Class and race and civil war in france Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Class and race and civil war in france - Essay Example During the riot, there was a large population of whites and blacks. The whites had their own say on how things were to be done and also how people around them would live. Chances for blacks getting a job would be extremely limited, considering their skin color and their social status. The riots came at a time when the whites were the majority, and they had superior control of the financial state. It was a time when the credentials on the CV did not matter. Once a name was seen to be foreign, then it deemed the chances of the said person getting a job. The rioters destroyed and damaged places that symbolized their suffering. There was so much racism that there came to be certain cakes sold in the streets that bared the name negro-head. The rioters protested against the suffering that they encountered from the landlords, were in favor of white tenants and the rest would be sent off. From the BBC world news, the blacks were also discriminated because of their language which was termed a s poor English. There was so much hatred in that the television shows only showed whites acting. The BBC described these events as cruel, in that there could not be a single black person on television (Civil War in France, 178). The news source described the discrimination that was in France in a way that seemed that what was being done was wrong. In the events that brought about the riots, the minority communities could be seen doing the manual labor that was meant for them. The riot brought to light how the minority communities did all the cleaning, driving, pushing and serving the communities that considered themselves popular. The BBC world news also brought to light the lack of representation of the minority communities regardless of the situation. Though the riots were not rightfully justified and the damage done was not the solution, BBC world news brought to light the fact that what was happening in France was not only wrong, but immoral, unjustifiable, mean and a lack of re spect for humanity. The ethnic minorities were not represented when it came to political functions. This can be seen from the BBC world news report about an incident that involved a meeting by certain representatives that were concerned about the sudden unrest before the riots. The BBC world news stated that during and after the emergency meeting, there was no single black person in the committee that was to oversee the issue of unrest. Even the trade unions were no better. They showed the same social discrimination and difference in class and race. African and Asian communities resided in places that were dreary and not fit. They lived in isolated places and during the riots it could be seen that the police did not stop the rioters from destroying their own homes, but for the homes of those living in the urban states, they were protected (Civil War in France, 189). The civil war in France shed some light on the notion of proletariat revolution in that it was a political revolution whereby there was an attempt to overthrow some of the individuals who attained powers in the political, social and economic arena. It was an attempt whereby the working class individuals wanted to overthrow the bourgeoisie, a name given to those in power. Socialists advocated for the revolutions, and they were backed by communists and anarchists. An excerpt that shows this from the civil

Domestic violence Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Domestic violence - Assignment Example The title identifies the variables in the study and the types of people who participated in the research process in the article. The article deals with a very social problem which is domestic violence and which has been on an increasing trend in the US. There is no specific focus on theories and therefore the title of the article also does not contain the mention of any specific theories. But one of the identified negative aspects in the title of the article is that the title is too long and further it is divided into two sections one is â€Å"Domestic Violence and Immigrant Communities in the United States: A Review of women’s Unique Needs† and the other portion is â€Å"Recommendations for Social Work Practice and Research†. From the title of the article it is understood that the main focus is on the domestic violence and immigrant communities in the US. Under the marking system the title of the article can be awarded 4 points.   2) With reference to the abst ract of the article it is effective and appropriate. ... The highlights of the results have not been described in details but only a brief outlook has been provided. The abstract states that Literature review has been provided and also recommendations have been stated which is appropriate for any abstract. The abstract states that complete interferences at both macro as well as micro levels have been provided to reduce domestic violence in immigrant communities. The abstract also states that future directions have been provided. Analyzing the abstract of the article the abstract can be awarded 4 points. The reason of awarding 4point is that the abstract could contain more statistical information regarding the percentage of population who experience domestic violence in the US especially among immigrant communities. â€Å"Abstracts should not include references top tables and figures, descriptions of published work, or reference citations. Conclude the abstract with one or two major points of discussion† (Smith, 1998, P. 93) 3) To be gin with the introduction and the literature review are effective and appropriate. The researcher has provided a very satisfactory introduction which states that every intimate relationship has a contained risk of domestic violence. The researcher begins by identifying the specific problem area of domestic violence. It has been stated in the introduction itself the literature which is analyzed is mainly for the period of the past five years. In the literature review strong evidence of literature regarding the patriarchal cultural values, the social acceptance of violence has been provided. In the literature review section it has been stated that cultural differences are related to the perception of domestic violence

Beyond the Multi-Ethnic Metropolis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Beyond the Multi-Ethnic Metropolis - Assignment Example Minority ethnic people in the district are more likely to be living in overcrowded accommodation than white British residents. Overcrowding was a particularly common problem among the Bangladeshi, Chinese and Pakistani population. Commonly reported problems included damp and condensation, ineffective heating systems, poor insulation around doors and windows, hazardous environments such as broken doors and windows, inadequate or malfunctioning amenities and poor quality repairs and maintenance (p556.) Identifying the purpose of the research: In the United States, substantial consideration has been given to the association of place of residence with economic disadvantage. This fact has added to understand polarization there. More recently, de Souza Briggs (2007) has pointed out that changes in settlements reflect the changing geography of race and opportunity (550). With this view, the study is conducted basically to explore the neglected housing experiences of minority ethnic people in small-town England. To discuss this aspect two key points are asserted. First, that minority ethnic people living in small towns bump into many of the same housing inequalities as their counterparts in metropolitan England. Second, that small town England presents a series of unique challenges demanding distinct responses not answered by the existing evidence base. This paper emphasizes that place plays an important role in deciding minority settlement patterns but very few studies have made effort to these to the place (549). Research and policy look for multiethnic metropolis for the specific social, cultural, political, economic and material situation while the rural and small-town England is overlooked.T hough such a need arises as Countryside Agency reported that by 2001 nearly 600 000 minority ethnic people were recorded as living in the 184 rural districts of England accounting for 4.3 percent of the total population in these areas (551).

BSBMKG501A Evaluate Marketing Opportunities Essay

BSBMKG501A Evaluate Marketing Opportunities - Essay Example In any organization, there are some tangible and intangible assets, which are used as resources, when company is searching and evaluating various opportunities. Basically marketing activity focuses on assessing and satisfying customer needs, with in the organization; management is responsible for establishing these goals. These are certain resources i. e., key people groups, forces outside the organizations, channels, brand values, relationship, partnership, suppliers, buyers etc. apart from physical resources like technology. In search of opportunities skill of the people working with in the organization always play's a crucial role, opportunities lies in best marketing research to know about innovative product requirements its time and cost well in advance and to exploit these requirements. Best marketing research need more strong financial background and personal skills. Shortage and delay in adopting, technologies plays crucial role in searching opportunities. Intangible like bra nd plays major role in exploring opportunities. When a particular brand already exists in the market and it launches some product in the market, needs lesser advertisement and hence needs less cost investment, but if brand is new and it is to be launched, needs more expensive and exhaustive promotional campaign. In present era, where consumer needs are changing continuously and fastly meeting consumer needs and preferences always cost heavily on the company. Firms spend billions of dollars annually in search of new opportunities on marketing and technical research to add to brand value and product improvement. For example, Hot Pockets, especially formulated meat and cheese, microwavable sandwiches and more than 20 varieties have been introduced but in 2002, after Nestle acquire chef America, it has added its marketing muscle to promote the brand, ability to invest in technologies, training to enhance skills of its employees, upgrading the skill of an employee are few of the resource s which could limit the search for the opportunities by the company. In any company search of opportunities needs financial resources, skill of its employees, its brand value, its technologies adoption, its organizational capabilities, and its ability to conduct market research as nearer to actual. Now as a marketing manager, one has been assigned a vital job is that of recognizing the nature of competition, the potential threats competitors may represent and development of opportunities response strategies. Michael Porter (1980) has proposed that competitive threats can be classified into five major steps: The threat of other producer firms already operating within the market sector (Kotler, 2003). The threats of customer moving up stream to also become producers and / or using their purchasing power to dominate terms and condition for purchase. The threat of supplier moving downstream to become a producer or using their control over critical resources to dominate terms and condition of sale. The threat of a substitute entering the market always been seen carefully. Finally the threat for new entrant who was not previously a major player in the market has to be analyzed properly. To avoid head on competition with competitors, Marketing manager has to opt certain initiatives, w hich must be strategic, cross functional and bottom-line oriented. Marketing manager

Dynamicity in HRD Essay Example for Free

Dynamicity in HRD Essay Introduction One of the vital pre-requisites in the field of human resource management is the development of its members.   Consequently, to be able to meet the complex changes that occur in every organization, human resource development seemingly surfaces through the essence of maintaining the ability of the human resource to perform their duties and obligations in the most competitive mean possible.   Organizational behavior critically stresses the idea that every organization must shape up an efficient managerial style—which includes the human resource department—so as to have a thorough breakdown of work for the pursuance of the organization’s established goals and objectives (Schwab, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conceivably, to be able to get the top notch mark of the member’s designated task or job prescription, one undergoes a series of training to be able to harness the skills and the abilities apt for that certain individual as well as for the person to be able to thoroughly understand the importance of being â€Å"an expert† on the certain job.   Moreover, organizational changes must take place when companies change strategies. However, even the best strategic plans encounter resistance. Any significant transformation creates â€Å"people issues†. To thrive, administration should have a personal indulgence of the human phase—the placement of the company’s culture, values, people, and behaviors—to support the preferred results.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Training is considered as a dynamic that contain value; value is realized only through the continual, combined actions of all employees who are accountable for designing, executing, and existing with the shifting milieu.   Hence, in this certain kind of schema, then it goes to show the perception that no matter how high an individual’s position may be, each member of the organization must be open to change, to allow themselves to be trained and develop for the betterment of the whole group or the company for that instance. Synthesis on the role of HRDs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Human resource developers are perhaps one of the most important key players in an organization.   It is through them that the employees and the prospect workers are being oriented, trained, assessed and evaluated before a certain position is given.   As a matter of fact, they are vested with the authority to control the inevitable shortcomings or other forms of predicaments which normally arise in diverse situations.   Promotion for example, is influenced by the HRD’s advice to the higher authority since that these individuals are concisely those who have carefully studied and analyzed whether an employee deserves to get that position (Wilson, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Further, human resource developers are required to be in flying colors in public relation skills as well as with human behavior schemas.   Not only does it make the responsibility quite complicated, but it is also one of the main reasons why they need to not only see the â€Å"intellectual† skills of the employees but must also pay high regard on the factors that may have manifested the behavior and the performance of the subjects under study.   As to how HRD is defined: â€Å"..Organized learning activities arranged within an organization in order to improve performance and/or personal growth for the purpose of improving the job, the individual, and/or the organization.† (Wilson, 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With this connotation alone, the role of human resource developers in managing an organization is nevertheless the backbone of the management.   Globalization stresses the need of carefully and intelligently crafted programs designed to set certain provisions on communication, leadership and management skills as a pre-requisite in achieving administrative goals (Hughes Beatty, 2005).   The complexity of the world of business strategically sets varied requirements which stage the flow of the environment’s dynamicity requiring a higher level of attention for the adaption of organizational changes (Segil, 2002).   Hence it may then be taken to assumption that without the aide of these â€Å"critics† in an organization, growth and development within its members would be crippled down.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The role of the HRD’s specifically include areas of training and development, career development, and organization enhancement which, in essence, adheres with the level of changes that occur in the environment as well as with the society where the organization falls of service.   Training is primarily the focal point of enhancing the skills and abilities of the employee.   Surveys have shown that employees who are inclined with rigor training through the guidance of HRD constituents are most likely to have an outstanding performance in an organization.   This is because through proper training—wherein the employee is able to fully understand, practice and study one’s job description—mistakes have a minute chance for being committed. Key aspects of training in HRD Managers of training and trainers, no matter what their titles, will find in this book all the tools they need for any training challenge (Wilson, 2002).   Training directors and human resources directors, who are in positions with administrative accountability, will find this short and snappy how to method, particularly the checklists that have a propensity to make bigger judgment, exceptionally useful. Executives will promptly see the capacity of a variety of aspects of training and be ministered to in decision making about the series of their responsibilities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several ways to perform training, (1) learning and development can be best defined with the quote:   â€Å"If you are not going forwards, you are in fact going backwards;† (2) leadership/management training and development can be done through a series of formal or informal approaches which will help both the trainee and the trainer meet the loop of expectations, (3) setting training and learning at the right level denotes that in every training, there is a corresponding time or duration for each activity or session to be performed, hitherto implying that the activities involved need to be in an order and has to be followed. Not only does the training need to be speculated in the most deliberative context of the schema, (4) it must also give high regard on Training Needs Analysis (TNA) which is characterized as the point of determining what is necessary to complete the work in action; the accessible skill intensity of the staff carrying out the work and the preparation gap—which floats in the final stages of the training. Understanding the root causes of training is an essential advantage in management. Theories of mental models and mind traps help explain why individuals are more likely to maintain previous positions. As individuals, we all build our own mental maps that we use to perceive, contextualize, simplify, and make sense of things happening in front of us. Those formulated mental maps can trick us into mental traps from thinking objectively, logically or rationally. They also hinder us from accepting differences. Changing mental maps causes discomfort or pain. The greater the pain and the experience, the greater the training will be. Conclusions and further remarks   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The necessity of training in an organization is consequently a factor which presumably exists even in the medieval ages and is carried along in the contemporary society.   The difference between the past and the present would only fall on the streamline of â€Å"intellectual capacity† hence taking the training methods which are implemented nowadays are aimed towards the composition of technical and conceptual skills—all of which tantamount to a conclusion that for a person to be able to develop, one must consistently train his or her self so as not to be left behind and be competent enough for society’s constant changes (Watson Noble, 2005). References Hughes, R. L., Beatty, K. M. (2005). Becoming a Strategic Leader: Your Role in Your Organizations Enduring Success (Lst Ed ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Schwab, D. P. (2004). Research Methods for Organizational Studies (Second ed.). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum. Segil, L. (2002). Dynamic Leader Adaptive Organization: Ten Essential Traits for Managers (1 ed.). Toronto: Wiley. Watson, T., Noble, P. (2005). Evaluating Public Relations: A Best Practice Guide to Public Relations Planning, Research Evaluation. London, United Kingdom: Kogan Page. Wilson, J. P. (2002). Human Resource Development: Learning and Training for Individuals and Organizations (Second ed.). London: Kogan Page.

Integration of Gujarati Immigrants in Britain

Integration of Gujarati Immigrants in Britain Gujarati Immigrants Transnational RESEARCH QUESTION: How does the integration of Gujarati immigrants in Britain affect their participation in transnational activities? Introduction This proposed research aims to understand links between social and economic integration and participation in transnational activities. I will focus on Gujarati immigrants as they are widely regarded as being amongst the most affluent, successful and religious of Britain’s South Asian settlers (Dwyer, 1994). The proposed research is a case study (Marshall Rossman, 1999) exploring patterns of integration and participation in transnational activities within this particular group. The research question is important because I want to challenge both the idea that all Gujarati immigrants are rich and successful and simplistic understandings of segmented assimilation theory (Kivisto, 2001; Portes, 1995; Yu Greenman, 2005). Empirical evidence for this purpose will be gathered by a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results will give a detailed picture of a particular group of immigrants but will be relevant to understanding other groups as well. Literature Review As a theoretical starting point, I will refer to the work of Portes, who defines transnationalism as referring to: â€Å"†¦a growing number of persons who live dual lives; speaking two languages, having homes in two countries, and making a living through continuous regular contact across national borders. Activities within the transnational field comprise a whole gamut of economic, political and social initiatives†. (Portes et al, 1999, pp. 217-218) For Portes (1995), to understand the relationship between transnational behaviour and immigrant integration we have to understand the theory of segmented assimilation. This theory makes an effort to understand the individual and contextual factors that determine into which parts of the host society second generation immigrants become incorporated: in the case of Gujarati immigrants, these areas will be social, economic, cultural and religious. Many writers have emphasised that transnationalism is in part an adaptive strategy a reaction to the hostile reception and downward mobility that immigrants face in post-industrial nations (Basch et al 1994). However, transnational behaviour and immigrant integration is discussed differently by Kivisto (2001). Kivisto argues that contrary to the transnational view of immigrants living in two countries at the same time immigrants are located in one and the immediate concerns of the receiving country take lead in to the more distant concerns of the sending community. For Kivisto, for example, Portes’ theory of transnational immigration does not look at the variation of transnational behaviours among immigrants with comparable family and social link with the country they are from. He provides an assessment of transnationalism that is a subset of assimilation theory, rather than an alternative to it and suggests that the following factors should be considered in research on this topic: The costs associated with travel Access to communication technologies The salience of homeland political issues or economic conditions versus similar issues in the host society How institutions in the host society may limit immigrants’ access and the nature of their involvement The impact of popular culture The role of nation states (p.573). Yu and Greenman (2005) criticize segmented assimilation theory on the basis of an empirical study on immigration adolescents yielding two main findings: First, for immigrant adolescents living in non-poverty neighborhoods, they find assimilation to be positively associated with educational achievement and psychological well-being but also positively associated with at-risk behavior. Second, there is little empirical evidence supporting the theory of segmented assimilation. For these writers, future research would be more fruitful focusing on differential processes of assimilation rather than differential consequences of assimilation (http://www.psc.isr.umich.edu/pubs/abs.html?ID=3443). Bearing this in mind, the focus of my study is on Gujarati immigrants’ participation in terms of its relation to integration process. I am also drawing on Ballard’s (1994) Desh Pardesh: The South Asian Presence in Britain. The book contains a collection of essays about the diverse, multicultural South Asian communities in Britain, including Gujarati immigrants. The of the book ‘Desh Pardesh’ means home from home and at home abroad. The book attempts to look at some of the issues relating to processes of the reconstruction of social, economic, religious and cultural life in order to integrate in the new country. The case of Gujarati immigrants There are over half a million Gujaratis in Britain (Dwyer, 1994). Britain remains a popular destination for immigrants because of its strong economy. However, the jobs that immigrants generally take on are in the secondary sector and typically unskilled manual labour (Massey, 1987); I suggest that this is also the case with many Gujarati immigrants. Social networks both in Gujarat and Britain also account for a large number of migrants coming in from abroad (Boyd 1989). In the research I aim to focus on Gujarati immigrants who are in search for better employment opportunities in Britain and are wishing to settle. As for Portes (1999): â€Å"For purposes of establishing a novel area of investigation, it is preferable to delimit the concept of transnationalism to occupations and activities that require regular and sustained social contacts over time across national borders for their implementation. Thus defined, the concept encompasses, for example, the travels of a Salvadoran viajero delivering mail and supplies to immigrant kin on a monthly basis or those of a Dominican garment shop owner going to New York several times a year to sell her wares and acquire new fabrics and designs for her business. By the same token, it excludes the occasional gifts of money and kind sent by immigrants to their kin and friends (not an occupation) or the one-time purchase of a house or lot by an immigrant in his home country (not a regular activity) (p.219). I will apply this idea to immigrants from Gujarat, India who represents the latest ‘wave’ of migration. The group will consist of middle-class people with only Indian school qualification aged 18-28 years and who enter into unskilled manual labour, e.g. working in restaurants, cleaners, groceries, retail and so on. My aim is to try and understand the people who face difficulties in Gujarat, India due to unemployment. Many writers have written about different Gujarati communities abroad, for example about the success of East African Gujaratis in terms of education achievement and business (Ballard 1994; Bughart 1987; Bhachu 1985). I want to also look at the poor Gujaratis who lack educational qualifications and are struggling to find work in Gujarat. Research methods Key questions regarding the orientation to the conduct of the research are: 1) Is my strategy ‘deductive’ or ‘inductive’? 2) Is my research qualitative or quantitative? and 3) Is my epistemology positivist or interpretivist? First, deductive research strategy is concerned with the testing of theory, or a pre-given hypothesis. As a result, hypothesis is confirmed or rejected. Inductive approach is more relevant in my research because it allows categories emerge from the data (Marshall Rossman, 1999). If for example I was trying to research first generation immigrants rather then second then I would have to modify theory of segmented assimilation to apply it to the right group. If I use the inductive approach I will begin with findings and observations from which I will generate theory. Second, my research will be both quantitative and qualitative in that it will look at numeric population patterns as well as individual lived experiences (ibid). Third, my research will be interpretivist in that it is ‘guided by a set of beliefs and feelings about the world and how it should be understood and studied’ (Denzin Lincoln, 1994, p.13). Exploratory Data Collection The method I will be using to collect data will be participant observation during my field work in Britain. I will study groups of Gujarati immigrants who are either unemployed or have low-paid jobs. This approach attempts to understand ‘what is going on’ and that is why participant observation is a suitable method for this research (ibid). This method will help me in developing useful interview questions. It will also allow me evaluate data collected through other methods (Pelto and Pelto 1978). ‘Participant observation’ as a method involves observing as well as participating with those who are being studied, and it also involves social interaction as well as engaging in their way of life (Spradley 1980). The extent to which a researcher participates in a social setting ranges from non-participation to complete participation, in the latter case becoming a member of the group. I will participate moderately with the Gujaratis’ daily activities (ibid; Dewalt et al 1998). (a) I need to gain entry into the community and begin building my relations with immigrants. I will be working in two main areas which have the highest number of Gujaratis, Wembley (NW London) and Leicestershire (Midlands). I will have to find accommodation in these two regions of Britain. To gain access into the community I will also volunteer to work as a sales assistant for retail shops in these areas. By doing this I will be able to build comfortable relations with my respondents. This will also encourage informants to talk normally as they would with a friend or community member (Denzin Lincoln, 1994).

I Am a Survivor :: Law College Admissions Essays

I Am a Survivor    I grew up the youngest in a family of five. My mother and father divorced when I was a few months old. My mother struggled to take care of five young children on her own. Because her parents died when she was a little girl, she never considered giving us up for adoption or to relatives. My natural father never kept in touch with us. He never helped my mother care for us and so I never knew him and have no recollection of him.    My mother tried her best to ensure we had a good family life by marrying twice after her divorce from my natural father, but neither man in her life served as a role model for my three older brothers. My brothers suffered the most from the breakup of my parents' marriage and my father's abandonment of his parental duties. All three have ruined their lives through drug abuse and crime. My oldest brother lives from day to day without any hope and with the constant internal battle against a drug addiction, which he often loses. My second oldest brother has been in and out of state mental institutions for over fifteen years. He is forty-two years old and is schizophrenic. My third oldest brother is somewhere in New York City, and he doesn't want to be found. He calls my mother from time to time to let her know that he's alive.    I talk about my brothers first because even though they had problems growing up, they managed to protect and shelter me from their troubles. They made me believe in fairy tales and tried to shield me from the ugly reality of the world. It was because I lived a child's fairy tale life that I would later learn that fairy tales don't come true. I would learn to struggle, suffer, and survive.    When I was eighteen years old my mother moved away and left me in New York City with my friends to attend college. I guess my mother thought I would easily succeed and become the first college graduate in our family and I would easily learn to be responsible and independent. She must also have assumed that because I had never struggled for anything, I would be okay and I would doubtless succeed in becoming a lawyer. I Am a Survivor :: Law College Admissions Essays I Am a Survivor    I grew up the youngest in a family of five. My mother and father divorced when I was a few months old. My mother struggled to take care of five young children on her own. Because her parents died when she was a little girl, she never considered giving us up for adoption or to relatives. My natural father never kept in touch with us. He never helped my mother care for us and so I never knew him and have no recollection of him.    My mother tried her best to ensure we had a good family life by marrying twice after her divorce from my natural father, but neither man in her life served as a role model for my three older brothers. My brothers suffered the most from the breakup of my parents' marriage and my father's abandonment of his parental duties. All three have ruined their lives through drug abuse and crime. My oldest brother lives from day to day without any hope and with the constant internal battle against a drug addiction, which he often loses. My second oldest brother has been in and out of state mental institutions for over fifteen years. He is forty-two years old and is schizophrenic. My third oldest brother is somewhere in New York City, and he doesn't want to be found. He calls my mother from time to time to let her know that he's alive.    I talk about my brothers first because even though they had problems growing up, they managed to protect and shelter me from their troubles. They made me believe in fairy tales and tried to shield me from the ugly reality of the world. It was because I lived a child's fairy tale life that I would later learn that fairy tales don't come true. I would learn to struggle, suffer, and survive.    When I was eighteen years old my mother moved away and left me in New York City with my friends to attend college. I guess my mother thought I would easily succeed and become the first college graduate in our family and I would easily learn to be responsible and independent. She must also have assumed that because I had never struggled for anything, I would be okay and I would doubtless succeed in becoming a lawyer.