The Sex Selective Abortions In India

The Sex Selective Abortions In India The practice of terminating pregnancy based on the predicted sex of the baby is called Sex Selective abortion. Practice of sex selective abortion is very common is India, China, Pakistan and some other countries as well. The most common reason for the performing this act is to have male child instead of female one where their cultural norms value male child more over female child. This is about abortion, of course but its also a much larger problem: the worth of a womans life. In a culture where sons inherit properties and they carry on family name but daughters dont, more ever girls are more vulnerable to infanticide, abuse and neglect. (CHLOE, 2011). This paper presents how ethical is the abortions that are sex selective and what are the steps taken to prevent such practices. This will also focus on the beliefs of people of India. Background The incidents of female fetuses abortions are recent phenomenon due to the change and development in the medical technologies and diagnosis processes. But their roots can be traced to the female infanticide. The British rulers in India noted their experiences into their diaries during their travel to India. In 1835, one of the British officials James Thompson, while speaking to the landowners of Utter Pradesh, addressed one of them to be a son-in law of other. That comment created a sarcastic laugh among the farmers. When asked for their laughs, they said that he could not be son-in-law as there were no daughters in village. Thompson added that it was considered to be a most serious calamity to have a female child. And female children were seldom allowed to live. (Miller, 1983) Most abortions are done because of unplanned pregnancy or having a child causes danger or crisis to woman. Therapeutic Abortions Therapeutic abortions result from a medical reason where giving birth to a child may endanger womans health and life. Selective Abortions Selective abortion are those small fraction of abortion that occur in the cases where particular fetus is perceived as having undesirable characteristics. There are few reasons why the selective abortion is practiced. The unborn child is a girl, and parents due to cultural or other reasons, want a boy. When the fetus is defective. The pregnancy is intended to give birth to a child with specific genetic properties, and fetus doesnt have them. (Selective abortion) According to the study published in journal The Lancet, the number of the abortions due to reason of the sex of child has been increasing in last few years and the increase in numbers are alarming. The researchers state that there have been 4 to 5 million sex selective abortion performed during last three decades and the problem is still worsening. (CHLOE, 2011) From 2001 census of India, its very clear that there has been an unusual high sex ratio for the young children that have sparked the concern about the use of sex-selective abortions to satisfy parental preferences of sons. According to National Family Health Survey, also known as NFHS-2 , sex ration of male to female child is abnormally high that is 107-121 males per 100 females in 16 of Indias 26 states. There has been an extensive use of ultrasound technology and amniocentesis during pregnancy, particularly in Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab. The study also showed the masculine SRBs and worsening or persistent female mortality disadvantage despite overall mortality decline, the reasons behind that are female child neglect and the wide spread use of female infanticide in above mentioned and other places in India (Rajan, 1999). In a study conducted, the researchers stated that after firstborn girl, selective abortions of girls have been increased in India. And most of the population of I ndia lives in the states where selective abortions of girl child are common. (Prbhat Jha, 2011) The future mother and fathers families attend the sex-selection testing procedures and many a times the abortion is done against the will of the mother. The government has shown red eyes to those families pressurizing the expecting mother to undergo abortion. (Quinn, 2012) fig.1.jpg (Natrajan, 1972) Ethical views on Abortions and Sex-selective abortions As Rosalind Hursthouse states, any action is considered right given certain circumstances, from a virtual ethical perspective if and only if it is what the moral agent would do in same kind of circumstances. Here we will consider the case of pregnancy, when considering that when the ones decision to abort of not is called a right action when compared to its alternatives actions? (Caouette, 2012) A difficult case for the defenders emerges when there is a case of abortion for the removal of unwanted fetus because the fetus is of unwanted gender: Sex selective abortion. Sex selective abortion has always meant to be the elimination of female fetuses. In some countries it is not limited to fetuses, it also extends to infanticide. Abortion means killing a person, Warren states for instance, is no more serious than killing a guppy then abortion of human because of sex differences would be permissible. Many defenders would feel uncomfortable by such a conclusion. Many thinkers hold that abortion in general is morally problematic. However some arguments against sex-selective abortions can be understood based on the only assumption that human fetus is not a person with rights, but this assumption is related to abortion in the general only not to sex-selective abortion. (Kaczor, 2011) As here we are talking about India, we would focus more on the issues in context to India. Even though India has been worshipping Goddesses since long, some of the expectant mothers from India have been pressured by family and culture that privilege males into aborting their female fetuses. The government is becoming very strict now; new law makes the entire family to have a jail for at least 7 years, if the reason is found to be the female gender of fetus for the abortion. (Quinn, 2012) There has been always a role of the clinician to get these all deed done. So government has also decided to fine the clinicians involved in the cases of abortion due to gender discrimination. In some less-developed part of India, a daughter is seen as a financial burden to the family members in future. The reason behind this is considered to be the culture of giving dowries at the time of marriage of the daughters. The author adds that, there are ethical questions regarding the abortions of female fetuses. The number of men in India outnumbers the number of women by 40 million. Indian government wants the women population to grow but on the other hand it is restricting the womans reproductive rights of allowing her what she wants to do with her body. (Quinn, 2012) Moral and Ethical principles According to Mettanando Bhikkhu professor at Oxford and Harvard university, there are five fundamental questions that divide the thinking, moral principles and ethics to individuals. They are: Who am I? What is this world? Is there any afterlife? What is the meaning of my life? Why this has to happen to me? According to the answers one give o above mentioned fundamental questions, the people can be characterized as either from a modern society or from a traditional society. The modern society believes scientifically and the traditional one has the religious views. Abortion is considered as a eternal controversy. There have been two different views from the moral principles of the different groups. Pro-life: The human life is very sacred. Abortion is considered morally wrong and should be criminalized as it is equal to murder. Pro-choice: this group thinks that woman has right to terminate the pregnancy regardless of the reason for that. (Bhikkhu) Whatever the specific reason for the abortion, most feminists believe that the women concerned are in the best position to judge whether the abortion is an appropriate response to the pregnancy or not. Generally the woman never wants abortion that is influenced by the sex of fetus. The women should get entire control on their reproductive lives and be free from male dominance or family dominance. (Dickens, 2002). Religious views: Hinduism: If we talk about life according to Hindu scriptures, it is basically a dualistic model consisting of atam (spirit) and prakriti (matter). According to carak samhita, a Hindu medical text, at the time of conception only the soul is already joined. Though there are different opinions regarding ensoulments in Hindu scripture. According to the Garbh Samhita, the encoulments take place in the seventh month of pregnancy. Though there are some different opinions regarding the consciousness in to the womb. Vishnu puran, a famous hindu scripture, describes the consciousness in the womb. (Moad, 2004) The practice of abortion is negatively described in ancient Hindu scriptures, The Vedas. In the text Rg Samhit, possibly originating before 1200BC, Lord Vishnu is the protector of the child re-birth, implying that fetus actually deserved even divine reverence. While Atharva Veda expresses following plea in regard to those who perform abortion: With what bonds the overslaughed one is bound apart, applied and tied up on each limb let them be released, for they are releasers; wipe off difficulties, O Pushan, on the embryo slayer. VI-112.3 Enter thou after the beams, the smokes, O evil; go unto the mists or also the fogs; disappear along those foams of the rivers: wipe off difficulties, O Pushan, on the embryo slayer.VI-113.2 (Moad, 2004) Female is seen as Goddess in Hinduism and aborting fetus because of the gender is considered a biggest sin. Evidently, embryo slayer is seen as a killer and a suitable candidate to bear sufferings and sins of the rest of vedic community. In another Hindu scripture Visnudharmasutra, one who performs abortion is similar to attempting the worst sin in Hindu society, killing a Brahmin. (Moad, 2004) Christian: Christian and Jewish groups oppose sex-selection abortion very strongly. While the prolife-movements is pushing too hard these days leading to vote on the bill to ban the sex-selection abortions, some Christian churches remained silent on the measure and took positions opposite to it. The church belonged groups Methodist Federation for social Action, justice and witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ and Presbyterian Voices for Justice voiced their opposition to the sex-selection abortion ban. They are also supported by a number of groups including: Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, National Council of Jewish Women, and Union for Reform Judaism, Hadassah, Women of Reform Judaism, .and the Womens League for Conservative Judaism. (Ertelt, 2012) The Institute on Religion and Democracy asks why so many churches are not taking any stand to oppose the act of sex-selective abortions. The Institute on Religion and Democracy voted and strongly condemned sex-selective abortion as as a particularly lamentable and violent expression of sexism. Churches should be among first to stand and oppose the act of sex-selective abortions said IRD President Mark Tolley. Most of the church groups are concerned about issues like social justice and global problems that range from lack of access to drinking water to plight of those persons victimized by sex trafficking, Yet the gender-selective abortion should be considered as global problem only, Mark added. (Ertelt, 2012). Buddhism: It is very clear from the sources that sex-selective abortions have been disapproved by Buddhism as well. Superficially, situation seems not unlike the Roman Catholism, where the abortion though disapproved in the strongest terms by the churches drawing a canonical tradition. The most fundamental is consciousness (vi~n~naa.na), the fifth. More ever to specify the consciousness the criteria of moral status is nearly impossible to isolate (Barnhart, 1997). Sex-selective abortion practice in India As there has been always a social and Indian cultural demand to have male child, there was high curiosity among the expecting parents to know the gender of fetus. So, sex determination itself became a business for the clinicians. Sex determination became big business in India after it was introduced into 1970s. The billboards were stating that, Invest Rs.500 now and save Rs.50000 later. These kinds of advertisements were encouraging the expecting parents and save future dowry (Kusum, 1993). Posters in the train station promoted the sex-determination together with an abortion for just Rs.70. Certain clinicians used to distribute the flyers advertising their services. (Jeffery, 1984) However not all the clinicians are personally happy by doing these, sex determinations and abortions. (Professional obligations vs Personal ethics) Curlin_2009_physicians_obligations.png Courtesy: (Professional obligations vs Personal ethics) Social Context: To understand the practice of sex-selective abortion in India, one has to thoroughly understand the roots of cultural norms and basis of son preference in India. The concept of Son Mania in India is multi-faceted and deeply embedded in Indian culture (Ramanamma, 1980). In the ancient India text Athrva Veda, there are mantras written to change the sex of fetus from female to girl. A sons birth considered to be a sunrise in the abode of god and to have a son was as essential as to have food once a day, where as daughters birth was considered a cause for greatest sadness and disappointment (Ramanamma, 1980). Indian society is patrilocal, patriarchal, and patrilineal. The sons are supposed to carry family name. Sons are also charged with the duty and task to support their parents in old-age. Whereas on other hand daughters get married and become part of husbands family, they dont make any further contribution to birth parents. There is a saying in India that, bringing up a daughter is like watering to neighbors plant. (Jeffery, 1984). Since most reasons for the preference for sons are economically based, it is really very ironic to find that the extreme level of sex-ratio that is more boys to girls are found into the higher casts who tend to have wealth (Miller, 1981). Since come into the practice, the physicians always have been a strong support to those parents who want the sex-selective abortion done. This argument also involves the right to let the families make their personal decision. If we think a case of a woman having two or three daughters and still she deliver a girl child then her life will become difficult and she will have too many daughters. One of the famous Bombay gynecologists state that, How can you deny the mother to have a son instead of daughter? Who are we to take away her right to decide that she should have a daughter or son? It is better to get rid of the unwanted child than to suffer the whole life (Kusum, 1993). Although practitioners might have interests in this because of financial interest, its considerable that their views will be their interest oriented rather than in the interest of overall ethical situation. Governments Response Since the problem of male to female ratio is worsening, India has shown the history of activism and policy attention to Female -selective abortions. It started all the way in 1988 from the state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra banned the use of amniocentesis for the purpose of sex-determination. Fines and prison were made mandatory for those who administer the test as well as woman and her family undergoing the test. Within the same year, there were doubts raised regarding effectiveness of the ban on the sex-determination, because the private sector remained unregulated. The lack of government action was cited by a group of activist in Mumbai, which advertised the sex-determination and sex preselection. (Miller, Female-Selective Abortion in Asia: Patterns, Policies, and Debates, 2001) The Indian government has opposed the practice of female infanticide and the practices of sex-selective abortions, but has been very slow and ineffectual in applying the law strictly around the country. The dowry prohibition act was passed by Indian government in 1961 itself approximately a decade ago the sex-determination techniques were introduced in India. Despite its revision in 1983 and 1985, this law has been poor in implementation (Bumiller, 1990). Maharashtra state provided the first policy model to take serious steps against these kind of practices. (Miller, Female-Selective Abortion in Asia: Patterns, Policies, and Debates, 2001) The salient features of Maharashtra Regulation of Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act are as follows (Kusum, 1993): Pre-natal diagnosis is permitted only to detect any kind of fetus abnormalities that includes sex-linked genetic diseases. The test can only be undertaken by a high risk pregnant woman who should meet one or more of the following criteria: Age over 35 years History of 2 or more abortions or miscarriage History to the exposure to any hazardous substances Hereditary genetic disorder The uses of all kind of prenatal diagnosis techniques are banned for the purpose of determination of sex of fetus. Three authorities were made to operate all these policies, State Appropriate Authority, State Vigilance Committee, and Local Vigilance Committees. The woman who experienced two or more therapeutic abortions in past technically becomes eligible under this act. Secondly, while determining the ex-linked genetic disorder the can theoretically reveal the sex of fetus to the physician. So needless to say, corruption, increased in illegal practices made the practice of sex-determination unabated. (Kusum, 1993) Conclusion Sex-selective abortion should be best called Female-selective abortions. India is a very large democracy. The laws in country are very difficult to apply thoroughly because of the corruption and such other issues in Indian government. The clinicians, most of them never apply their own ethical and moral principles to such cases, everyone is busy collecting wealth. Morally my own beliefs, my faith in my religion, my nation never allow me to attempt such sin. A son and a daughter should be considered equal. We are living in 21st century, where there is nothing that a woman cannot do and a man can do. Personally I believe that the sex-determination should not be banned but there should be awareness among the expecting parents about the importance of life. The woman should be made think that what if her mother had aborted her? Everyone has got right to live, to take lives, is not in our hands. There is no country in the world that has placed sex-selective abortion high on its policy agenda, though the United Nations included pre natal sex selection in its Program of Action in Cairo Conference on Population and development in 1994 (Miller, Female-Selective Abortion in Asia: Patterns, Policies, and Debates, 2001) We should respect human rights as well. India is a developing nation and it should be thought that women are an intact part of Indian workforce. To conclude with, I strongly take my position against the use of sex-determination and the practice of sex-selective abortion around the globe, we all will have to re-think and develop a inner sense of equality and freedom.

Summarise The Main Development Of A Child

Although the development of each child is unique to the individual, there are certain ‘milestones’ that need to be achieved before a child moves on to the next stage of its development. These milestones, or averages, are used to assess the development of an individual child, all the time recognizing that different children will reach these milestones at different times.There are five defined areas of development that can be observed during childhood and these are physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development. I will look at these areas in turn, noting the average milestones that can be expected during the early years.PhysicalIn the first two years of life we see probably the most accelerated physical development in a child’s life. They move from being unable to hold their own head up to being able to walk and run with confidence.When a baby is born it will be very limited in its physical abilities, spending most of its time lying on its back. However by the end of 3 months a baby will begin to lift its own head, kick vigorously and follow the movement of its own hands. By 6 months it will be able to grasp objects, often trying to put them in its mouth. By one year most children will be moving either by rolling, shuffling or crawling (some will even be able to walk unaided by this time).In the second year there will be the further development of mobility skills such as jumping, walking up and down stairs and being able to throw and kick a ball, though they may still lack confidence in catching a ball.Between the ages of 3-5 a child’s physical development will have come on in leaps and bounds – literally! They will be able to run, jump, ride a tricycle, throw and catch a ball, balance, hop and move to music. Their  fine motor skills have developed to the point that their drawings will now resemble the subject.By the age of 8 they will have developed both physically and in confidence so that they will be abl e to jump from a height, ride a bicycle without the aid of stabilisers and will have grown in agility and coordination.IntellectualIn the early months of a new-borns life they will begin to focus on faces and, in time, reach and grasp for objects that are close by. By the time they are 9 months old they will enjoy simple games (such as peek-a-boo) and be amused by more complicated objects. By the end of their first year a child will have begun to imitate those around it and will also be aware of how people react to their moods.Pretend play becomes part of the child’s life by the age of two and will continue in complexity over the coming few years. By three their fine motor skills will have developed to the point where they can hold and control a pencil. Over the next two years their memory and concept of time will develop further and they will begin to recognize letters and numbers, being able to read simple words and count with confidence. For the most part, their inquisitiv eness will know no bounds resulting in numerous questions.From age 6-8 they will gain confidence in their numeracy, literacy and motor skills.LanguageCommunication for a 0-3 month old baby is limited to crying, gurgling and cooing. However over the following few months a baby will learn how to laugh and will begin to imitate sounds they hear. By the age of one they will have begun to understand and respond to simple instructions, and may be using simple words themselves. By the age of 2 a child may be using a limited number of words in speech, however they will understand a great many  more.Between the ages of 3 and 5 a child may experience some frustration in speech as they find it difficult to communicate exactly what they are meaning but they will continue to develop verbally and will become more inquisitive, asking questions and often understanding far more than they speak themselves.By the age of 8 a child will be able to converse at a much more mature level and will have a w ide vocabulary to draw upon.EmotionalThe first signs of emotional development are seen when a baby begins smiling at around 5-6 weeks old. They will often respond to the attention given to them by others with a smile and will enjoy the interaction of another’s voice. However in the second half of the first year a baby will begin to show a distinction between those people they know and those they don’t, often becoming distressed if the main caregiver is not within sight.By the time they are 3 they have become much more aware of their own feelings and why they feel a certain way. And by the age of 5 they are able to hide or control their own feelings and are beginning to understand others’ feelings.Between the ages of 6 and 8 years old a child may become more competitive and assertive. This can lead to more demanding behaviour.SocialFrom birth a baby will learn to adapt and respond to the people around them. They will show pleasure at interactions with others but will probably show a preference for their main caregivers. By the age of two they will enjoy playing with other children but, as with any other skill, they will need to learn how to socialise, for example, learning to share.Over the next few years a child will grow in confidence and will engage much more in social settings – making friends, taking turns and learning to negotiate. They will become much more aware of ‘self’ – their gender and culture – and will be developing a sense of right and wrong.Between the ages of 6 and 8 some children will become very sociable, forming many friendships, sometimes with one particular ‘best friend’, whilst others will step back from social situations, preferring to spend more time alone.Analyse key social, economic and environmental factors, which may influence developmentThe key social factor for any child that can affect its development, both positively and negatively, is that of relationships. A child in a loving and healthy relationship with a parent or primary caregiver will be more able to form healthy relationships with others; they will be in an environment where they can develop better social skills and be more self-confident.The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (US) states that, â€Å"We have long known that interactions with parents, caregivers, and other adults are important in a child's life, but new evidence shows that these relationships actually shape brain circuits and lay the foundation for later developmental outcomes, from academic performance to mental health and interpersonal skills.† (Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University: 1)There are a number of ways in which parents or significant caregivers can help to steer the course of a child's development. These include the way a child is nurtured, stimulated and modeled certain behaviours. For example having developed verbal skills will affect a child’s social develo pment. A child whose parents talk to them frequently will likely be better equipped to engage verbally with other children. Babies listen to their parents' conversations even before they can understand language and learn the basics of conversation before they begin speaking. Talking to a child frequently can encourage strong verbal skills, which, in turn, will encourage good social skills.Economic factors can also have a substantial bearing on a child’s development. Factors such as persistent poverty, inadequate house and poor nutrition can all have a detrimental affect on a child’s development.A study by Lisa Harker for Shelter in 2006 found that: ’Achild’shealthygrowthanddevelopmentaredependenton many factors, includingtheimmediateenvironmentin which they live. Research has demonstrated thatchildren’slife chances (the factors thataffecttheircurrent and future well-being) areaffectedbythe standard of their housing.’ (Harker, 2006 : 2) The s tudy goes on to outline the effects that poor housing can have on a child’s health, both mental and physical, education and life chances.Poor nutrition is another threat to a child’s continued development. Poor diet during early development (0-3yrs) can lead to learning and memory deficits, lower IQ and school achievement, and behavioural problems in childhood (Mcgregor, (1995), Lui et al, 2005 : 3). Children also require a varied environment in which to interact and explore. Actively engaging all of their senses stimulates brain cells and encourages growth. Therefore stimulation with appropriate toys and equipment in early childhood can have a significant impact on the child’s development.Describe children’s overall development needs.To progress in such a way that a child will reach the majority of their developmental milestones within a given timeframe a child needs, first and foremost, a positive loving relationship with a significant adult(s). This ad ult will provide for the basic physiological needs of the child (appropriate healthy nutrition, human touch and shelter), the safety needs of the child (keeping him/her safe from dangers in the immediate environment, safe from abusive relationships and making sure the child has access to appropriate health care) and the social needs of the child (unconditional love, room to explore and play and interact with other children and adults and giving them a sense of a place to belong). These foundational building blocks, which the significant adult puts in place in a child’s life, pave the way for a child to be able to develop further in all five of the defined areas of development.

A Deadly Mistake Uncovered on Samples Persuaive Essay for Kids and How to Avoid It

A Deadly Mistake Uncovered on Samples Persuaive Essay for Kids and How to Avoid It Kids need to be able to vote. Students ought to be permitted to pray in school. They lead busy lives and often forget about an upcoming deadline. The Chronicles of Samples Persuaive Essay for Kids When you revise your essay, you've got to make sure its organization is completely appropriate to your intended audience, the paper context, and the objective. The very first thing you ought to create a very good thesis is you ought to figure out your primary arguments, which you've done while working on your topic. If you can select the problem by yourself, it's possible to develop the issue of interest! The principal element which creates a persuasive essay in English stand out from the remainder of assignments is the use of reasoning. It might be possible to compose a persuasive essay about the should feed all the hungry children on earth, but nevertheless, it wouldn't be a particularly intriguing essay because no sensible person would declare that all of the hungry children deserve to starve. With endless possibilities and a deadline just around the corner, it's no surprise that you have turned to Google for a small inspiration and suggestions on getting the ideal paper topic. You ought to make sure you're very interested in the topic before you may persuade others about it. When trying to find a topic for a persuasive essay, the very best advice is to choose what you have passion for and know a bit about. Next, you should think about the method on how you need to relay it to your readers. The second word, description,'' indicates your job is to create your audience understand precisely what issue it is that you're speaking about. In the majority of instances, you want to think of a topic that will make it possible for other people to understand your viewpoint, and telling them to feel that what you write is true. Most academic essay topics usually ask you to choose a side in an argument or maybe to defend a specific side against criticism. Although most students regard essay writing as a dull and hard assignment, it isn't necessarily accurate. You have to know all parts of financial topics after you choose them. You should incorporate a distinct phrase for every one of your topics of assessment. From time to time, it's indispensable to present some quotes from dependable and dependable experts. Which is exactly why we here offer you some persuasive essay samples that could assist you with your own. Your essay should devote one particular body paragraph to every one of your major thoughts and examples. You also ought to understand how to compose a persuasive essay, namely how to organize components of the persuasive essay in how that will get the job done best. Starting your essay with a counterargument is frequently one of the most troublesome approaches to start an essay. You first have to ascertain the reason behind your essay, before you are able to write persuasive content about it. You might incorporate some statistics too. As tempting as it might appear to skip past the extra info and go straight to the list of persuasive essay topics, don't do it. Top Choices of Samples Persuaive Essay for Kids You would like your paper to be noticed, meaning you don't wish to choose the effortless topic and have your paper reflect the exact same thing every one's paper does. Your ideas ought to be presented logically. Finally, the school isn't a fashion show. Every school should have a sex education class. The Good, the Bad and Samples Persuaive Essay for Kids In order to produce the best of your presentation, learn why other individuals hold a different viewpoint. While attempting to know how to compose a persuasive essay step-by-step, students forget about another important activity. Though people believe education is a correct and will make societ y, generally, a better place for everybody, others feel there's no authentic means to provide a free college education as colleges would still have to be funded (likely through tax dollars). Although online education may not appear to be substantial enough in comparison to the traditional one, it possesses lots of solid advantages you should think about.

The Success Of The Fast Food Industry - 1295 Words

Ray Albert Kroc was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on October 5, 1902. Kroc was a Red Cross ambulance driver in World War I. He lied about his age to start serving at the age of 15. While he was in training, Kroc met Walt Disney, who he continued working with for most of his life. Kroc had many careers in the past, including paper cup salesman, pianist, and DJ on a local Oak Park radio station. He also worked for room and board at a restaurant, hoping to learn the world of business. He decided to put his restaurant knowledge to use as a traveling milkshake machine salesman. The machines that he sold made five shakes at once, increasing restaurant efficiency. This business remained in sales for 17 years. The fast food industry began with two†¦show more content†¦They had a limited menu, with just a few items—burgers, fries and beverages—which allowed them to focus on quality at every step. In 1955, Kroc founded the McDonald s Corporation and became president of the corporation. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger. He bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald s name six years later, in 1961. By then, the chain had more than two hundred restaurants. In 1977, after leading McDonald’s past archrival Burger King, Kroc was reassigned to the role of senior chairman. Fast food restaurants spread quickly in the United States because of franchising. Franchising is selling the legal right to operate a store in a company s chain to an independent businessperson. If the company approves, the businessperson may buy or lease the store for a period of years. Ray Kroc was good at identifying what the public wanted. He knew that many families wanted to eat inside a restaurant sometimes. He gave people a simple eating-place with popular food, low prices, friendly service and no waiting. Kroc chose a unique path: persuading both franchisees and suppliers to buy into his vision, working not for McDonald’s, but for themselves, together with McDonald’s. He promoted the slogan, â€Å"In business for yourself, but not by yourself.† His philosophy was based on the simple principle of a 3-legged stool: one leg was McDonald’s, the second, the franchisees, and the