Marketing plan for shoes company -New Balance - 7828 Words

1. Introduction Founded by William Riley in 1906 as the New Balance Arch Company, in Belmont, MA, New Balance manufactured arch supports and orthopedic shoes. During the fifties and sixties, athletes turned to the company for customized running shoes due to New Balances unique expertise in handcrafting specialized footwear. Paul Kidd bought the company in 1956 and increased the shoe-making sector as demand grew. Production of running shoes soon became the companys primary source of business. The New Balance Trackster, one of the first running shoes made, grew very popular not only because of its technical innovation, but because it was available in a wide range of widths. In 1972, New Balance was purchased by current Chairman and†¦show more content†¦The Government places a high priority on consultation with business and the community, to ensure that the trade policy objectives developed by the Government sufficiently reflect the views, concerns and ambitions of the Australian public. The Australian Government provides services to Australian business to access overseas markets. This can be highlighted through the multilateral, bilateral and regional trade policies adopted by the Government. Australia, through the World Trade Organization (WTO) (http://www.dfat.gov.au./trade/negotiations) negotiates trade agreements which provide the legal ground-rules for international trade. As a result, since the political arena in Australia is stable, there seems to be great prospect for trade in Australia. In Australia, the TCFL industry (textile, clothing, footwear and leather) is a major component of the trade industry. Consequently, the TCFL industry i s influenced by Government and economic policies such as interest rates, budgetary control, trade agreements etc.. The Australian Government, in an attempt to encourage trade in the footwear as well as in the clothing sector, decided to freeze the Footwear and Clothing tariffs from July 1, 2000 levels until January 1, 2005 ( refer to Table 1) (http://www.tcfoz.com.au). Sub-Sector 2000 - 2005 After 2005 Clothing finished textiles 25 %Show MoreRelatedIdentifying the Business Requirements: New Balance Shoes1167 Words   |  5 PagesIdentifying the Business Requirements New Balance had a problem. Nike owned the lion’s share of the athletic shoe market and no one could touch them. New Balance was also behind Adidas and Reebok, but something happened in the last two years that changed everything. Nike also had a problem. They had gotten so big that customer relations became a low priority. Nike controlled the market and dictated supply and demand to even their biggest customers. Consumer input was ignored and requestsRead MoreNike s Responsibilities And Responsibilities1609 Words   |  7 Pagestoday’s society the public plays a major part in any business because in order for a business to be sustained there must be clients/customers that are contributing to the business. It’s vital that companies build their missions around focusing on the needs and demands of the customers. Nike is a company that is continually evolving with the people and society. Nike engages in public policy advocacy on a range of issues affecting their business, the industry and other areas of concern. They use theirRead MoreA Business Plan For Nouveau Riche1694 Words   |  7 PagesKenneth Guyette ACC 557 – Financial Accounting Abstract The paper presents a business plan for Nouveau riche. Nouveau riche Boutiqueis a fashion retail store located in Charleston, SC. It is a sole proprietorship and is managed by the owner. It sells fashionable clothing, shoes, purses and accessories. The business plan will also presents the projected sales analysis, projected profit and loss, and projected balance sheet in the next five years. Also, the two accounting principles is being discussedRead MoreStrategic Analysis Nike1619 Words   |  7 Pagesname of Blue Ribbon Sports, the strategy was â€Å"to distribute low-cost, high-quality Japanese athletic shoes to American consumers in an attempt to break Germany’s domination of the domestic industry.† Today Nike offers athletic shoes at every marketable price point to a global market. Nike sustains its leading position through emphasizing quality products, constant innovation, and aggressive marketing. Nike sells its products in more than 180 countries under not only its namesake brand but brands suchRead MorePrince Sports Case Study1040 Words   |  5 Pagescompetitive world and firm marketing regulatory mainly have an effect on the work of most of marketing companies or marketing and brand image divisions of the companies. In order to put into practice a winning marketing plan or a boost in sales and customer awareness companies have to stay in pace with the new marketing environment and take into thought every likely detail that might help out or ruin the image of a company or product. This case study will examine the marketing principle and vision inRead MoreAn Extended Period Of Time Shoes1717 Words   |  7 PagesFor an extended period of time shoes have been an integral part of the modern consumer’s life. According to the vast majority of fashionably inclined individuals, shoes can either make or break a person’s entire appearance, which explains why people invest their hard earned coins into comfortable abodes for their feet. Particularly, the annual budget consumers spend on shoes in the United States is $20 billion dollars, and $6.46 billion dollars stem from running shoes alone. This is what initiallyRead MorePricing Strategies : Wal Mart Become The World s Largest Retail Chain1069 Words   |  5 PagesOr why is Apple the most valuable technology company even with high priced products? First companies have to understand their market and strategies according to its demand and income level, regardless of whether they intend to offer their products at a low-price or high price. What do you think of when you hear the words â€Å"Pricing Strategy†? One of the four major elements of the marketing mix is pricing. A pricing strategy refers to the method companies used to price their products or services. Read MoreSwot Analysis Of Ecco As A Shoe Company Founded By Karl Toosbuy1462 Words   |  6 PagesHien Quang Introduction ECCO is a shoe company founded by Karl Toosbuy in Bredebro, Denmark in 1963. ECCO aims to produce the world’s most comfortable and modern footwear for work and leisure. The ECCO group produces many types of shoes including casual and outdoors for men, ladies, and children, as well as semi-sport shoes, for two different seasons – spring/summer and autumn/winter. ECCO has a production facilities in Portugal, Indonesia, Thailand and Slovakia. Mikael Thinghuus, the chief operationsRead MoreReebok Marketing Plan11312 Words   |  46 PagesDani Dylan By The Breezers: Mannan Wu Abbey Barnes Chase Carraro Mohammed Baamer Deborah Dani Dylan Final Marketing Plan | Professor Quinlan-Wilder November 16, 2011 Marketing 2800 Professor Quinlan-Wilder November 16, 2011 Marketing 2800 | | Executive Summary Reebok prides itself on creating products to enhance athletic ability. Upon formation of the company, Reebok has been dedicated to making athletes faster. Since then, Reebok has evolved into the world’s second largestRead MoreNike Paper3923 Words   |  16 PagesRunning Head: Nike, Inc. Marketing Plan Marketing Plan for Nike, Inc. â€Å"Just Do It† ShaRhonda Clark Walsh College MKT 307, Spring Semester 2010 Professor Haener May 31, 2010 Table of Contents Photo of Michael Jordan4 Marketing Plan for Nike, Inc. â€Å"Just Do It†5 Nike Organizational Development†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.6 Structure†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..6 People†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 Culture Systems†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦

Education For All Handicapped Children Act - 1063 Words

These laws listed below were unfortunately put in place to fight the ignorance and blatant discrimination disabled people were faced with. While these laws are a blessing to many, the fact that they had to be put in place reflect terribly, but truthfully on how many people see people with disabilities. My only hope is that one day these laws will be unnecessary, because people will start to treat those with disabilities according to their needs. IDEA; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1990 1. IDEA or Individuals with Disabilities Education, formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) lasted from 1970 to 1990. Then in 1990, the United States Congress changed the title to IDEA. 2. This act was solely focused on affording children with disabilities the same opportunity of education as children without disabilities. The act states that schools must serve the educational needs of eligible students with disabilities; they also must evaluate students suspected of having disabilities. This is beneficial to children who parents suspect need testing, but cannot afford testing or help. IDEA is composed with four parts. Part A is the general provisions of the law. Part B covers aid of education for all children with disabilities. Part C is for infants and toddlers with disabilities, this includes children from birth to age three. Finally Part D is the national support programs. Parts A, B, C, and D are all essential to the utmost fulfillmentShow MoreRelatedEducation For All Handicapped Children Act Essay765 Words   |  4 PagesThe Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) also known as Public Law 94-142 of 1975 is a leap forward for all children with disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Education â€Å" this law with the subsequent amendments as currently reflected in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; PL 108-446) supports states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving results for infants, toddlers, children, and youths with disabilitiesRead MoreThe Education For All Handic apped Children Act1680 Words   |  7 PagesPublic Law 94-142 The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, also know as Public Law 94-142, was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on November 29, 1975. IT took effect in 1997, and was deigned â€Å"to assure that all handicapped children have available to them a free appropriate public education which emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs† (BOOK). This is considered the â€Å"Bill of Rights† for children who have disabilities and for their familiesRead MoreThe Education Of All Handicapped Children Act1451 Words   |  6 Pagesschools have been allowed to exclude children, especially those with disabilities. However, the recognition of educators to implement change where students with disabilities are concerned has certainly come to the forefront of ethical responsibility with the passing of the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) in 1975 now known as the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). Be fore EAHCA many states allowed schools to exclude children with disabilities from their mandatoryRead MoreThe Education For All Handicapped Children Act977 Words   |  4 PagesThe Education for All Handicapped Children act or PL 94-142 was proposed and signed into law in 1975 and began its effect in 1978. Prior to this act there was no national educational adaptation programs for children with learning disabilities. PL 94-142 was the first opportunity the government provided in order to set equality and improvement measurements for all children and for trying to identify those who are eligible for special education. The federal government’s enactment of this law ledRead MoreSpecial Education For All Handicapped Children Act1449 Words   |  6 PagesSpecial Education A first grader sits in class and finds a toy car in his pocket, the teacher calls his name with no response, the little boy is now in trouble for not paying attention. In the classroom down the hall a little girl in kindergarten can’t stay in her seat long enough to finish her drawing in art class. Each of these students will most likely go through all thirteen years of public school struggling to concentrate and intellectually compete with their peers. If something as simpleRead MoreThe Education For All Handicapped Children Act (Eha) Had957 Words   |  4 PagesThe Education for all Handicapped Children Act (EHA) had an overall goal of desegregating disabled children in schools, as well as work on integrating them in classrooms with their non-disabled peers. Until the Civil Rights Movement, not much attention was brought to the fact that children with disabilities had very little rights and were kept isolated and not given a proper education, if any at all. Because of the attention brought to the poor and unjust treatment of children with disabilities andRead MoreThe Cold War954 Words   |  4 Pagesmothers. Parents turned to the medical profession for guidance and often put their child in institutions during the era of the Cold War. Some children diagnoses are from no error of the parents but from a medical incident. Merrill is an example of brain damage from the impact of high fever. A running theme in this book isha families take the blame for their children s issues. In the 60 s parents didn t have many options, they either sent their child to an institution or kept them confined to theRead MoreSocial And Economic Problems Faced By Michigan1099 Words   |  5 Pagesthe social and economic problems faced my Michigan as they entered the new millennium and the history of special education in Michigan. The constitution of 1850 stated, â€Å"institutions for the benefit of those inhabitants who are deaf, blind, dumb, or insane shall always be fostered and supported† (Ziewacz, 164). Michigan A History of the Great Lakes State, discussed Special Education in chapter eleven. In 1854, the establishments were provided by legislature for an institute in Flint, MichiganRead MoreHistory of Special Education Law1021 Words   |  5 PagesHistory of Special Education Law Grand Canyon University Special Education Litigation and Law SPE-350 Virginia Murray August 11, 2013 History of Special Education Law Throughout the ages, people with disabilities have been hidden away at homes or institutions and were often not educated. This was common practice and as such, when the education system was designed, children with disabilities were not even considered. Then, starting soon after the civil rights movement in the 50’s, aRead MoreThe Fight for Bilingual Education and Women’s Rights in the 1960s and 1970s959 Words   |  4 PagesThe transformations were the result of such movements as Bilingual Education, women’s’ rights activity, and the passing of the Public Law 94-142 legislation. The incorporation of these new laws and ideas into society all came with their own consequences. Each of them helped, in some way, to lessen the inequality of minority groups in America, like students whose primary language was not English, women, and handicapped children. They also faced opposition by certain groups, who did not feel that

McDonaldization Health in A Fastfood Society Essay Example For Students

McDonaldization: Health in A Fastfood Society Essay McDonaldization: Health in A Fastfood Society Essay McDonaldization, is the term Ritzer derived from the McDonalds fast food chain to describe the state of our society. Ritzer claims our social institutions have become completely dehumanized in the form of a bureaucracy. Health care is an example of one institution that is characterized by the four components of bureaucracy: efficiency, predictability, control and quantification. In the past, health care was more simplistic in nature. House calls were no unheard of, and doctors knew all of their patients and their families on a personal level. After waiting a while your number is called, you must give your health card number to the receptionist before continuing. You are then given a file number, which is your only identity for the time you spend within the hospital environment. After seeing the doctor you may come out with a few prescriptions which furthers your nameless ordeal. When you drop nameless ordeal. When you drop into a pharmacy to have a prescription filled the first thing they ask is if you know your prescription number. If you cannot remember it, your actual name is a secondary possibility as a means of identification. Before paying you may have to show your Blue Cross card number or other insurance cards as well, in all it is a very dehumanizing, impersonal process. Efficiency is another characteristic that is prominent in the hospital situation. To make sure things more smoothly you must call ahead and make an appointment with the receptionist. This appointment is to avoid long lines of people waiting to see the doctor. When making rounds a doctor goes from each examining room to another where patients are already waiting. After assessing one patient the doctor visits another one while the nurses bring another one into the empty room. Hospitals are also very time efficient. By having nurses make a preliminary examination (temperature, pulse rate, etc.) simple cases like the flu can be diagnosed without having to wait to see the busy doctor. This saves the patient from having to wait for a long time as well as giving the doctor more time to look at priority cases. Another area efficiency is necessary is at the pharmacy. By calling ahead to have a prescription filled long lines can be avoided, or in some places you can have them delivered to your home with little hassle. Predictability is a big characteristic. Everyone knows what happens when you go see a doctor. First you go to the receptionist to fill out the necessary papers and inform them you have arrived. You must then wait until a nurse comes into the waiting room and announces, The doctor will see you now. Most times this is not true, it really means I, the nurse will take your temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Just like a robot the nurse will measure vital signs and note her findings with as little conversation as possible. .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .postImageUrl , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:hover , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:visited , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:active { border:0!important; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:active , .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6 .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1df419ef3b053aff206ca5931df22cd6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Kant: Goodness Essay After the nurse leaves you must wait until the doctor comes in with the nurses recordings in her hand. The doctor then asks a variation of that same old question, What seems to be the problem today? You then proceed to list off all of your symptoms and wait for a diagnosis. The doctor either gives you a prescription or advice to stay in bed and drink lots of fluids. If it is necessary she may request further testing such as blood work or x-rays as she sees fit. If you need further treatment you basically go through the same routine on another day with different people. When prescriptions are required you get the prescription filled, pay a lot of money (unless you have a drug plan or additional medical coverage), and listen to the same warnings about finishing all of the prescriptions, side-affects, the dangers of interacting drugs and alcohol, and the instructions stickered .

Voice And Diction Critique The Piano Lesson Essays -

Voice And Diction Critique: The Piano Lesson Andrea Ayers TH 113 Voice and Diction Critique: The Piano Lesson The Piano Lesson is a masterpiece in itself, earning a Pulitzer Prize in 1990. However, this particular play has elements not typical of modern plays. It has the quintessential plot that encompasses a conflict. On the surface, the conflict is between Boy Willie and his sister, Bernice. However, beneath that conflict, lies the symbolism of the characters. Boy Willie symbolizes the American way or the white mans culture. Bernice is the African-American way, staying true to her roots and not parting with the heritage. Although she finds this painful, she will not part with her heritage. Her heritage is tangible in the presence of the piano itself. Within the presence of the piano, August Wilson firmly states his convictions about what it means for black people to assimilate into American society. It means they have to give up their black culture in the ways of music, speech, heritage and community. As expected, Wilson sympathizes with the character of Bernice because he is unwilling to part with his culture and folkways just as Bernice refuses to give up her piano. Boy Willie must fight Sutters ghost to rid the family of the dark and painful past they share. Bernice must play the piano to face her heritage, thereby accepting the slavery of her grandparents, not dismissing it. The main theme here is not to forget their past, but rather to confront it. Wilson sets his characters free from painful memories of slavery via the lessons learned from the pianos existence. Wilson renders a tight thesis about how African-Americans struggle to assimilate into the mainstream yet retain their inherent sub-culture. Wilson is an author of meaningful words. His portrayal of African-American lineage is very convincing. The characters language is authentic and unabridged. They use appropriate speech not tendered by standards of English. It is more colloquial and informal. By incorporating this dialect, Wilson creates a play that is purely representational of the era. Characters become more authentic as they are believable. The audience sympathizes with them. When an audience superimposes the characters, the theme is not only heard, but felt within each individual. As I sat in my seat, I felt the anguish between the siblings as they communicated their concerns about the piano. For example, Bernice describes the piano as polished by the blood, sweat and tears of her ancestors. The anguish of slavery and oppression swells through her words. When Boy Willie persists in taking the piano, he also communicates his determination to succeed on the same land that bound his ancestors. This is very powerful la nguage because it renders more than just denotation. It communicates the way the characters relate themselves to the world around them (past, present and future.) The language itself is very moving and purposeful. At the end of the play, Wilson leaves a few loose ends. Does Bernice marry Avery? Does she encourage Maretha to be more receptive of her heritage? Does Boy Willie find another avenue to pursue success? Does Lymon find his way in Pittsburgh, or return to Mississippi? Does Whining Boy ever learn to settle down? Is he really Lymons father? These questions are intentionally unanswered to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions about the situation. All that is known is that the siblings have come together for now because they must. They have no other alternative but to combine resources in order to move out of the divisiveness that slavery causes. They realize they are stronger and more enriched by pulling together to support each other. This microcosm is important as it is beautifully presented and given to the patron to ponder. I struggle to categorize this play. Confinement seems inappropriate as I feel it is universal: comedic, dramatic, spiritual, realistic, transcendent. It does not have one flaw of redundancy or overstatedness. It is not too simple or complex. It is not depressing or uplifting, but merely matter-of-fact. For all I feel that it is not, I can not find an all encompassing term to describe what it is. It is truly multi-dimensional. Many aspects of the play are intertwined and tightly wrapped into itself. I find a range