler is less concerned about morality, and more about shrewdness, awareness, and pragmatism.. That being said, ultimately both men arrive to the same conclusion all be it through different means; that a ruler’s primary objective is to create and maintain a unified, orderly, and controlled state, with a content population. When it comes to humanity, Machiavelli is considered pessimistic, due to his less than glowing expectations for the nature of man, as he clearly states â€Å" For one can generally say this about men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, simulators and deceivers, avoiders of danger, greedy for gain.. † (46). While Machiavelli’s opinion of men in general leaves little to be questioned, I find Plato’s generalized idealism to be far more dubious. In the Republic, it appears that Plato’s optimisms about human nature, and capability does not extend to everyone, asserting that many people are better off being ruled by â€Å"better men†. In book 9 Socrate’s states to Glaucon â€Å"Tharsymacus did in the case of subjects, that the slave should be governed by his own harm, but on the ground that it is better to be governed by the divine and the intelligent preferably indwelling and his own, but in default of that imposed from without, in order that we all so far as possible may be akin and friendly because our governance and guidance are the same? † (Plat. Rep. 9. 590d) Both Machiavelli and Plato also recognize that generally, most people of the populace are easily manipulated by their senses. Plato illustrates that in his â€Å"allegory of the cave†. Machiavelli makes it clear that he feels this shortcoming to be advantageous for the â€Å"prince†, and it should be exploited when need be, as he states â€Å" he (the prince) should appear, upon seeing him and hearing him, to be all mercy, all faithfulness , all integrity, all kindness, all religion. And there is nothing more necessary than to seem to possess this last quality. And men in general judge more by their eyes than their hands; for everyone can see but few can feel. † (49). While many may chide Machiavelli’s approach as disingenuous and manipulative, which it plainly is, how much does this tactic differ from Plato’s suggestions? In the Republic, Plato suggests that society must be persuaded by a â€Å"noble lie† to unify the citizens and deepen their allegiance to their community as Socrates states â€Å"How, then, said I, â€Å"might we contrive  one of those opportune falsehoods  of which we were just now speaking, â€Å"so as by one noble lie to persuade if possible the rulers themselves, but failing that the rest of the city? â€Å"What kind of a fiction do you mean? † said he. â€Å"Nothing unprecedented,† said I, â€Å"but a sort of Phoenician tale,something that has happened ere now in many parts of the world, as the poets aver and have induced men to believe, but that has not happened and perhaps would not be likely to happen in our day  and demanding no little persuasion to make it believable. †

Tim OBriens The Things They Carried Essay - 735 Words

Tim OBriens The Things They Carried Culture teaches that men must dispense of ridiculous emotions and remain firm, following expected duties. O’Brien develops this theme of the transition from youth to manhood in his short story, â€Å"The Things They Carried.† Through the protagonist Jimmy Cross, metaphors of weight, and futile ideas of freedom, O’Brien reveals how society expects young men in transition to adulthood to let go of impractical idealism and dwell instead on the cruel reality of the world. Initially, O’Brien highlights Cross’s thoughts of love and emotional feelings as he describes the experience of war. Cross constantly thinks about Martha and how much he loves her, and though he senses her uninvolvement, he†¦show more content†¦Though Cross dwells in idealism and hope for a time, Cross transitions into a realistic mindset after the shocking death of Ted Lavender. O’Brien illustrates the cruel reality of life and its fragility, ending quickly like â€Å"boom-down.† With the Lavender’s death, Cross realizes that his responsibilities as a soldier, a leader, and a man are far more important than his futile grasps on romanticism. He recognizes the need for â€Å"a new hardness in his stomach† and decides to be â€Å"realistic.† He burns Martha’s photographs and, in effect, his hope, feelings of love and emotion, and his childhood. O’Brien reveals Cross’s despondent thoughts about the thi ngs men â€Å"felt they had to do,† but also his acceptance of society’s expectations. Cross’s resolve to â€Å"distance himself† shows hisShow MoreRelatedTim OBriens The Things They Carried: An Analysis1542 Words   |  6 PagesStudent Network Resources Inc.  ©2003-2010 ________________________________________________________________________ Tim OBriens The Things They Carried is a short story told in the form of a catalogue. OBriens title provides both an accurate description of how the story is organized mainly by lists, with the narrative seeming an almost accidental intrusion but also as a sort of recurrent musical refrain in the text itself. The title phrase is repeated at semi-regular intervals in theRead More The Guilt They Carried in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried1422 Words   |  6 PagesThe Guilt They Carried in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried In the aftermath of a comparatively minor misfortune, all parties concerned seem to be eager to direct the blame to someone or something else. It seems so easy to pin down one specific mistake that caused everything else to go wrong in an everyday situation. However, war is a vastly different story. War is ambiguous, an enormous and intangible event, and it cannot simply be blamed for the resulting deaths for which it is indirectlyRead MoreEssay on Tim OBriens The Things They Carried1128 Words   |  5 PagesTim OBriens The Things They Carried   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How does death affect the behavior of people? Although death affects everyones behavior differently, knowledge of ones imminent death is a main force behind behavioral changes. This knowledge causes emotions that motivate people to act in ways that they normally would not. In Tim OBriens The Things They Carried,; the knowledge of death and its closeness causes the men in the story to alter their behavior by changing they way they display powerRead MoreTim OBriens The Things They Carried Essay1348 Words   |  6 PagesIn Tim OBriens The Things They Carried the issue of maturity is an ever occurring theme within the novel that sets out to tackle and open up for discussion of it on a broader level. Specifically within the chapters Friends and Enemies it is clear that both Lee Strunk and Dave Jensen are wedged in a personal psychological war. This issue faces many young adults but is perverted by the war and the tragic loss of innocent life. Many feel that the purpos e of OBriens The Things They Carried isRead MoreReview: Tim OBriens The Things They Carried1610 Words   |  6 PagesIn Tim OBriens The Things They Carried, the main theme is that the young men of Alpha Company carry many physical and emotional burdens which linger on long after the war. As they walked through the jungles and swamps of South Vietnam, they carried weapons, equipment, personal items, and also carried the dead and wounded off the battlefield as well as the guilt for having survived. First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross carried the responsibility for the men under his command and guilt about the war theyRead MoreEssay about Tim OBriens the Things They Carried1558 Words   |  7 PagesTim OBriens The Things They Carried is not a novel about the Vietnam War. It is a story about the soldiers and their experiences and emotions that are brought about from the war. OBrien makes several statements about war through these dynamic characters. He shows the violent nature of soldiers under the pressures of war, he makes an effective antiwar statement, and he comments on the reversal of a social deviation into the norm. By skillfully employing the stylistic technique of specificRead MoreThe Struggle of Weight in Tim OBriens The Things They Carried1315 Words   |  6 PagesThe Struggle of Weight in Tim OBriens The Things They Carried The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines the word weight as a mass or quantity of something taken up and carried, conveyed, or transported. Tim OBriens war story The Things They Carried, published in 1990, explores the theme of weight and its importance to men at war in considerable depth. The opening chapter of this book, which was originally written as a short story, is comprised of a collection of lists. OBrien detailsRead MoreMilitary Life in Vietnam in Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried1563 Words   |  7 Pages The Things They Carried is a story based on the experiences of young American soldiers fighting during the Vietnam War. The story begins giving you insight into the thoughts of the soldiers, describing to you what they humped along with them through their walk in the deep jungle of Vietnam. Some of those things were necessities P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wristwatches, dog tags, mosquito repellent, chewing-gum, candy, cigarettes, salt tablets (81) and some were objects to giveRead MoreTim OBriens, the Things They Carried Critical Essay on Ptsd1360 Words   |  6 Pagesdrop the object because it was too much to bear? Tim O’brien’s novel, The Things They Carried, is about men in the middle of the Vietnam War just trying to survive. These men, like all soldiers, carried many things ranging from the physical items of war to the emotional and mental weight that comes along with the horrors of war. â€Å"They carried all they could bear, and then some, i ncluding a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.†(O’brien,7) I believe in this novel, O’brien givesRead MoreCharacter Comparison in Tim OBriens The Things They Carried553 Words   |  3 Pages The central theme of the story is the age-old conflict of life and death. On a more personal level with First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, the round character and protagonist of The Things They Carried, it is a conflict of love, his antagonist and of war. The author, Tim OBrien, is writing about an experience of a tour in the Vietnam conflict. This short story deals with inner conflicts of some individual soldiers and how they chose to deal with the realities of the Vietnam conflict