George Washington Carver Essay Research Paper Carver free essay sample

George Washington Carver Essay, Research Paper Carver was born a slave in Missouri. Although is exact birth day of the month is unknown it has been narrowed down to July 12, 1861. Carver was merely an baby when his pa was killed an he, his brother and female parent were kidnapped. He was so orphaned and Moses Carver, his proprietor, bought George back in exchange for a Equus caballus. The Equus caballuss value was estimated at 300 dollars.Carvers first schooling took topographic point in a individual room school house for black kids. After regular schooling, he enrolled at Highland University. He had the class but due to the fact that he was black he was denied. He so enrolled at Simpson College in Iowa where he worked as a cook to pay of his tuition. Carver wander to be an creative person and he besides showed promise as a painter. His art instructor steered him off from art and encouraged him to inscribe at State Agricultural College in Ames. We will write a custom essay sample on George Washington Carver Essay Research Paper Carver or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There he earned his unmarried mans degree. He so went to the Ames Experiment Station where he was employed by Louis Pammel. In 1896, Carver went to Tuskegee Institute to take the freshly established section of agriculture.For the remainder of his life, Carver put together a research lab, made useless and over-farmed land farmable, and continued research. Much of the land in the South had been over-farmed. All of the dirt # 8217 ; s foods had been depleted by the cotton and tobacco plant. Carver improved soil with his own blend of fertilizers. He also advised farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes, he told them this would help the soil. So many farmers did this and were stuck with peanuts and sweet potatoes. So he made over 300 bi-products from plants such as cereal, oils, dyes, and soaps. In addition, Carver developed a â€Å"school on wheels† to teach farmers from Alabama the essentials for soil enrichment.Carver had experimented with various types of fertilizers. He grew huge vegetables with these fertilizers. He also crossed a long stalk and a short stalk of cotton to produce a new plant known as Carvers Hybrid.Carvers many achievements made him easily promotable to high salary jobs but he refused a raise and he stayed with the 1500 dollar annual salary he started with during his first year of employment.Carver published a total of 44 books and received countless numbers of awards, metals, and honors.In 1940, the Carver Research Foundation was formed at Tuskegee. He volunteered almost all of his life savings to this institute.George Washington Carver died in 1943 at the age of 82. Congress made January 5th of each year as a day to honor Carver and his achievements.Bibliography1991 Encyclopedia Americana1995 Microsoft Bookshelf1994 Academic American Encyclopedia

Uses of the Verb to Do for ESL

Uses of the Verb to Do for ESL The verb to do is used in a number of different ways in English. Here are the main uses of the verb to do for reference, self-study and in-class use. To do can be used as an auxiliary verb, a verb to speak about action in general, as well as combining with many nouns to express taking care of various tasks. Examples: To Do - Main Verb To do is used as a principal verb in many set phrases used with the various tasks we do around the house and at work. To do is generally used to express tasks we do, rather than things we make. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rules. Here are some of the main set phrases about tasks we do: do gooddo the dishesdo sportdo exercisedo businessdo homeworkdo yard work Examples: Ill do the dishes if you make dinner.Sheila tries to do sport at least three times a week.Hes done that exercise a number of times. Note: To do exercise is used with a number of different types of exercise. Generally, we use play with competitive sports, go with activities such as walking, riding, and hiking. Do is used with exercises such as yoga, karate, etc. Examples: Jennifer did yoga for two hours this morning.I try to do some exercises like sit-ups and push-ups every morning.James does pilates at his local gym. To Do - Auxiliary Verb To do is also used as an auxiliary verb in the simple tenses. Remember that the auxiliary verb takes the conjugation in English, so the verb to do will change depending on the tense. Remember that to do is used as an auxiliary verb only in the question and negative form. Here is a quick review of the tenses that use to do as an auxiliary verb: Present simple: Examples: She doesnt like tofu.Do you enjoy rock n roll? Past Simple: Examples: Mary didnt visit her aunt last week.Did they talk about the economy? To Do - General Use Verb To do is used as the main verb when asking general questions about what happens, is happening, is going to happen, etc. Examples: What are you doing?What will you do?What have they done?What do you do on Saturdays?etc.

Strategic Management and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 12

Strategic Management and Leadership - Essay Example To acquire more customers and retain them the company has broaden its marketing strategies. The company has put huge effort to enhance the value of the company. John Lewis partnership firm has also implemented many ways to measure the success of the company. There are many factors which help the company to achieve its goal and objectives. John Lewis did partnership with Waitrose which facilitated the company to generate more revenue. John Lewis Partnership has expanded its business to Philippines. This helped the company to acquire more international customers and make its strong position in international market. The organization maintains good relationship with its customers. By this process the company is able to enhance its customer base. The innovative culture of this firm helps it’s to motivate and satisfy its employees. Advanced technologies are used by this organization to perform its business functions. The leadership style of this company motivates the employees to de liver their work efficiently. John Lewis Partnership has developed many new strategies to improve and update their business process. The employee ownership is considered as the key to success of John Lewis partnership. John Lewis partnership have the ability to adapt according to the change in the technology and due to its fast adaptability it is being considered as the most renowned The concerned company uses various key performance indicator for monitoring and measuring the performance of the company . The sales growth is considered as the key factor for determining the performance of the market. The return on capital employed of the company has increased more than 8%. Gross sales of the company has enhanced in 2014 as compared to the previous year. Gross sales measure the density of sales of the company. It is considered as the key indicator for determining the profitability of the company. John Lewis partnership has experienced a growth in its operating margin in the

Expansion Joints Issues and Concepts PowerPoint Presentation

Expansion Joints Issues and Concepts - PowerPoint Presentation Example Some structures would not support ground movements such as earthquakes leading to destruction of buildings and bridges. This led to the idea of expansion joints that would later solve the problem (Rosignoli, 2002). Functions of expansion joints The main function of expansion joints is to safely absorb the high temperatures of various construction materials as a result of the constant expansion and contraction. As explained earlier the contraction and expansion is due to the changing weather conditions (Brown, 2001). The expansion joints therefore make structures to remain intact thereby they become safe for public use. There are many types of expansion joints and each is designed to solve a specific problem though the purpose or function still comes back to absorbing stress to avoid damage. Types of Expansion joints used in bridges in Australia Bridge expansion joints are joints that are designed to allow traffic to cross the bridge structure while at the same time permitting the mov ement of the bridge deck due to thermal effects, wind, traffic loading, seismic effects among others. The joints should provide a watertight connection for the lifetime of the bridge as the lack of it could reduce the durability of the main bridge structure that may result in the need for major remedial works. These kinds of joints are rather unique because of their relatively delicate construction and severe loading conditions and therefore need to be replaced several times during the life time of the bridge (Gottermoeller, 2004). Bridge expansion joints can be broadly classified into two types: open joints and closed joints. The open joints are not water proof. Water and debris are allowed to fall through the joints. The water erodes the soil under the structure, strains the bent cap and columns, is detrimental to adjacent steel girders, diaphragms, bearings and is a nuisance to any traffic under the structure. The closed joints on the other hand are water proof and have become an alternative to open joints due to the many advantages that they provide (Blockley, 2010). There are three most common types of open joints used in Australia. The butt joints provide an open space between adjacent edges of the deck. They are used where the movements are of a rotational nature or where the thermal movements are small. The edges are usually protected with metallic armor which is subject to corrosion (Lima, 2006). The open space frequently fills with debris making the joint less effective. Period maintenance is mandatory to clear up the joint and the debris. The second type is the plate joint which accommodate greater movements than the butt joints, usually between one and three inches. A sealant is placed in the joint that prevents some water from passing through. It also prevents the accumulation of debris that can make the joint ineffective. The third type of joint is the tooth joint or the finger joint (Gottermoeller, 2004). They are usually used on long bridges to accommodate large movements. They are usually placed in the span near the point of contra flexure. Drains are placed to prevent drainage across the joint if feasible. In some areas they are provided with a drainage system to collect the water passing through. These joints are used where water and debris passing through cannot damage anything below the bridge. The performance of these joints

Mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliance Essay

Mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliance - Essay Example However, industry and firm specific factors finally govern the reason and the purpose of the mergers and acquisitions and alliances taking place in the global market place. While much has been studied on the reasons of success and failures of M&A, the strategic reasons behind the mergers, acquisitions and alliances are being looked at in this paper. This paper will not focus on the post-merger success or failure but concentrate on the strategic reasons that prompt firms to enter into M&A and alliances. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has been described as ‘among the most important strategic decisions companies ever make’ (cited by Duncan & Mtar, 2006). Acquisitions can be based on strategic decisions like market expansion, product diversification or domain expansion. Thus many use it as a mode of entry into a foreign market where it is difficult to start a wholly owned venture. Hence the decision of M&A depends upon the resource-based view or the transaction cost analysis. Agency theory has also been explained as an M&A strategy. The agency theory contends that manager-controlled industrial firms pursue conglomerate diversification. Managers benefit from the increase in firm size and based on the belief that large firms will seldom fail and the executive compensation is linked to the firm size (Lin, Hung & Li, 2006). The resource-based view suggests that while firms have tangible and intangible resources, the resources do not create value unless they interact with othe r resources. If complimentary resources are not under the ownership control, the firms have difficulty in realizing the full potential of the resources. This becomes an incentive to merge with other firms that have complementary resources. M&A strategy can provide external sources of innovative competencies to protect the core business. As the same time,

Hofstede And Trompenaars Framework Of Cultural Dimensions Commerce Essay

Hofstede And Trompenaars Framework Of Cultural Dimensions Commerce Essay Well known experts have dimensioned culture on both societal as well as organisational perspective. Culture seems to be an ideology comprising framework for every human in the group (David B. Dickerson, Alexander Kouzmin, Nada Korac-Kakabadse,2006). Cultural frameworks may be quite broad as witnessed in the instances of national identification such as the Dutch, the African, the American, and the Asian and so on. Such framework develops the personality even though it might not be tangible; its representation is viewed under its image and behaves as adjoining parts of a picture. (Counts, James,1996). Since more than two decades, the findings and studies relating to the need and application of culture has been influenced by the framework of Geert Hofstede. He is a renowned Dutch anthropologist. During the year 1970, Geert hofstede presented various dimensions of culture by evaluating values concerning work of International business management employees. Geerts most master peace of work was recognised when he divided culture into four different dimensions: Power distance, uncertainty avoidance, Individualism versus collectivism, and masculinity versus femininity. In the year 1991,Geert Hofstede demonstrated a fifth dimension of culture. Hofstede explains the long term orientation as featured by continuation of existence, forming relations by the level of a post, and containing a feeling of disgrace. The short term orientation is featured as having a perfect balance and saving self image concerning the beliefs and traditions and a mutual sharing of good regards(Svend,Hollensen,2007) . The motivation of his framework throughout the academic background, and the results occurring through his findings would imply the validity of the application of such cultural frameworks. Although with the implementation of his cultural frameworks, its reliability had not been fully approved. This may be because his cultural framework being more responsive in terms of standardised point of view than its psychological characteristics(Geert, Hofstede,1991). Enormous findings and research reflect about the actual validity of hofstedes cultural framework. These in-dept findings which have concentrated on people are cross cultural dimensions, which depicted some unreliability on its framework. Few have discovered essential overlap on several dimensions of culture and rest have noticed some cultural dimensions to be less valid. On an aggregate, these studies imply the emergence of finding the reliability of hofstedes cultural framework (Carlos M. Rodriguez,2005). Fons Trompenaars is another Dutch expert of cultural framework, had founded seven cultural orientation in his book Riding the waves of culture (1997). These seven dimensions are universalism versus particularism, achievement versus ascription, neutral versus emotional, defuse versus specific, Communitarianism versus individualism, Human-Time relationship and Human-Nature relationship, and Sequential vs. synchronic. Among these seven cultural dimensions, two of them are quite familiar to that of hofstedes cultural dimensions: collectivism versus individualism, and power distance to some extent. Trompenaars communitarianism 1 vs. individualism is almost very similar to that of Geert Hofstedes collectivism vs. individualism. Trompenaars ascription/achievement cultural orientation implies the accordance of status seems to have connection with that of hofstedes cultural dimension: power distance. This states that if one agrees the accordance of status by the nature except the achievement which depicts a higher capability of accepting power distance. These assumptions or dimension even though essential in analysing the culture of various countries, do not give a clear idea about their preferences and impact on peoples behaviour. This is although not completely linked, as Geert Hofstedes power distance index the way status being accorded, but to the approvable power index in the society, which is not examined by Trompenaars. His other cultural dimensions have more focus on resulting consequences of specific values(Geert Hofstede,1993). The neutral/ emotional cultural dimension explains the capacity of the expr ession of the feelings, which implies a behavioural feature other than a value. With respect to the cultural dimensions of hofstede, Fons Trompenaars had not created his framework on mathematical or statistical information, but on self gathered instrument which he believed having an approved relevancy. Hofstedes five cultural Dimensions: Cultural Dimensions Power Distance Masculinity vs. femininity Individualism vs. Collectivism Uncertainty Avoidance Long vs. short term orientation Source: Geert hofstede (1980), figure 1.1 Power distance  : Power distance index is an element that conveys an allowance or expectation of lack of equality between the people who are either more or less efficient in the society. It explains how the strong people of the organisations and institutions agree and consider that the power is not distributed equally. It shows a feeling of inequality (higher versus lower), but meant from bottom, and not from the top. It describes how the extent of inequality in the society is transferred by the leaders as well as the followers. This dimension enlightens that all the members of the society are unequal, but few are not equal even than the others. Under high power distance societies, the decision makers are the people at the top level whereas in case 2 of low power distance societies, the power is widely distributed and links among the members of the society comprising the feature of equality. Low power distance gives an opportunity to the people for playing an essential role in making decisions for the organization. Hofstedes scale of culture shows that there is high power distance in Arab countries (80) when compared with countries like Austria which consists only 11. Germanys position is nearly in the middle with only 35. The reason is the powerful belief for equality and not the distance between the rich and the poor. It means that Germany has a very good opportunity to grow in the future society. The countries, such as United States shows a power distance of 40 on hofstedes cultural scale. Comparing with Germany, there is an uneven distribution of wealth seen in the United States. This distance between the societies and its members goes on increasing every year. Uncertainty avoidance: In a high uncertainty risk, the members of the society abide by the rules, policies and corporate laws, such as the future methods as a source of enhancing and encouraging society. This dimension tells us that there is a mutual approval of regulation and authority by accepting high risks in order to make essential decisions for the organization. The employees or the members of the organization with low uncertainty avoidance have a fearless feeling for the future. Under high uncertainty avoidance, the decision makers do a high planning to form protective barriers for reducing the risks concerning the events in the future. Countries like Singapore and Jamaica shows a very low uncertainty avoidance comparing with countries like Japan, Greece and Guatemala with high uncertainty avoidance. Individualism vs. collectivism: Individualism indicates the extent to which the people prefer to work as individuals rather than working in a group. It signifies the ambitions and ability of individuals as person. Under individualist approach people are not dependent on others for their decisions. They rather go with their own personal opinions and regards. The people under this kind of culture have a desire to satisfy their personal goals over the groups. In a collectivist society, people think as a group rather than individuals. Collectivist culture is quite opposite as compared to the individualist culture. The countries like United States and United Kingdom explains quite higher individualist ratings, whereas countries like Brazil, India, and Lebanon shows low ratings. For instance, people above the age of eighteen are regarded as matured individuals in making personal decisions independently irrespective of the interference by the elders. On the other hand, under collectivism pe ople depend on each other for their decisions. Team work is the essential objective of their culture. Masculinity vs. femininity: Masculinity refers to the extent to which values like self achievements, wealth, prosperity, property, success, competency, have a greater influence over care, relations, trust, honesty, dignity, maintaining the pleasant environment of the society. People have a certain misconception of this dimension relating to the sexes in the society. This culture specifies various different roles for both man and women in terms of bigger as essential. The feminine culture prefers simple or short as wonderful and assumes the nature of life and relations more vital than materialistic items. Countries like Unites States, Korea and Japan showed a high masculinity rate as compared to low rates seen in Denmark and Belgium. For instance, carrying heavy blocks of bricks is suitably done by a man, but the same work would be difficult for the women. 3 Long vs. short term orientation: Geert Hofstede and Bond (1988) discovered the fifth dimension which was finally stated as time orientation. This cultural dimension was revealed by the findings of the students from twenty three different countries all over the globe. This dimension clarifies that the people believe in a futuristic approach than relying on the past or the history. It also implies dealing with moral righteousness irrespective of the truth. The effect of the high rating in this long term cultural dimension is the tenacity, keeping the relations according to the order. On the contrary short term orientation indicates own stability and firmness. Some of the Asian countries like India and China have a high rating on long term orientation list whereas some of the European markets are seen under short term orientation index. The values concerned with long term orientation are reluctant as in the case of short term orientation is about the belief for the traditions and saving self image in the society (Hollensen, 2007). The seven cultural dimensions of Fons Trompenaars: Universalism versus particularism: Universalistic culture states that the people believe in following laws and rules of the society and they dont prefer exceptions, whereas under particularistic culture people like to be with the exceptional or flexible choices rather than following the specified rules and regulations. Communitarianism versus individualism: In a communitarism culture, people prefer to go with the taking care of their group and working under a team. It is the duty of the people to behave in a manner that serves the society. The needs of the people will be naturally fulfilled by such behaviors of the people.The people under individualism kind of culture go for the free activity and their personal choices. Neutral versus emotional: Under a neutral culture people do not believe in exhibiting their emotions. Exhibiting excess of emotions may flourish the ability to interest individuals. The people on the other hand tend to show their feelings and emotions for the emotional culture. Defuse versus specific cultures: In a defuse culture people believe in sharing everything they desired. The different roles played by the individuals in others life is not differentiated irrespective of their professional or personal life. In a specific culture people try to compete or relate with others on the basis of some specific intentions. The interaction between the people under specific culture is for a specific reason or a purpose. Achievement versus ascription: Under achievement culture, people are regarded on the basis of their performance and the successful results of their hard work, whereas in an ascribed culture people are judged on the basis of their background, sex they belong to, and even their age. Sequential vs. synchronic cultures: This culture is based on the aspects of time in terms of short term or long term and organising in it a sequence i.e. step by step or parallel. Under sequential culture people tend to do one thing at a time, whereas under synchronic culture people believe in doing multitasking activities. They do many things at the same given time. Internal vs. External control: This dimension is related to the control of the nature internally by the people. They believe nature as a machine which can be easily controlled for their own beneficial. They also believe that the nature can be controlled 4 by the inner belief of the individuals like grabbing the opportunity at the right time. The other dimension specifies the control of nature externally to the human being. People under this external controlled culture abide by the changes in the nature. (Fons,Trompenaars, 1993). Strengths and weakness of Hofstedes cultural framework Strengths: Since the information derived by this study is quite old enough, it is still based on excessive and relevant samples. There are no other findings done as on so many national cultures as such by hofstedes in a detailed manner. The previous four cultural dimensions enlighten more by comparing more on the national culture. The deep studies of hofstedes framework are quite relevant as per the IBM employees and international managers. Hofstedes framework is regarded as the most popular framework in the field of cultural findings. Even though his framework is comparatively general for analytical purposes, it can be applied to our day to day cross-cultural outcomes. Weakness: Hofstedes framework of cultural issues is outdated. The data information is not complete in statistical terms because each and every country is not taken into concern. Alike other cultural research, hofstedes framework states that the borders of the nation and its cultural limits matches each other. The cultural mix cannot be considered in cross-cultural countries like United Kingdom, United States, and Spain. The cultural dimensions are quite in a brief structure to explain practical ways to face situations in a cross cultural environment. His framework exhibits only theoretical orientation. The application of his cultural dimensions may vary from one culture to another; the collectivism dimension varies in different countries. For example, Indian collectivism is family oriented whereas Japanese is organisational oriented. In India, an employee who prefers his family interest before organisational is regarded as loyal in nature. (Svend,Hollensen,2007) Strengths and weakness of Trompenaarss cultural framework Strengths: Trompenaars had added some essential cultural dimensions including few of hofstedes. Trompenaars described his framework as problem solving, specifically linked with time, connections and surrounding environment. (Trompenaars, 1993). Weakness: Trompenaars cultural dimensions were not created by statistical analysis. Indeed he developed his own collection framework only on the data he assumed to be reasonable. 5 This collection of information is mostly based on theoretical than derived from scientific experiments. The data collected from questionnaires is relevant to few questions through which its importance had been exhibited. The usefulness of the hofstede and Trompenaars cultural framework in terms of segmenting and targeting markets and predicting consumers behaviour in international markets is simplified with the help of figure1.2: 5 Table 1.2 Countries Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Individualism Masculinity Time-Orientation Evaluation of market segmentation and targeting Germany Small Medium Medium-high High Short Choosing products with better performance; utilisation of productive and successful achievement criteria, demand for variety, pleasure and equally risk oriented markets. Sweden Small Low High Low Long Comparatively lower resistance with the new products, high demand by the consumers for novelty, variety and pleasure, and highly environment friendly consumer desire for the people of marketing and firms concerning social issues. Source: Exhibit 3.8, International marketing Journal, Michael R. Czinkota, Ilkka A. Ronkainen, pg74, edition8, 2007. 6 Graph 1.3 Source: Cultural differences in decision making in project teams, Ralf Muller, Konrad Spang, Sinan Ozcan, 2009, vol.2, issue 1. The main reason of the graph 1.3 is to acknowledge the differences in the decision making process in a group comprising members from various nations. Its based on the pattern of the decisions made by the people of Germany and Sweden. This graph study had benifited the members of the group and the project managers in knowing the consequences of cultural diversity in the process of decision making. It indirectly helps to reduce the expected friction during cross cultural project work and also helps to overcome the crosscultural barriers. Figure1.4 Hofstede: Germany United States Power Distance 30 35 Uncertainty Avoidance 60 41 Individualism vs. Collectivism 63 88 Masculinity vs. Femininity 61 59 Long term vs. Short term Orientation 28 25 7 In 1998, arguing on the high rating on the individualist culture in the United States on the cultural scale of Geert Hofstede, Charles Campbell, wrote that It ought to be paradoxical, or at least oxymoronic, our being described as a culture of individualists. He had also stated D H Lawrence, whose philosophical belief is that, people are free to believe what they actually wanted to in United States, in circumstance it does not protest the mob (Charles P. Campbell,1998). Figure 1.5 Trompenaars: Germany United States Universalism vs. Particularism Universalism Universalism Individualism vs. Communitarianism Individualism Individualism Neutral versus emotional Closer to emotional Closer to Neutral Defuse versus specific Specific Partial specific Inner-directed vs. Outer-directed Inner directed Inner directed Achieved status vs. Ascribed status Achievement Achievement Time Orientation Future oriented Future oriented Source: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_united_states.shtml http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_germany.shtml http://changingminds.org/explanations/culture/trompenaars_culture.htm#uni The characteristics of every country can be examined against the average of the world which is developed by Geert Hofstede. When the scores of the two countries stated in the figure 1.4 and 1.5 are compared with each other, than it shows quite close similarities. Neutral versus emotional and Defuse versus specific are the only to dimensions depicting dissimilarities. Such differences may lead to political, economical or business severe issues. Fons Trompenaars analysed and interpreted various nations concerning his seven cultural dimensions. He formulated them relating to their characteristic feature or importance, but he did not preferred them by scoring them. The outcomes of Fons Trompenaars tests alike Geert Hofstede, implied that their cultures showed quite close similarities, but still there were few vital differences. 8 Conclusion As this research study shows, that the evidence that might be valid for individual level of comparison may not be the same if we think at global issue or macro analysis.It can be seen that the universalism versus particularism cultural orientation differentiating groups collectivism and that of societys collectivism. The diffuse/specific dimension implying the series of involvement, show no evidence of relation to Geert hofstedes cultural dimensions. We can also see that the limited differences between Germany and United States corporate culture and even they are bounded to identical national cultures. It is desirable that further examination of this evaluation will definitely increase its utilisation in the organizations. Getting to know about ones culture enlightens the similarities or differentiations of other cultures. There have been many implications of the localization which has also taken into consideration Geert Hofstede and Fons Trompenaars cultural frame works. Fons Trompe naars cultural studies are based on the research which describes the misconceptions and difficulties faced in various cultures across the globe. Trompenaars also believed that his cultural views must be formed in an international pattern of cross cultural environment.

Discuss the ways in which Steinbeck explores the concept of the ‘American Dream’ is central to the novel Essay

The American Dream was a dream that nearly everyone had throughout the twentieth century. It was hope for a better life and people believed strongly that it would come true. The main characters in ‘Of Mice & Men’ have a dream which was to get a plot of land and live on it and become self-sufficient. The American Dream was not an achievable goal for many people. Steinbeck shows this failure through the characters of Lennie & George. The American dream was a great thing. We first heard about it when Lennie and George were sitting by the river at the beginning of the book. The dream was a hope that every rancher had an opportunity for a better life. Lennie and George, the two main characters, had such a dream, â€Å"Some day were gonna get a little place and a couple of acres†. The idea was to get a piece of land, grow crops and have an improved life there. They also new exactly what they were aiming for and what they wanted. They realised that their imagination should not be set too high for fear of disappointment. The two men also knew that they should not tell other people about the plot of land in case it was snatched from under their noses. This frequently happened then, as so many people were seeking the same desire., â€Å"Well it’s ten acres said George. Got a little win mill. Got a little shack on it and a chicken run. Got a kitchen, orchard, cherries, peaches, cots, nuts, got a few berries.† This shows that Lennie and George had ambition and again, knew what they wanted. It also shows that there were places where the dream had a chance of coming true, and that affordable land was for sale. Lennie and George intended to get the land by working extremely hard for a couple of months. They would earn standard migrant labour workers wages which was of course not very much, as the great depression was around at the time the book was set. The men hoped to save money and put it towards the plot of land, â€Å"Look, if me an Lennie work a month an’ don’t spen’ nothing we’ll have a hundred bucks†. Sooner or later people started to realise that the American Dream was turning into a nightmare. This is shown in the book by all the travelling and unemployment. Steinbeck shows that people were determined to get a job and willing to travel around to find one, he reinforces this through Lennie and George. At the start of the novel Steinbeck told us that they were walking, so we obviously know that they have had a nomadic life. During their rest they have a conversation about their travels â€Å"The first thing you know is that they are pounding away at some other ranch†. This backs up the fact that people travel around for jobs. We know how Lennie and George frequently lose their jobs, this is due to Lennie constantly getting the pair of them into trouble which jeopardises their current job. Because of this they have to travel from one ranch to another in search of another job. Also you can corroborate the fact that people travelled by George quoting, â€Å"The hell with what I says. You remember about us going into Murray and Ready’s and they give us work cards and bus tickets†. Murray and Ready are a typical work agency that sprung up in America during the Great Depression. In the 1930s the Great Depression spoilt the American Dream, it damaged everything that had a promising future, from buying food to making investments in the stock market. Through out the novel we do not see this very much. It is shown only as a high unemployment rate. George is very passionate about work as he wants to achieve his dream. As you read on through the book George comments on other people in his situation, â€Å"They aint got nothing to look ahead to†. Implying that George is fed up of losing his job to other people. He now knows you should not think about looking ahead to long term ambitions as anything can happen. The rate of unemployment was a serious issue at the time of the book, as the economy was decreasing rapidly. It is shown through various characters such as Carlson, Slim, Lennie, George and many more. We know that they all have been travelling from ranch to ranch in search of jobs during this time, they have started to feel like they do not have a home and don’t belong anywhere. â€Å"Guys like us, they got no family and don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an work up a stake then they go into town and blow their stake†. This was quite normal for young and old men in their quest, not just for the dream, but for survival. Because of that, it made it hard for people to keep a job as other people who were as desperate, came along and accepted less pay to work at the same job, just so they could get some money. The idea of the American Dream was to be happy but just as well as the Great depression, racism also crippled the illusion. The dream was merely for the whites, as many of the blacks were unlawfully discarded from the opportunity or status to achieve it. Steinbeck shows this in the book through a character called Crooks, who was a crippled Negro stable buck and had suffered years of abuse in his life. Although Crooks could read and write, he was very lonely and because he was black, he could not join in with the usual endeavours of other men on the ranch. â€Å"Suppose you had to sit out here and read books. Sure you could play horseshoes till it gets dark, but then you got to read books†. This shows he only had books for company. It was still very racist in the 1930’s so there was not much chance of Crooks achieving the dream by himself and certainly no one at that time would try to help. In the course of the book Crooks also tells us about his life in the past, how his father did actually achieve the dream, and how his family was the only coloured family in Soledad, which is where the book was set. â€Å"There wasn’t another coloured family for miles around. And now there aint no coloured man on this ranch†. Crooks felt strongly about this, he was neglected by everyone and still felt as if he was being treated as an unequal by every other man. He wanted so much to be included in the games that everyone participated in. â€Å"Suppose you couldn’t go into the bunk house and play rummy cause you was black†. Because Crooks was being denied these privileges he turned into a bitter man who was equally as malicious as the offenders. This portrays the dream in a bad way, which is unusual as the dream is usually portrayed as being happy and being the provider when it actually created tensions between different races and cultures and caused many tribulations between people. Although Crooks is abused by many people on the ranch there is one person in the book who does not discriminate him because he is black, that person is Lennie. Lennie does not understand or see the racism in the world and he sees everyone as being the same. Crooks feels he can talk to Lennie about many things, â€Å"A guy can talk to you an’ be sure you won’t go blabbin†. Because of this it reassures Crooks and makes him feel better as he knows he can talk to some one instead of read books At first there was a chance of the dream coming true. One reason was because of Candy, willing to give his life savings so he would know that he had somewhere to go after he was incapable of working on the ranch, † Tell you what suppose I went in with you guys thas three hundred and fifty bucks I’d put in†. This endorses the fact that he was willing to put every last coinage that he had, to assist him to have a happy finale to his life. Also Crooks, the negro stable buck, offers to help, â€Å"If you guys would want a hand in work for nothing just his keep†. He did this just so he could have a friendship with someone and feel liked. In addition no one else knew about this certain plot of land, which made it a secret of the group and easy to obtain. We know that the owners needed to get the money fast, â€Å"The ol’ people that owns it is flat bust an’ the ol’ lady needs an operation†. Because of all this Lennie, George and Candy s tood a very good chance of achieving this reverie. The American dream ended due to a series of unfortunate events. Steinbeck shows this through Lennie and George not getting the land. They did not get it because of many things. The main reason for them failing was Lennie. He spoilt the dream for George, as he was constantly getting into trouble and destroying any chance that he had to achieve the dream. After a while other men on the ranch begin to question their past, for example, Slim, â€Å"What happened in Weed†. We know that they have been travelling around and losing jobs, but it was not just because of other men stealing their jobs only to get paid less, it was also Lennie destructively destroying their chances, because of this they, had to move on to another ranch. In the end they had no hope what so ever, of the dream coming true because of Lennie, once again, getting George into trouble, as he was responsible for Lennie, when he unintentionally killed Curly’s wife. If given the chance most men on the farm would attempt the dream even if they thought it was impossible. A good example is Crooks, at one point in the story, he was putting down the fact of any one achieving their goal, â€Å"Jesus I seen it too many time. Too many guys with land in their head. They never get none under their hand†. When Crooks found out that there was a chance of it happening, he decided on trying to get in on it, â€Å"If you guys would want a hand to work for nothing, just his keep, why I’d come an lend a hand†. You can see also that people always put down the achievement of the dream, but they all had a secret burning ambition to get it if the chance came around. Through out the book Steinbeck managed to portray the conditions of the Great Depression in the 1930’s. He also gave us a glimpse of The American Dream that every one pursued and showed us that it was not an easy achievement. Steinbeck has managed to show the different levels of hardship and suffering that people faced during that period of time and also managed to show more hopeless situations of people from a minority. The concept of the American Dream is at the heart of the novel ‘Of Mice & Men’ and therefore allows Steinbeck to make comments on American Society and the time of the Great Depression.