Thursday, October 31, 2019

International retailing and marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International retailing and marketing - Essay Example A review of literature has provided a consistent definition of the term International Retailing which is "the operation, by a single firm, of shops, or other forms of retail distribution, in more than one country" (Findlaey and Sparks, 2000: p. 40; Alexander, 1997:p. 27). This definition encompasses several types of company schemes such as the Body Shop and Bally which operates their own stores and franchise arrangements; GIB, Vendex, Aeon and Ahold which operate separate chains of stores internationally; and the IKEA, Sogo and Toys R Us which operate a single chain. Every business move must be thoroughly studied before application and given the complex nature of retailing in an international setting, it would be prudent to conduct a study aiming to determine the necessary scheme to be adapted by the interested company. There are many methods for determining business environment such as the Political, Economic, Social and Technological (PEST) analysis which is mainly concerned on the operating environment and the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis which considers also other competitors already present in the market. These analyses shall be used to determine strategies for a successful entry scheme. Retail companies can opt to establish presence by modes such as direct establishment of stores or franchising. Since any business is an on-going process of learning and growing, many retail companies find it necessary to incorporate strategic factors in their business plan along the way. III. Marks and Spencer: A Background Marks and Spencer PLC is a companyr, established in the late 1800s by a partnership and is currently one of UK's leading retailer of clothing, food, home products and technology. Last 2008, Tthe company employs more than 65,000 people with 339 stores in the UK and 155 stores franchised in 30 countries found in Europe and Asia. It is also involved in financial services such as loans, savings and credit cards. The company made news in 1998 as it posted a pre-tax profit of over than 1.15 billion pounds sterling but later suffered a downfall for several years until 2003. (MarksandSpencer, 2009a) The company operates primarily by producing high quality products carried by a recognized and valued brand name. Products are affordable but not necessarily cheap. The prevailing philosophy for advertising was only by word of mouth which was very powerful as many customers are likely to purchase in the shop favoured by those close to them. This method was also very cost effective as there was no need for expensive adverts. From its inception until 1998, it had the policy of sourcing only from British suppliers and thus endeared them to the British public. Marks and Spencer officially adapted and carried the brand 'St. Michaels' for middle age and young apparel distribution in its stores. Stores are mainly located centrally in capital cities and important venues so that critical mass (number or buyers) can be realized. M&S is in possession of several prime holdings around the globe and is using it to establish presence. The company experimented in internationalisation by exporting its 'St. Michael' line to

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Abstract-writing guidelines Essay Example for Free

Abstract-writing guidelines Essay An abstract allows the author to communicate to his audience the critical information of his original research in a concise manner. Foote (2006) and December and Katz (nd) recommend that in writing a good abstract, it should contain four elements background or objectives, methods, results and conclusion. The background highlights the research questions and/or hypotheses, the methods describe the study population, data gathering techniques and statistical analysis. The results indicate the most pertinent findings and should contain actual data (Maughan 2001) and illustrative examples. The conclusion summarizes the findings and implications of the study (Rooryck van Heuven 2003). The abstract should be between 100 and 250 words (Foote 2006, Shannon 2000, Guidelines for writing an abstract n. d. ) and should never be longer than a page (Rooryck van Heuven 2003). Staiger (1965) suggests that a good abstract can have as little as 150 words once the information is concisely presented. Shannon (2000) and December and Katz (n. d. ) advise that nonessential information such as literature reviews should be avoided. In terms of style only common abbreviations should be used and only minimally (Foote 2006, Shannon 2000) and jargons should not be used (Maughan 2001). The future tense, adverbs and adjectives should also be avoided. The text should flow and be intelligible and easily comprehended by non-specialists and international readers. Abstract The traditional pattern of negotiation and placing of insurance risk between brokers and underwriters follows a face-to-face and paper approach but the new electronic placing system (EPS) is available to allow for submitting, transmitting and negotiating risks and processing claims electronically. This study explores the reasons for introducing, causes for the slow adoption and resistance to the implementation of the EPS systems. In a longitudinal research between 1993 and 1996, we surveyed 94 senior Market management, IT directors and staff, brokers and underwriters in the London Insurance Market using semi-structured interviews, observations of insurance risk placement work practices along with resource reviews. Reasons for introducing, delaying or resisting EPS introduction were copied verbatim and categorized based on its impact on work transformation or professional identity in the workplace. EPS was implemented because of the benefits of productivity, efficiency, speed and cost, its capability to facilitate simultaneous risk transmissions and potential to broaden job horizons. Reasons for resisting or delaying introduction of EPS were the resulting minimization of client, broker and underwriter interaction, the EPS’ inability to transmit supporting customer documents to potential underwriters and its potential to undermine the professional role and identity of brokers and underwriters and to worsen employment conditions and job satisfaction. Brokers also saw EPS as a potential threat to their employment security. There is resistance to technological change in the London Insurance Market and failure to adopt these technologies. EPS challenges the traditional mode of operation. We recommend that there be a balance between the use of computer technologies and traditional methodologies. References December, J. Katz, S. nd, ‘What is an abstract’ The writing center, [Online] Available at: http://www. rpi. edu/web/writingcenter/abstracts. html Foote, M. 2006, ‘Some concrete ideas about manuscript abstracts’, Chest, vol. 129, no. 5, p. 1375-1377. ‘Guidelines for writing an abstract’, Sigma Theta Tau, International, [Online] Available at: http://www. umassd. edu/nursing/theta_kappa/research_committee/guidelines_abstract. doc Maughan, R. 2001, ‘Editorial: abstract thoughts’, Journal of Sports Sciences, vol. 19, no. 5, p. 305. Rooryck, Johan van Heuven, V. 2003, ‘Guidelines for writing abstracts’, Leiden University, [Online] Available at: http://www. unc. edu/linguistics/confinfo_files/hil-tips. pdf Shannon, S. 2000, ‘Writing a structured abstract’, Canadian Association of Radiologists Journal, vol. 51, no. 6, p. 328-329. Staiger, D. L. 1965, ‘What today’s students need to know about writing abstracts’, Journal of Business Communication, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 29-33. Walsham, G. 2001, Making a world of difference: IT in a global context, Wiley, Chichester, pp. 150-160.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

GMO Labeling and Dangers

GMO Labeling and Dangers The average American can consume up to 1,996 pounds of food in one year. The initial intent of GMOs was to increase crop yields to meet the demand for the ever growing population. GMOs or (genetically modified organisms) are the results of an organism with the DNA of another organism. So its one organism with the DNA of another or many organisms. This does not occur naturally. GMOs are actually illegal in many countries, because they are not considered safe. GMOs have done nothing but increase crop yields. Since being used they have caused some people to develop allergies and have allergic reactions to the foods they are used in because we have not labeled the foods with GMOs. One of the big debates going on right now is should Genetically Modified Organisms be labeled? A total of three states have passed a law to require GMOs to be labeled. Vermont, connecticut, and Maine were the first of the three states to pass a law requiring GMOs to be labeled. The reason GMOs should be labeled is because many people are allergic to them, and, if they are not labeled, then how can you tell. This could result in severe allergic reactions, some of which could result in death. There are many things that you can do such as scanning the product to find out if it is a GMO, but who wants to spend all evening in the store waiting on your phone to work, and reading to find out when the product could be labeled. Several countries such as China, Australia, and European Union require GMOs to be labeled, currently the united states does not require labeling. Some companies like Campbells, ConAgra, General Mills and many others have already started labeling their products accordin g to Vermonts law. According to The reason GMO food should be voluntarily labeled by the food industry is that it is clear some consumers want to know what they are eating and they have a right to know what is in their food. -(What is GMO?) GMOs should be labeled because we shouldnt have to guess what is in our food. We should be able to read the label and know what is in the food we are eating. Another big question is are GMOs healthy for the environment? GMOs are made with a bunch of chemicals, because they are suppose to be able to resist pests and weather, but when it rains and washes the chemicals off where do they go? They wash off into rivers and lakes and soak into the ground potentially damaging our water supply.. According to Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods, By growing plants or raising livestock in environmental conditions that normally wouldnt support them, there is the potential of irrevocably damaging that environment. This is often seen through GMO crossbreeding. So when experimenting with GMOs such as cross breeding you basically create the need for more GMOs because you contain the environment and only you can plant GMOS there now. GMOs are unhealthy for the environment and dont occur naturally in nature. The foods at high risk for having GMOs in them are, alfalfa, corn, cotton, papaya, soy, sugar beet, yellow summer squash / and zucchini. Glypho sate a chemical found in herbicides that are sprayed on GMOs, is a dangerous chemical that has been linked to a blood cancer, farmers who use these chemicals are at twice the risk. Imagine what these chemicals can do to us as consumers who eat them. Are GMOs even safe for human consumption? A common question usually asked. GMOs can provoke an allergic reaction. According to What Are GMOs? How Are They Affecting Us? [opinion]. The mixing of different types of proteins in food create health hazards and allergic reactions for people eating the foods (What Are GMOs? How Are They Affecting Us?). If we label the foods we would not have to worry about people having allergic reactions because they would not buy or eat the food. Kinda like products made with peanut oil or in a peanut factory we let them know that these foods are made there and have these ingredients. Time and time again, studies have shown that the consumption of GMO foods increase the risks of food-based allergies in people. -(Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods). Not only could people be allergic to GMOs but they could possibly develop an allergy to GMOs. If someone develops an allergy to soy because of GMO efforts, then if livestock eats that GMO soy as well, that person would have a high probability of an allergic reaction from eating the animal meat.-(Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods) So once people develop an allergy to something, and they eat something from an animal that consumed the same thing they are allergic to, they have a chance of having an allergic reaction to it. If we labeled the food with GMOs people would not have to worry about having a allergic reaction, because they would not eat that item. One last question is what is the long term effects of GMOs on the environment. GMOs can contaminate forever. GMOs cross pollinate and their seeds can travel. It is impossible to fully clean up our contaminated gene pool. Self-propagating GMO pollution will outlast the effects of global warming and nuclear waste.(10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs). Once you plant GMOs on a piece of land you can not go and then plant a non GMO because it does not just go away the chemicals stay there. The potential impact is huge, threatening the health of future generations. GMO contamination has also caused economic losses for organic and non-GMO farmers who often struggle to keep their crops pure. (10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs). GMO seeds travel so not only is it affecting the environment it is affecting the farmers who are non GMO farmers. You can not fully clean up a contaminated gene pool meaning you can not clean this stuff up once it affects another farm. If we would not use genetically modified organisms, we would not have to worry about people developing an allergic reaction or having one, we would not have to worry about contaminating the environment, or worrying about ruining other farms who are non GMO. There is no economic value for GMOs. Therefore if we do use them they should be labeled. Work Cited Ewg. Are GMOs Bad for the Environment? EWG, Emily Cassidy , www.ewg.org/agmag/2016/03/are-gmos-bad-environment. Smith, Jeffrey. 10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs. Institute for Responsible Technology, Institute for Responsible Technology, 15 Jan. 2017, responsibletechnology.org/10-reasons-to-avoid-gmos/. What Are GMOs? How Are They Affecting Us?[opinion]. All Africa, 18 Aug. 2016. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOFsw=wu=j020902v=2.1id=GALE%7CA466325870it=rasid=aece6b4fa048ceb72e318aa7c76652a8. Accessed 7 Feb. 2017. What Is GMO? The NonGMO Project, The NonGMO Project, www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/what-is-gmo/. Wpadmin. Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods. HRFnd, HealthReseachFunding.org, 28 Feb. 2016, healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-genetically-modified-foods/.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Effects Of Wearing School Uniforms :: essays research papers

The Effects of Wearing Uniforms in Public Schools Uniforms in public schools are becoming accepted throughout the world. The public school systems would benefit significantly if this policy were to be accepted. Wearing uniforms in public schools result in positive effects. A dress code enforces discipline toward learning by changing a person’s attitude toward success. Students generally act the way they are dressed. With fewer fashion distractions, school will be seen as a priority for teaching and learning rather than trend competitions. This alteration leads to modification in grades because it’s much easier to focus when everyone is dressed alike. Furthermore, a student’s attendance also improves; with the relief of picking out a new outfit every morning. Schools requiring uniforms will experience reduction in violence. Without the pressure of competing with different styles, students are more relaxed in school. They will feel equal and at peace, leading to disappearing thoughts of violence. Obligated uniforms will reduce the weapon dilemma considerably. They will be harder to conceal with all students dressed the identically, therefore fewer will be brought to school. Parents are also impacted when schools require uniforms. Some argue that this policy is too expensive; uniforms are actually more affordable. For example, an average parent of a teen that attends a public school spends over $500.00 a year on clothes alone, while a parent of a teen with a uniform policy spends less then $200.00 a year. There are fewer clothes to purchase, therefore less money to spend.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Uniforms provide students with school uniqueness. Students will stand out in field trips and other school activities feeling a sense of belonging. A bond will then form and unite more students together.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Show how you respond to Austen’s presentation of balls and other social events in Emma

‘It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind: – but when a beginning is made – when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, though slightly felt – it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more.' Using the quotation as a starting point show how you respond to Austen's presentation of balls and other social events in Emma. The above quotation put in simple terms connotes socializing to not be essential for survival yet once experienced, addictions can be produced. This is implied within Jane Austen's Emma as hinted by social events presentation and their significance. Suggestions of such views display human development by the mistakes made within society to encourage moral growth and wisdom. The central focus upon balls and social pursuits indicates the triviality of the upper classes. Austen's satirical tone throughout the novel exemplifies the hierarchy of the eighteenth nineteenth century, while ridiculing their concerns. The author has illustrated a further emphasis by concentrating particularly on Emma's development and need for social awareness as progressed through the various social affairs. The Weston's Christmas party acts as an introductory occasion for the readers to establish a hierarchy, as well as Emma's importance within the Highbury society. The Woodhouses are treated to be at the centre of attention as illustrated by the great fuss created for â€Å"poor Mr. Woodhouse† due to the falling of snow. By making such characters much pleased with them, they begin to believe they are and feel much more superior. This permits Emma in her match making schemes of ultimately feeling a strong love interest among Mr. Elton and Harriet Smith. Emma's confidence is quilted by the safety of her fathers smothering and her lack of awareness. This meddling leads to devastating consequences, which may be seen through the contrasting behaviour contained in private and public atmospheres. A faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade of etiquette is created publicly to portray perfectionism of characters friendly decorum. Mr. Weston kindly criticizes Emma while she politely â€Å"listened† and â€Å"coolly† replies. Emma needs to preserve her good manners in a situation like this as not cause any damage to her status. Conversely, when Emma and Mr. Elton are alone in the carriage, returning home, the change in conduct insights readers to the true colours of the character concerned. Previously, Mr. Elton seemed â€Å"so anxious for† Emma, demonstrating agitating behaviour, explaining the true exposition of Mr. Elton's â€Å"pretence of being in love with her†. His obnoxious behaviour screened to Emma and the readers reflects his snobbery, as he believes â€Å"everybody has their level†, as well as degrading his respect. The significance of this event adds to the background of future events and creates a build up. Emma looks forward to a night of being admired at the Coles dinner party but clear differing levels of accomplishment with the â€Å"superior† Jane Fairfax prevent this, as well as distinguishing a sense of competition between the two characters. One major accomplishment, the art of piano playing, may be regarded as a form of battle ground among Emma and Jane. Jane's advancement clearly initiates much threat for Emma as her attentions are overtaken. Nevertheless due to social expectations of the formal times, Emma is required to be friendly towards poorer, low class woman such as Miss Fairfax. This allows others to publicly view Emma's character to be of a good image. The use of falseness and pretences supports the idea of conformist public behaviour through superficial mannerisms of always â€Å"smiling†. Ironically, the narrative reveals much deeper thoughts of Emma privately whilst creating comedy though the anticipation of her reactions which â€Å"she never could attempt to conceal.† However her opinion of Jane is not openly expressed but slyly gossiped with Frank who joins in, yet continuously is â€Å"glancing towards Miss Fairfax.† The divisions of social classing prevent Frank from freely associating himself with Jane who he is secretly engaged with. This becomes evident alongside the social gatherings, suggesting secrets codes of honour to carry out, by enforcing heavy use of faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ades in friendships among Emma, Frank and Jane. False pretences are deepened within the society of Highbury as immediately reflected through Emma holding a dinner party for Mrs. Elton, a woman she can not stand. During this gathering much commotion is taken up by party guests, predominantly by Mr. Knightely, about Jane's â€Å"venture.† Austen can be seen to be ridiculing society as characters take much interest upon a minority issue of visiting the post office. Jane shows a â€Å"little blush† of running â€Å"such risks† while reserving her manners regardless to the invasion of her privacy. Consequently the time period within the novel compels Jane's consistence and Mr. Knightley's courtesy to be purely based upon concern for her health. Adoptions of significance still withstands similar to the previous events, and allow development of future plots such as the suspicion formed upon Miss. Fairfax's behaviour. The great Crown Inn Ball had been postponed several times creating much enthusiasm and excitement for the people of Highbury. This is an indication of the emptiness of their lives. Being the first formal social gathering due to Mrs. Elton's arrival, social codes would advocate her to have central focus. This angers Emma as â€Å"her taste was not the only taste which† was to be depended upon. Nevertheless Emma masks her true judgement by appearing to appeal to all those around her. Dancing was seen as a metaphor of courtship as Emma encounters this â€Å"flirtation between her and her partner† Frank, others may view them as having a more intimate relationship. Mr. Knightley breaks this code as he â€Å"takes pity on† Harriet to dance, after being embarrassed by Mr. Elton. It is suggestive to surrounding party members of a love connection between Harriet and Mr. Knightley. This is highly contradictory as it was not expectant of someone with Knightley's class and status to degrade down to Miss Smith's level. On the contrary, readers are at an advantage of having an insight upon the text as they know Mr. Knightley's behaviour is due to his chivalrous good natured attitude which compels him to be considerate of everyone around him. This comedic approach stimulates Austen to simultaneously mock and uphold social codes. The interaction between Knightley and Harriet reveals that broken social codes lead to chaos and confusion, as displayed further in the text by Emma's confusion and â€Å"terror† over Harriet having feelings for Mr. Knightley. The faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade of etiquette breaks down vigorously at Box hill, partially as Emma now expresses her thoughts while forgetting her manners. The scene has been set in a very elegant atmosphere â€Å"in favour of a pleasant party† with a â€Å"burst of admiration.† All characters engage in a game for amusement and Emma faces a sudden outbreak which she â€Å"could not resist† towards Miss Bates. The oversight of her politeness and â€Å"mock ceremony of her manners† prevent immediate meaning being obtained. Only until Knightley's â€Å"remonstrance† does Emma realise the impact of her appalling behaviour being in the need of amendment. The idea of Emma acting in such a way in public creates a barrier for her not to be able to undo her actions, whereas if she spoke in private to say Harriet she could have easily justifyed herself. Whether Emma' change was based upon her becoming more self aware or the fact she upset Mr Knightley is open to personal judgement. It could be portrayed that the series of progressively emotional social events lead Emma to realise much more about herself and those around her. By learning from her mistakes she was able to mature and become more purely and truly accepted as a superior of society. Controversially, Emma begins to realise she has feelings for â€Å"my [meaning Emma's] Mr. Knightley† and therefore cannot go about upsetting him as this tarnishes his vision of her. Her change therefore would be due to selfish terms. In regard of all this, Emma does change herself and correct her faults. The destruction of polite faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade works as an incentive to compel Emma in re-evaluating her misconduct and to reform. The consecutive chapter illustrates Emma's embracement of self realisation, after the eventful picnic, as Mr. Knightley's disapproval deeply hurts her. Her â€Å"confidence [had] told her so† that she â€Å"had often been remiss.† After the Box Hill incident, Emma did not want others to consider her â€Å"without a heart† and â€Å"so unfeeling towards [her] father.† Emma's â€Å"completely misspent† morning obliged her to recollect herself and no longer interfere. By directly paying a visit to Miss. Bates, she begins the journey of self correction. This is further illustrated as Emma talks about Jane with genuine feeling and interest in spite of Jane's abrupt and extra reserved behaviour. Emma learns, with the help of Mr. Knightley's finger pointing, that she needs to concentrate on her own thoughts and actions rather than those around her. The limited use of action throughout the novel constructs social occasions to be at the focal point of the plot. Consistently, this reflects the artificialities of Austen's world which she wanted the reader to pick up upon. By exposing society's hypocrisy, due to the show of gestures, the satire acts a comedic tool for readers. Even though Emma's faults are chiefly stressed upon; the story reveals faults in other characterisations such as Mrs. Elton, Frank and Mr. Woodhouse. I feel the idea of concentrating heavily on, what would be considered by the modern reader, small concerns; Austen specifies the consequences of falling out of traditional practice. The juxtaposition of such problematic proceedings, ending with a minute ounce of happiness for Emma, makes the novel unique and intensifies the effect. Nevertheless the moral message overrides such views to allow the reader to learn from the mistakes of characters and the importance of maintaining a balance. This allows progression of readers to improve themselves and become more self-aware also. Finally, the use of misconception and confusion adds to the ironic use of satire to amuse spectators.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Black People and James Baldwin Essay

In Toni Morrison’s â€Å"Recitatif,† the story is about two girls, Twyla and Roberta. They grow up in an orphanage because their mothers could not care for them. Morrison makes it clear the girls come from different ethnic backgrounds but never states which one is black or white. At one point in the story Twyla comments, â€Å"We looked like salt and pepper. † I grew frustrated with the story and had to read it several times. I could never determine who was black and white and the lesson I learned should have been it doesn’t really matter. The story begins with Twyla’s mother dropping her off at the orphanage. She meets Roberta and they become best friends. The bond they share occurs because they were not considered real orphans. They were abandoned kids unlike the other children whose parents had died. One of the last times the girls see each other was the day of a visitation. On that night, Twyla’s mother was wearing â€Å"those tight green slacks that made her butt stick out. † Many people have labeled blacks as having larger butts. She could have been black, she could have been a heavy white woman with a large butt, or a Hispanic woman like me. But I automatically stereotyped and went with Twyla has to be black. During the visitation Roberta’s mother â€Å"had brought chicken legs. † Twyla notices Roberta does not eat the chicken legs. I always thought black people liked chicken more than white people which means Roberta was white since she did not eat the chicken. Or maybe she just wasn’t hungry. Shortly after that visitation Roberta’s mother came to take her home, leaving the girls devastated. They see each other several times throughout the years. At their first meeting, Roberta was rude and distant because she was high. Roberta tells Twyla she is on the way to see Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was an infamous black guitarist. I thought at this point Roberta has to be black. However Hendrix’s band was interracial with a diverse audience. Roberta could have been white due to the diverse audience. I am a huge Hendrix fan and I am not black so why would I think Roberta is. Twelve years later they meet again at a grocery store. Roberta married a rich man and was extremely friendly to Twyla. Twyla cannot hold back her emotions and asks Roberta about the last time they saw each other. Roberta shrugs it off, â€Å"Oh, Twyla, you know how it was in those days: black—white. You know how everything was. † I can relate to this. In 1980, the Cuban Mariel Boat Lifts came over bring thousands of Cubans. I am Cuban but I was born here. Kids I had known since kindergarten treated me as if I just come over on the boats. It had a lasting effect on me and matured me beyond my years. The third time they meet is at the school where their children attend. Roberta and other mothers were picketing because they did not want their kids to be segregated. This led to a fight severing any last chance of a friendship for them as it would not be resolved until Twyla and Roberta meet for a final time. As the story ends I do not get a sense of closure. The question of which girl is white or black remains unanswered. It opened my eyes and made me question how prejudice I really am. I try to not stereotype as a result of what I went through as a child but I found myself doing just that. I can understand why Morrison wrote the way she. I am not sure what her goal was overall but to me it seemed as if she were teaching me about prejudices. â€Å"Recitatif† challenged me to not judge either girl by their race but accept them for who they are. In the end, what difference did it really make about the girls’ races? The story is about how their friendship develops and then deteriorates. Nothing more; nothing less.