Common traits essay

Introduction

This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of the character traits of Russell baker and the mother. The focus is mostly on those traits that are similar between the two. It is pertinent to note that the most influential person in the early stages of development of Russell was the mother Lucy baker. Furthermore, she raised him and the siblings as a single mother after the death of their father when Russell was only five years. The Challenges were complicated further by their financial status as well as the prevailing economic conditions. This was during the great depression when the country was facing tough times.

The first trait that is common between the two is their persistence in whatever they undertook. It is pertinent to note that Lucy was persistent in providing guidance to her children after the demise of their father. Her persistence was instrumental in bringing up disciplined children and providing for her family. On the other hand Russell was persistent in his career as journalist and a writer. In his early days as a writer he did not consider whatever he did as work. However, he remained steadfast to the art of writing. Moreover, the continuous development strategies he employed as a writer were instrumental to boosting his abilities as well as the opportunities in the industry.
Russell baker as well as the mother Lucy were had inherent determination in whatever they undertook. Russell was determined to contribute to the society as a writer, journalist and as an essayist. He has significantly contributed to journalism as well as to the development of the discipline for several decades. Lucy on the other hand was determined to provide for her family regardless of the challenges she was going through as a woman and widow.
Lucy baker was a forthright disciplinarian and was always swift at correcting mistakes she saw her children make. This trait of criticizing would at times put her into problems with her relatives. However, she was not the type of a person to keep quite just because she was afraid of hurting someone else. On the other hand, Russell baker has been known for his critical eye in the society. He has won many journalism awards due to his works. He views the world through a critical perspective and is never afraid to criticize leaders and their decisions. The critical traits of the two would create a tense relationship between mother and son on different occasions. Lucy also had a difficult relationship with the mother in-law. This was one of the reasons she moved in with her brother in a different town after the death of her husband (Baker 46).
Russell is renowned for his strong character and impressive interpersonal skills that are instrumental in being a good writer. As a journalist, the ability to listen keenly and identify areas that are pertinent to the development of an interesting and captivating piece of work are important. Moreover, the ability to separate the absolute truth and the necessary truth is significant. Lucy was also strong willed and had the ability to separate the absolute truth and the necessary truth. This is a trait that is common with successful journalists. She was able to hide some of the information from her children such as her date of marriage, as well as, her love relationships after the death of her husband. This would later be discovered when documents and love letters were found in her trunk years later.

Works Cited

Baker, Russell. Growing up. New York: Congdon & Weed :, 1982. Print.