Monday, September 30, 2019

Proctor and Gamble Success, Failures, Key Players and Projected Outcomes Essay

Answer 1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Just like any other ordinary multinational company in the market, Proctor & Gamble has been able to use innovation as one of their tools in order to achieve market competitiveness. By knowing the tastes and preferences of their target market, Proctor & Gamble has been utilizing every single opportunity available to improve their market sales and profitability. At the end of the day, the entire company will benefit from the innovative actions of the management of Proctor & Gamble. Through the aid of advanced technology available in the production line, Proctor & Gamble was able to produce Tide, Crest, Pampers etc in a more efficient manner (Bruner, 2001). The eagerness of the members of the top management to pursue innovative processes in the operational line of the company will be later on become part of the core traits of the entire organization, thus, boosting employees morale, efficiency and productivity. With this success of Proctor & Gamble in penetrating their target market through the aid of innovation, there would be no doubt that this company will eventually enjoy impressive growth for the next coming periods. In order to prepare the company from the said growth, Proctor & Gamble increased the volume of their fiscal budget and sales making the shares to the company to rise (Businessweek.com, 2001). This increase in the shares of stocks of Proctor & Gamble means that investors wanted to invest or invest more on the stocks of the latter. On the other hand, one failure that could be considered on the part of the management of the said company would be the resignation of their CEO, Durk Jager, in 2000 as well as the failing profitability of the company during the fourth quarter of the same year (Businessweek.com, 2000). Durk Jager made a lot of contributions in P&G for he is the one who made initial steps in innovating the products and production line of the company as well as credited for his successful marketing strategies that made P&G become one of the leading multinational companies in the country. Profitability on the fourth quarter during that time was the consequence of the tight market competition that exists in the industry. Answer 2   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the factors that made a major impact on the company’s success and failures would be their leaders or the top level management. These members of the top management team of P&G serves to be the â€Å"asset† of the entire organization for the former exhibit impressive skills and talents in handling the operation of the company as well as in predicting the behavior of their target market to gain comparative advantage over their competitors. With these superb managerial skills of the top managers of P&G, the said company was able to overcome their obstacles such as the declining profitability during the late period of 2000. Furthermore, another factor that can be raised here is the various economic factors such as competition, stability of the finance sector of the company and the economic stability of the country in terms of trading with other countries since it affects the international operation of P&G. Like for instance, the rapid fluctuation of exchange rates in the financial market could threaten the return on investment of the foreign investors in the country causing major draw back in the condition of the stocks of multinational firms such as P&G. It is also included here in the list of economic factors that affects the success and failure of the P&G would be the labor market. Proctor & Gamble employs around 130,000 workers in United States alone and any distortion in the labor market, like increase in the wage rate of the workers, could affect the performance of the company in terms of financial stability and production continuity. Answer 3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After the resignation of Jager in 2000, another persona was born in order to assume the position of CEO in Proctor & Gamble and he is none other than A.G. Lafley. Lafley used to run a U.S. Navy retail store before he assumed the position of CEO in P&G (Martin, 2008). In order to boost the profitability of P&G which was negatively affected by tight market competition, Lafley decided to know more regarding the behavior of the consumers to anticipate their current needs and preferences which Jager seems to overlook when he was in the position of the CEO. From knowing more on the consumption behavior of their target market plus the innovation of their products, Lafley was able to regain the lost profits of the company as well as the sales and market shares in the industry. In short, the problem regarding the lowering down of P&G’s profit boils down to the saturation of consumers on the old reliable products of the company. What the consumers want to see, as Lafley discovered, is the innovation on the product line of the company, what is new and what the improvements are. Lafley was able to answer these questions and execute the necessary actions to remedy the failing market status of P&G. True enough, P&G now ranked on the 10th place of the worlds top multinational companies in terms of profitability and this is a manifestation of the good leadership and at the same time critical thinking of Lafley regarding the finding of ways to suffice the needs and preferences of their target consumers. References Bruner, G. F. (2001). The Tao of Innovation. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=66774845&sid=1&Fmt=4&clientid=11123&RQT=309&VName=PQD Businessweek.com (2001). Lehman Upgrades Proctor & Gamble. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/dec2001/pi20011212_0523.htm?chan=search Businessweek.com (2000). Why the Tide Turned Against P&G. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/eemi/emi0609b.html?chan=search Martin, R. L. (2008). P&G: Using the Past to Invent the Future. Retrieved January 30, 2008, from http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jan2008/id20080122_229434.htm?chan=search   

Sunday, September 29, 2019

What Qualities Will You Ook for in Your Future Husband or Wife

I am still studying but pretty soon I will be earning a living and thinking of getting married. Most people marry for love but all too often marriages break up because they have chosen unsuitable partners. It is therefore important for me to choose my future husband carefully as I want my marriage to be happy and to last. I realise my own imperfections and know that any romantic notions of marrying Mr World is out. Besides, physical perfection is no guarantee for inner beauty and mental strength which are more essential. Of course, I want my husband to be good-looking but he must be gregarious, with a pleasant personality and an ability to mix with everyone easily. He must be well-educated, at least up to degree. He must also be caring and be able to think independently. Some women like a submissive husband but I would like mine to stand up for his own point of view if he feels I am wrong. This, I think, would make for more exciting interaction and a meaningful relationship. Nevertheless, there must be some common ground. I love reading and have a wry sense of humour that few Malaysians appreciate. I therefore want a husband who has a good sense of humour and enjoys a good book, too. What intellectual discussion we could have, dissecting the short stories of Guy de Maupassant or admiring the glory and grandeur of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Read also: â€Å"My Ideal Wife†

Friday, September 27, 2019

Current issue facing australia business resulting from the recently Assignment

Current issue facing australia business resulting from the recently introduced carbon tax (energy) - Assignment Example The scheme has also been targeted by some larger businesses who want to profiteer from it. Some of the problems are lack of proper frameworks on how costs can be passed to other players in the supply chain, lack of proper competition policies, and poor monitoring of prices by the government. Though the Australian government argued that the effect of this tax was going to be moderate manufacturers were not comfortable with it arguing that it was going to cause loss of jobs and closure of businesses. Therefore, the government needs to re-evaluate the scheme, identify faults, and establish solutions that should be captured in policy, complete with a monitoring process. Introduction Carbon Tax in Australia refers to a carbon pricing scheme that was launched by the Government in July, 2012, as part of wider efforts that are aimed at taming global warming. The scheme requires businesses that emit emissions amounting to 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent to buy emission permits (Wil liams, 2011). Though every business in Australia faces the effects of carbon tax in one way or another, chances are that small business are paying a higher price. This paper will investigate on the effects of carbon tax on small businesses by describing the following: the origins of carbon tax in Australia, the issues faced by small businesses in trying to comply with the requirement to purchase carbon emission permits; a critical analysis of the issues identified; recommendations on how the issues can be addressed; and an implementation plan. Background Global warming and other forms of climate change are issues that continue to draw unrivalled attention across the globe. Science has achieved a lot in describing factors that contribute to climate change, and has shown a clear picture of how this will affects lives today and in the coming decades (Smith, 2001). A number of natural and man-made factors have been found to play role in the continued rise of average temperatures in the earth’s atmosphere and oceans (Smith, 2001). In fact there is a consensus in the scientific circles that human factors are largely to blame for climate change. Of great concern is the continued emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. At a global annual output of 27 billion tonnes, carbon dioxide is by far the most emitted greenhouse gas, and mainly comes from combustion of fossil fuels. A review of the effects of climate change on the world economy was first released in 2006 to the British government (Lewis & Cornish, 2012). The report recommended a number of measures such as carbon taxes to effectively compensate for market failure due to climate change. In December 2006, the Australian government established a task force on Emissions and Trading. The task force was chaired by Peter Shergold and was supposed to advice on how and emission trading scheme (ETS) could be implemented in Australia (Tennant, 2013). After the release of the final report, the Howard go vernment committed itself to put in place an ETS within a six-year time frame. In the year 2010, after initial hesitations, Gillard government agreed to put in place a fixed carbon price that would commence on 1st July 2012, and later transition to a â€Å"flexible price cap-and- trade ETS† on 1st July 2015 (Kerin, 2012). Consequently, companies that

Organizational Culture as a Tool to Enhance Performance Essay

Organizational Culture as a Tool to Enhance Performance - Essay Example It indicates extend to, which an organization has freedom of making decisions concerning an organization, expression of new and personal ideas. Organizational culture controls how organization information flows among leaders, employees and clients. Finally, it empowers the organizations’ employees towards attaining the set objectives (Rosen, 1985, p. 33 & Rosen, 1988, p. 467). Organizational culture theory has become a major issue in most organizations. This theory proclaims that life in every organization varies; therefore, advocating for more research in the field of organizational theory. Organizational culture theory campaigns for research in organizations with Muslim employees, pregnant employees and low enforcement employees. Organizational culture theory is of benefit to an organization as it shows how dissimilar businesses perform their tasks in line with their culture. In addition, it explains how customs affects production in an organization and the conflicts that re sult from dissimilar organizational cultures (Schein, 2011, p.40). According to conducted empirical study, there is a sturdy link amid the existing organizational values and the arrangement of an organization. In the previous years, many businesspersons lacked information regarding how organizational culture nurtures business performance, and instead, they believed that dissimilar cultures in an organization are difficult to handle. On contrary, most of the current business individuals have realized that organizational culture is imperative as it fosters organizations competition level hence making them to survive during tough competitions. Therefore, to apply culture according, it is important that an organization defines and understands its culture well (Schein, 2004, p. 112). In organizations, culture tend to be complex because it entails various assemblages of people possessing dissimilar values, attitudes, behaviors, assumptions, artifacts and beliefs. Culture describes an indi vidual’s inner and external relationship as well as guiding someone’s actions unwillingly. According to dissimilar conducted research, organizational culture is an interesting issue to many researchers, which include the academic plus educational researchers, management practices and applicable in organizational theory (Solomon, 2004, p.53). In organizations, people should respect every culture in order to realize critical company matters such as how people in the company reason, to enhance how people value each other, think and act. This is important because encountered reactions from dissimilar employees in an organization originate from cultural beliefs and sharing of ideas among employees (Van Maanen & Barley, 1984, p.294). It is intricate to get two organizations possessing the same customs. The cultural differences that exist among organizations can turn out to cause major impacts to the performance of an organization together with improving the employees working experiences (Parker & Clegg 2006 P. 651). Organizational culture affects theory and rehearsal educational reform. The culture of a society within, which dissimilar organizations operatelargely, affects the culture of that organization (Smircich, 1983, p. 340 & Schein, 2009, p. 14) Organizational cu

Thursday, September 26, 2019

HRM in International Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

HRM in International Context - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the human resource department is of colossal importance with regards to sustaining the competitive advantage in any company. This paper will look at the best possible hiring method and selection in regards to the deployment procedures of international expansion of a company where an HR manager has to be hired. The best policy will be analyzed so that the optimal results can be experienced. The international HR manager will have a diverse range of activities from hiring to interacting with people at larger levels. Any kind of loopholes in this domain can cost the company a lot of monetary damage thus different criteria will be discussed. Risks in this process and their solutions will also be discussed. The key requirements of the job is to uphold the company work objectives and this requirement is perfectly in demand of the staffing policy which will make sure that the true potential of the company in terms of performance, results and s ervices is deployed. Any business or company that is looking to expand globally cannot sustain growth rate without optimal staffing strategies in the international context. In the given scenario, there can be a lot of options for the staffing policy and it is dependent on different volatile variables but keeping in view the company demands and international canvas setups, ethnocentric staffing policy will be best to adopt while hiring international HR manager. Ethnocentric staffing policy argues to hire the individuals from the company with the intention of transferring the core competencies beyond the borders. In this approach, the intent is to hire an individual from the parent country which is the baseline of the company and headquarters. All the services, instructions and process of the HR related activates takes place from the parent-oriented culture. Another staffing policy that can be best used in this case is geocentric in which there is an increased canvas of scope and the organizational hierarchy can hire best human resource irrespective of their location and nationality. This staffing policy promises the best results because this policy is feasible and prone to changes in terms of adaptability. In this policy, translational strategies must be inculcated because the need of both global integration and local responsiveness is very high.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Tissue paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tissue - Research Paper Example Tree made tissue papers are a threat to the environment. â€Å"Worldwide, the equivalent of almost 270,000 trees is either flushed or dumped in landfills every day and roughly 10 percent of that total is attributable to toilet paper† (Braun). With the increasing pressure upon companies to adopt environment friendly ways to generate their services, there is a growing trend among the vendors to produce tree-free tissue papers. One such company is Emerald Brand that intends making tissue papers from Bagasse, which is the residue obtained from the sugar cane after its juice has been extracted. â€Å"Its made of 100% recycled sugar cane bagasse which produces paper and tableware products† (â€Å"Tree-Free Toilet Paper†). Use of Bagasse in the making of tissue papers is beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it is a replacement of trees. This means that trees do not have to be wiped of to make tissue papers as there is an alternative solution which is environment friendl ier. Use of Bagasse in manufacturing tissue papers not only puts an agricultural waste material to use, but also prevents the hazardous gases that are conventionally released in the atmosphere in the usual procedure to dispose off Bagasse. Making tissue paper from Bagasse also consumes fewer chemicals and lesser energy as compared to making tissue papers from trees. â€Å"Our goal is to make going green an easy choice for businesses The Emerald Brand allows companies to make the responsible decision without sacrificing room in their budget. It’s a win-win for businesses and the environment† (Bianculli cited in Petru). On individual level, people assume the responsibility to minimize the use of tissue papers to reduce pollution. We normally consume more tissue paper than what we really need in the household activities. Another benefit of using tissue papers made from sugarcane is that they are more durable than the

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Discuss the details of a particular Superfund site near your home Essay

Discuss the details of a particular Superfund site near your home - Essay Example The site profile according to epa.gov lists it as having been cleaned up completely, though it continues to operate as an industrial electroplating facility. Airco Plating Company has operated at this location since the 1950’s. According to epa.gov, â€Å"The site occupies approximately two acres in a predominately industrial/commercial area. A trailer park is also located about 300 feet south of the site. The Miami Canal, the only surface water body in the site’s vicinity, is located approximately 2/3 of a mile southwest of the site. Several other Superfund sites are located within a few miles of the APC site† (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). This site was slated for cleanup in 1990 and was listed as complete in 1999; the company still operates on the premises at this time. There are reviews being completed again this year as well as in 2006 to determine if the cleanup was fully successful. Given the close proximity of the industrial park to Miami Canal a major local waterway and residential homes as well as other active commercial areas the need for cleanup was seen as extremely important. According to epa.gov, â€Å"The soil and ground water are contaminated with metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The specific contaminants include cadmium, chromium, perchloroethene, cis-1,2 dichloroethene, and vinyl chloride† (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). These VOCs posed a long term hazard to the location, they are all chemical byproducts and used in the electroplating process. The cleanup approach included both soil and groundwater decontamination process’s. The creation of this particular superfund site was not intentional and has been rectified as the last check in 2006 has confirmed. Some of the methods being used according to epa.gov are, â€Å"Extraction of VOCs detected above the water table at certain levels using a soil vapor extrac tion (SVE) treatment system† (U.S.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Character of Jason Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 9

Character of Jason - Essay Example AS the paper highlights the patient was advised to undergo chemotherapy which can assist in eliminating the cancer cells, also, Burkitt’s lymphoma responds quickly to radiation and chemotherapy especially if the patient is still young. In a span of two years, the patient’s life was filled with emotional moments as he struggles with anxiety, sadness, anger, and depression , shock and disbelief which are not uncommon for young patients who have cancer. According to Astin, Shapito and Eisenberg ( 2003) cancer as well as the treatments prescribed greatly affects the patients: From this paper it is clear that since the character was just a young child, his main concern was fear of death. His energy levels had been adversely affected by chemotherapy. The patient experienced severe weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and the depression of the immune system. For a child, this is a harrowing experience since the treatment itself seems like the disease. It is painful and depressing. Nevertheless, the American Cancer Society in the online article Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Dealing With Diagnosis recommends some guidelines that would help a child patient cope with cancer. The suggestions were specifically suited for children ages 6-12 : It is therefore crucial for parents to be honest in dealing with their child about the nature of the disease. The child must be fully informed about his/her situation and must not feel isolated from any information regarding his health. It was also suggested that the patient record his feelings or thoughts through writing or drawing.  

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Media issues in india Essay Example for Free

Media issues in india Essay The Indian media display certain defects. These should ideally be addressed and corrected in a democratic manner. But if the media prove incorrigible, harsh measures may be called for. The time has come when some introspection by the Indian media is required. Many people, not only those in authority but even ordinary people, have started saying that the media have become irresponsible and wayward, and need to be reined in. Only a couple of days back I read in the newspapers that the Union government has issued some regulations regarding licences for news channels, to which there was a lot of reaction. Under the Constitution of India, freedom of the media is part of the freedom of speech guaranteed by Article 19 (1) (a). However, no freedom can be absolute, and reasonable restrictions can be placed on it. One of the basic tasks of the media is to provide truthful and objective information to the people that will enable them to form rational opinions, which is a sine qua non in a democracy. But are the Indian media performing this role properly? I may only mention certain defects in the functioning of the India media today. Twisting facts One of the defects is that the media often twist facts. I would like to give an example. One day, a leading English newspaper published on its front page a photograph of Justice Gyan Sudha Misra of the Supreme Court with the caption: â€Å"Supreme Court Judge says that her daughters are liabilities.† This was a distorted and fallacious item of news, published on the front page. Supreme Court Judges have to disclose their assets and liabilities. Against the liabilities column, Justice Misra had written: â€Å"two daughters to be  married.† Strictly speaking, it was not necessary to mention this because liabilities mean legal liabilities, for example, housing loan, car loan, and so on. Justice Misras intention was obviously to say that she would have to spend on her daughters future marriage. She has three daughters (no son), only one of whom has been married. Justice Misra never said, nor intended to say, that her daughters were liabilities. The news was false and defamatory, with the obvious intention of creating a sensation. Paid news A second defect concerns the issue of paid news that has become prominent of late. In the 2009 elections, it was a scandal. How this vicious practice could be stopped needs to be discussed. Incidentally, in compliance with an order of the Chief Information Commissioner dated September 19, 2011, we have placed the 71-page report of the Committee consisting of Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Sreenivas Reddy on our website, www.presscouncil.nic.in with the disclaimer that the Press Council had rejected this report at its meeting held on April 26, 2010. Non-issues as real issues A third defect is that the media often portray non-issues as real issues, while the real issues are sidelined. The real issues in India are economic, that is, the terrible economic conditions in which 80 per cent of our people are living, the poverty, unemployment, lack of housing and medical care and so on. Instead of addressing these real issues, the media often try to divert the attention of people to non-issues. Such as that the wife of a film actor has become pregnant, whether she will give birth to a single child or to twins, and so on. Are these the real issues facing the nation? At a Lakme India Fashion Week event, there were 512 accredited journalists covering the event in which models were displaying cotton garments, while the men and women who grew that cotton were killing themselves at a distance of an hours flight from Nagpur, in the Vidharbha region. Nobody told that story, except one or two journalists, locally. Is this a responsible way for the Indian media to function? Should the media turn a Nelsons eye to the harsh economic realities facing over 75 per cent of our people, and concentrate on some ‘Potemkin villages where all is glamour and show biz? Are not the Indian media behaving much like Queen Marie Antoinette, who said that if the people had no bread, they should eat cake? No doubt, sometimes the media mention farmers suicides, the rise in the price of essential commodities, and so on, but such coverage is at most 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the total. The bulk of the coverage goes to showing the life of film stars, pop music, fashion parades, cricket and astrology. Tendency to brand Here is a fourth defect. Bomb blasts have taken place near the Delhi High Court, in Mumbai, Bangalore and so on. Within a few hours of such a bomb blast, many TV channels started showing news items that said that the Indian Mujahideen or the Jaish-e-Mohammed or the Harkatul-Jihad-e-Islam had sent e-mails or text messages claiming responsibility. The names of such alleged organisations will always be Muslim ones. Now, an e-mail can be sent by any mischievous person, but by showing this on TV channels and the next day in the newspapers, the tendency is to brand all Muslims as terrorists and bomb-throwers. The truth is that 99 per cent of the people of all communities, whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Sikh, and of whatever caste or region, are good. But the manner in which such news is shown on TV screens and published in newspapers tends to create the impression that all Muslims are terrorists, and evil — which is totally false. The person who sends such e-mails or text messages obviously wants to create hatred between Hindus and Muslims, which is the old British divide-and-rule policy continuing even today. Should the media, wittingly or unwittingly, become part of this policy of divide-and-rule? No doubt there are defects not only in the media but in other institutions also, for example, the judiciary, the bureaucracy, and so on. There are two ways to remove these defects in the media. One is the democratic way, that is, through discussions, consultations and persuasion — which is the method I prefer. The other way is by using harsh measures against the media, for example, by imposing heavy fines on defaulters, stopping government advertisements to them, suspending their licences, and so on. In a democracy we should first try the first method to rectify the defects through the democratic method. For this purpose, I have decided to have regular get-togethers with the media, including the electronic media, so that we can all introspect and ourselves find out ways and means to rectify the defects in the media, rather than this being done by some government authority or external agency. I propose to have such get-togethers once every two or three months, at which we will discuss issues relating to the media and try to think of how we can improve the performance of the media so that it may win the respect and confidence of the people. If the media prove incorrigible, harsh measures may be required. But in my opinion, that should be done only as a last resort and in extreme situations. Ordinarily, we should first try to resolve issues through discussion, consultation and self-regulation. That is the approach which should be first tried in a democracy. I, therefore, request the Union government to defer the implementation of its recent decision regarding news channel licences, so that we can ourselves discuss the issue thoroughly, and ourselves take corrective measures. Till now the function of the Press Council was only adjudication. I intend to make the Press Council an instrument of mediation in addition, which is in my opinion the democratic approach. For this purpose, I need help,  cooperation and advice from the media. India is passing through a transitional period in its history, from a feudal agricultural society to a modern industrial society. This is a very painful and agonising period. The media must help society in going through this transitional period as quickly as possible, and by reducing the pain involved. This they can do by attacking feudal ideas, for example, casteism and communalism, and promoting modern scientific ideas.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Teenagers and Tattoos Essay Example for Free

Teenagers and Tattoos Essay In Andre’ Martin’s (2012) article, â€Å"On Teenagers and Tattoos†, he discusses the different reasons as to why adolescents would choose self expression by obtaining a tattoo or a piercing and how society views them, as well as how they view themselves. Martin deliberates many diverse reasons as to why teenagers choose to utilize their body as a canvas for art forms, or whether or not they are in a state of ignorance due to rebellion and self-acceptance. Martin conveys many innumerable reasons in this article concentrating on an individual’s right to express them as they see fit. Some teens tattoo or pierce themselves simply due to acceptance from acquaintances, others just to rebel against society. Some juveniles feel that in order to be socially accepted, one must prove to society that tattoos are merely a way of expression. Some teens struggle with different pressures amongst their peers. Martin channels in this article of a teenagers role in society and what part a tattoo plays and how one would deem themselves. He conveys the struggles of our youth at attempting to show individualism, not thinking of the consequences of their actions. Not only are peer pressure and social acceptance an important factor, but being able to choose and interpret ones character lies to be an esteemed part of a teenagers journey though life. The endeavors of these young adults, as conveyed by Martin, prove to be a healthy decision or an ignorant one. Many of these adolescents yearn for acceptance, but do not think of the consequences that follow, for what seems to be an ample conviction at the time. I knew from my own experiences that  obtaining a tattoo as a teenager weren’t for social acceptance; it was succumbed by peer pressure and the value of expression. Being a teen with strict parents, there really wasn’t room for individuality, so once I was old enough to make my own decisions, I, along with some of my acquaintances, seized the opportunity to create my character. Tattoos do become addictive because as aging takes over, one would find more and more ways to make a statement. Commemorations, beauty, and art take over a blank canvas. Starting this wondrous migration from a reserved teenager to a polished individual, the possibilities are endless. It wasn’t for social acceptance; it was all abo ut individualism and creativity. The different markings were simply distinctiveness and an extenuation of one self. Martin plainly speculates the reasons that teenagers chose to tattoo and pierce their bodies. Whether it’s for social acceptance, a form of art, individualism, or ignorance, each one has their own way of executing one’s identity. Although teenage angst can be redundant and tend to overrule, expressionism and individuality are more important than any trait when finding ones personality. If it takes marking parts of the body, for any reason, simply because your mind is intelligent enough for a decision of this magnitude, then it should be completely admissible in society; therefore, socially accepted. As for making a horrendous judgment at an early age, the youth of today have chosen to accept the terms at that particular moment in time. Frankly, just to show that they are in control of their own bodies and minds and are fully capable of making rash decisions, without fear of judgment. References Martin, A. (2012). On teenagers and tattoos. In M. Kennedy et. al. Baker College Composition: A Custom Approach (pp. 320-323). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions