| Papers [191-209] of 3176 :: [Page 11 of 168] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson", 2007.
A look at how the plot and theme of Toni Cade Bambara's short story, "The Lesson", reflect communist ideology.
1,645 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, in "The Communist Manifesto", Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx deplore the emergence of classes, such as the bourgeois and the proletariat, which they consider to be products of the rise and dominance of capitalism in Europe. The author points out that, in "The Lesson", Toni Cade Bambara relates how the African-American children, who are intimidated by the displays of white wealth they see on Fifth Avenue, are reluctant to enter the F.A.O. Schwarz toy store and express their resentment through scorn. The paper demonstrates how Bambara uses plot, themes, characterizations and the symbolism of the settings to create the conflict between social classes that is also suggested by Engels and Marx. The paper includes quotations from the book.
From the Paper
"Examples from "The Communist Manifesto" and this scene from "The Lesson" confirm this and demonstrate how literature can be an ideological force. For example, Marx himself observed that literature is not a static mirror image of culture; rather it is itself a contributing force to the social dialectic of history. Furthermore, he noted that literature does not just reflect the hegemony of the ruling class; it also reflects the oppositional forces that counter that hegemony. It carries the vestigial traces of past modes of production and the germs of the future modes of production."
| |
|
Civil Rights in the 1950s and 1960s, 2007.
An analysis of the problems and reactions to the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
791 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 28.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses issues that related to African-American civil rights in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s such as segregation and Jim Crow laws. The paper then considers the freedom riders, famous writers (such as Langston Hughes) or speakers and other reactions toward civil rights. The paper finally looks at how these affected the fight to win civil rights for African-Americans.
From the Paper
"Another important part of studying this period of time is looking at African Americans who made a difference. While many famous African Americans existed during this time, Langston Hughes was an inspiration to the poor, black people during this time and continues to be an inspiration to his people today.
Langston use humor and his love to touch the lives of others. "Langston Hughes was one of the dominant voices in American literature of this century and perhaps the single most influential black poet." Langston Hughes was only one of many famous authors that made a difference on struggling African Americans during the 1950's and 1960's. Another important figure during this time period was Martin Luther King Jr. that fought for freedom for his people. King inspired both African Americans and whites. Today, his speech, "I Have a Dream" continues to inspire people."
| |
|
The Works of Langston Hughes, 2007.
An analysis of the life and works of Langston Hughes and their contribution to the Harlem Renaissance.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the life and works of African-American writer, Langston Hughes. It particularly considers how Hughes was linked to the period of time known as the Harlem Renaissance and how he affected this time period. The paper also looks at the early life of Hughes and discusses how the life and writings of Langston Hughes continues to inspire African-Americans to this day.
Table of Contents:
The Early Life of Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes and Harlem
Life and Career of Langston Hughes
The Works of Langston Hughes
From the Paper
"While the early life of Langston Hughes, and the Harlem Renaissance have been discussed, it is important to study what his life was like as he strived to eventually make Harlem his home. Early in life Hughes had decided to make writing as his career. At only eighteen years old, Hughes decided that he would make his living as a writer, but only had Hughes decided to be a writer, he had also decided to focus most of his writings to be about African Americans. "From his decision around 1920, at the age of 18, to try to live by his writings, he devoted himself to a career that would take as its center the world of African Americans" (Rampersad 22). Hughes believed African Americans were equal to whites and he believed in valuing humanity regardless of the person's skin color or race. "He moved easily between this profound sense of racial pride and love - unrivaled in its intensity by that of any other major writer - a cosmopolitanism that made him at home all around the world" (Rampersad 22). Even at a young age, people began to value his works."
| |
|
Blaxtiploitation and American Film, 2007.
An analysis of the steps taken to eliminate blaxtiploitation from American filmmaking.
2,291 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the exploitation of Blacks in the American filmmaking industry and looks at the role of the Civil Rights movement in eliminating blaxtiploitation. It describes and discusses different films that were created in response to this phenomenon of exploitation and their impact on it. The paper specifically focuses on the Oscar award that was awarded to Sydney Poitier and its impact on the filmmaking industry.
From the Paper
"It is evident that in the progress of Black filmmaking in the nation there was a great upheaval in the country and that few Black individuals were ever recognized for their efforts. Sydney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel were capable of receiving Oscars for their work, although the massive amount of other Black actors and filmmakers were ignored. While many would contend that blaxtiploitation films played a significant role in brining the plight of Black filmmakers to the nation, the fact is that most blaxtiploitation films were created by whites. Yet, the period of filmmaking is significant because through it emerged a new philosophy about portraying cultures in cinema and that philosophy was finally to tell the story as it really occurred. Once this happened the films of individuals such as Burnett and his counterparts were capable of presenting the views of varied lives before the public in a manner that educated and informed."
| |
|
Improving Literacy, 2007.
A research proposal exploring whether the "Word Detectives: Benchmark Extended Word Identification Program for Beginning Readers" (BWIP) strategy enhances a student's reading achievement.
2,276 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 70.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper relates that the purpose of this study is to determine if systematic phonics instruction is effective in teaching inner-city African-American eighth graders how to achieve functional literacy at an age appropriate level. The paper's study focuses on the reading program developed by I.W. Gaskins, "Word Detectives: Benchmark Extended Word Identification Program for Beginning Readers" (BWIP). Using Tyler's objectives-based evaluation methodology, the research effort evaluates the effective use and success of the reading instruction using the BWIP method among a student population within a middle school.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Introduction of Project
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Statement of the Hypothesis and Research Questions
Proposed Methodology
Summary
From the Paper
"According to the Georgia Public Education Report Card for the academic year 2002-2003, the school targeted in the current research case study ranked below 58% passing for the reading comprehension scores. Teachers and administrators continue to seek ways to improve student learning and increase test scores. In addition to the basal reading series, schools in the district make a variety of reading programs available to their students. The effectiveness of the program titled Word Detectives: Benchmark Extended Word Identification Program for Beginning Readers, that uses systematic phonics in reading comprehension and word analysis was the program selected for use of the 2003-2004 school year, and is the program that will be monitored for its effectiveness in this applied dissertation."
| |
|
Black Acquiescence to Injustice?, 2007.
An analysis of Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and Ralph Ellison's novel "The Invisible Man".
851 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explores aspects of the black experience in Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and the "Battle Royal" section of Ralph Ellison's novel "The Invisible Man". The paper discusses the authors' portrayal of a black man recognizing and responding to the slights and discrimination in American life. The paper describes how King and Ellison raise questions about how acquiescent many blacks are when faced with injustice.
From the Paper
"King wrote his letter while he was in the Birmingham city jail where he had been arrested for demonstrating for civil rights. In the letter, he writes to other clergymen who had been critical of his actions. King states in his letter that he intends to answer his critics because "I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth" (King 114). King speaks directly to the clergymen referred to in the opening of the letter, and after this he uses the pronoun "you" to assure the readers that he is speaking directly to them and to their concerns."
| |
|
Civil War and the South, 2007.
This paper examines the impact of the Civil War on life in the South.
2,729 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses the epic struggle in the US between the Union and the Confederacy that left hundreds of thousands dead, the South devastated and American life changed forever. The paper explores how the Civil War had a profound influence upon life in the South in terms of politics, economics and social values.
From the Paper
"The simmering political disagreement regarding the nature of the Union may have remained academic had it not been for slavery, upon which Southern economics, society, and culture were largely based. The South had an agrarian economy, depended upon crop production and cotton for fiscal solvency, and relied upon millions of slaves to tend the fields of Southern plantations. Slaves played a vital role in the Southern economy, for they provided the free labor which enabled Southern planters to prosper."
| |
|
"The Color Purple", 2007.
This paper evaluates the race, sexism, letters and sewing within "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker.
1,687 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines the racial, sexist, letter and sewing symbolism within "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. The paper analyzes how Walker treats the issues of slavery and patriarchal male constructs in the novel and thus defines the female African-American experience.
From the Paper
"The sexism within The Color Purple is controlled through a patriarchal racist institution of slavery. In one example in the novel, slave women had no rights to their children after birth. Nettie is a woman that has given birth to children, but plantation owners took their children after birth to sell into slavery. The issue of male dominance plays a major role in how women are perceived, especially as servants to the male populations on the plantation and within society. Although it might be easy to perceive the anger in Netti or Celie's voice in the novel, one really sees a women trying to stay alive and find people with love in their hearts."
| |
|
Hypertension, ESRD and African-Americans, 2007.
This paper explores the risks of hypertension and end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the African-American community.
2,333 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 71.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper reveals that African-Americans are known to be more affected by end stage renal disease (ESRD) than any other group in North America. The paper shows the links between African-American social status, economic position and environment with hypertension and its progression to ESRD. The paper points out that the outstanding risk factors consist of socio-economic variables and therefore prevention and early treatment are essential strategies for controlling and ending the progression to ESRD for this population.
Outline:
Introduction
Epidemiology
Genetic/ Familial Factors
Pre-existing Diseases/Conditions
Incidence
Prevalence
Socio-economic Environment
Epidemic
Agent
Natural History of ESRD
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Tertiary Prevention
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The host refers to the human being in whom an agent produces a disease. The host also refers to the human population that is at risk of developing the disease. The typical African American host with hypertension ESRD is poor and has little access to health care. Risk factors that increase the susceptibility of African Americans to progress to renal failure are age, gender, pre-existing diseases, lifestyle, and socio-economic factors."
"In the general population there is a strong link between increased age and an increased risk of ESRD. This holds true for African Americans where the average age of new ESRD patients was 61 years (Boone, 2000). A high proportion of the increase in ESRD is in the older age-groups (Pugh & Medina, 1995)."
| |
|
African-American Youth, 2007.
A research paper into why many African-American children drop out of school, join gangs and end up in prison.
742 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents research that looks into African American youth. It hypothesizes that many African-American children drop out of school, join gangs and end up in prison primarily because they grow up in poverty. It suggests that this trend breeds resentment and generates hostility towards society. The paper analyzes the literature and draws conclusions on this topic.
From the Paper
"This research question is important, and we should care about it because drop out, gang membership, and crime rates among young African-Americans can be reduced if effective measures are taken. Garbarino (2000) notes that adolescents need to have someone to look up to and emulate. If their role model is positive and demonstrates a strong moral code through their actions and not just their words, the adolescent will most likely emulate these positive traits because they have seen first hand how they should behave."
"In contrast, when their role models are drug dealers, gang members, or violent adults, they most likely will exhibit the same behavior. According to Schwartz (2003) this demonstrates why high drop out rates, gangs, drug abuse, and crime in many African-American neighborhoods are such chronic and intractable problems, for there tend to be far more negative role models than positive role models. This role model imbalance perpetuates dropping out of school, drug abuse, and crime in each succeeding generation, in a vicious cycle that is very difficult to break."
| |
|
Civil War in Tennessee, 2007.
An analysis of the behavior of people from the North and the South during the Civil War.
1,648 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the human face of the American Civil War, focusing on the state of Tennessee. It describes the course of the war and the cause of the war and shows that both are historically contested. The paper refers to primary source evidence to show that the excesses of war led to actions on the part of both sides that could be construed as morally wrong and that there were ordinary, innocent people in the Southern state of Tennessee who suffered greatly for their beliefs.
From the Paper
"Of course, it is necessary to consider the veracity of the source. Williamson was only 16, and she was not a first-hand witness to the event she describes. However, if we refer to secondary sources, we find ample evidence that she was probably correct. Paine was so well known for brutality and sadism, that he was removed from his command by the Union leadership, and placed in charge of bridges near Nashville. Even there, he managed to misbehave, and was investigated, found guilty by a congressional inquiry, and punished with a reprimand. This scarcely seems adequate for his murderous deeds. However, the point is that war is often horrific, and there are no sides that are "good." This is too simplistic a view, as attested to by Williamson's disturbing Diary. (Special Collections Library, Duke University.)"
| |
|
Social Policy Options, 2007.
This paper examines policy options regarding homeless African-Americans.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper looks at the issue of homelessness as it impacts African-Americans and provides some possible policy options that might alleviate this social illness. The paper examines a minimum wage policy and proposes efforts to turn local abandoned areas into sites for low-cost housing projects. The paper concludes that money can be diverted from public sector wages into the programs regulating labor practices and the subsidization of housing initiatives.
From the Paper
"To begin with, a budgeting policy must have proper checks and balances in place. In most college systems, budgetary overview is the responsibility of the Finance Committee of a Board of Management or the Finance Committee of a Board of Directors (Motherwell College 2000). In the case of a municipality that is attempting to successfully grapple with African-American homelessness, it seems intuitive that budgetary overview should be partly the responsibility of a Housing Commission or of a Sub-Committee devoted to addressing social ills."
| |
|
African-American Women and Suicide, 2007.
This paper explores the possible reasons for the low suicide rates among African-American woman.
1,462 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reveals that, although suicide rates are at epidemic proportions, suicide rates for African-American women are unusually low. The paper reviews the statistical patterns of suicide in the United States and in minorities around the world and discusses the plight of the African-American woman in relation to psychosocial and psychological issues. The paper then discusses coping devices used by African-American women that are associated with lower suicide rates.
Outline:
Plight of the African-American Women
Protective factors
From the Paper
"Eight hundred thousand (800,000) died by their own hand throughout the world in 2000; more than died that year in all of the wars and armed conflicts (McKenzie, Serafty & Crawford, 2003). With an average of 30,000 deaths per year, suicide is the ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, with the risk to white females being double that of all non-white minority groups combined (Mann, 2000). Among African Americans aged 25 to 44, suicide was considered the seventh leading cause of death in 2000 (Kaslow, Thompson, Meadows, Chance, Puett, Hollins, Jessee & Kellermann, 2000). In 2002, 1,939 African Americans committed suicide; of these only 306 were female, providing a male to female suicide ratio of 5.34:1 ("African American," 2004). Pryor (2006) states that in the United States, every 78 seconds at least one woman will make a suicide attempt, however only one woman will actually commit suicide every 90 minutes."
| |
|
Amiri Baraka's "An Agony. As Now", 2007.
An analysis of Amiri Baraka's poem "An Agony. As Now".
1,131 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper relates that Amiri Baraka's poem "An Agony. As Now" presents the poet observing himself from some distance and taking stock of what he sees. The paper describes how the poet expresses the nature of the black man in American society; he has been made to hate himself by the majority white society that prevents him from feeling complete. The paper shows how he is at war with himself, between the self he was made to be by circumstances and the self he wants to be and is trying to become.
From the Paper
"The work expresses the divided and in some ways unfinished nature of the black man in American society, in keeping with the use of only the left parenthesis because the black man may have started becoming but has been thwarted and prevented from achieving completion. In addition, the poet is expressing the view that his reality and his sense of self depends on his hatred of others. He says he hates himself, because he has been made to hate himself by the majority white society that prevents him from feeling complete. When he looks out at himself and hates himself, it is because of his inability to overcome the limitations placed on him. In the world in which he lives, "innocence is a weapon" (13)."
| |
|
"Huckleberry Finn", 2007.
Examines the debate over whether Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a racist text.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper argues that, while Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" raises a number of racial issues, it is not a racist text. In particular, the paper notes the commonality of racial epithets during Twain's day and suggests that this explains the "excessive" use of derogatory terms towards African-Americans. It then briefly outlines the position of those who consider the text to be a racist one, offers the counter-argument of those opposed to such a characterization and then concludes by outlining why this writer supports the widespread distribution of Twain's master work.
From the Paper
"Briefly stated, this writer cleaves to the view that Huckleberry Finn is not a racist text. It is not racist because it is meant to be a sharp denunciation of the slave-holding society which dehumanized African-Americans and it is also a text which shocks people into considering how racism works so insidiously to graft itself onto the fabric of a culture that even ugly racial epithets become distressingly common. Ultimately, this writer agrees with Leider and Wilson that American students - at a suitable age - need to be shocked into seeing the ugly side of American history before revisionists "white-wash" it and marginalize the role of slavery in the development of the nation. In the end, even if Twain was subconsciously racist himself, the grotesque nature of many of the whites in the book clearly reveals that his sympathies lie with destroying any fatuous belief that the "Old South" was chivalrous and somehow humane."
| |
|
Is the U.S. Constitution Color-Blind?, 2007.
An analysis of the degree to which the U.S. Constitution may be said to be "color-blind".
1,535 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores the degree to which the U.S. Constitution may be said to be "color-blind". It argues that the Constitution is not color-blind because it permits many instances of bigotry to go unchecked in private life. To bolster this claim, the paper places a great deal of emphasis upon the work of Dr. Neil Gotanda, entitled A Critique of "Our Constitution is Color-Blind". The paper also focuses on the controversial case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) in which racism was seen to be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court despite the eloquent protests of one of the presiding Justices.
From the Paper
"Gotanda also insists that the First Amendment - specifically its Freedom of Speech Clause - has been used by the federal courts to strike down government efforts to outlaw "racial domination". What Gotanda appears to mean when he talks of "racial domination" is that recent years (Gotanda was writing in the early 1990s) have seen the "resurgence" of racist speech on university campuses after decades of determined effort by non-whites to wrestle back control of the image-making process from Caucasians. As a result, racially motivated speech which defames - or at least casts in a negative light different - groups has been protected by a Constitution that is allegedly "non-racial" in construction. In any case, Dr. Gotanda, if this writer understands him correctly, is putting forward the notion that American society has always been dominated by Caucasians and, therefore, permitting racially-offensive discourses on university campuses allows the dominant group in society to continue to articulate views supporting invidious distinctions between races without fear of any disciplinary action being taken. In other words, whites have crafted negative images of non-whites since the founding of America and this group, so powerful in the media, in the judiciary and even still in academia, is allowed to continue on with making negative distinctions because the Constitution - written as it was and amended as it has been by (predominantly) Caucasian males of property and significance - permits it."
| |
|
Slavery, 2007.
A review of "Slavery: A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life" by Stanley M. Elkins.
1,023 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This book review analyzes the crucial philosophical, historiographical and psychological foundations of African slavery, as discussed in "Slavery: A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life" by Stanley M. Elkins. The paper relates that Elkins uses the economic concepts of capitalism and the philosophy of morality in slavery to argue the controversial issue of the African "Holocaust" in America historiography.
From the Paper
"In chapter one, the problem of slavery in North America from the 17th century until the Civil War can be seen through the economic problem of historiography. In many cases, the clashing philosophical premise of slavery in America revolves around how colonial English elites and early Americas were either morally ignorant or were consciously using slaves as a 'commodity' within a Marxist capitalistic system. For Elkins, the major issue of "old debates" revolves around the problem of Marxist thought and how this creates a historical background that often blames capitalism for slavery to eventually cause the Civil War (Elkins, 2006, pp.10-13). In many ways, the problem of slavery was not a purely capitalistic system that was driven by an economic necessity, but surely, there was a philosophical background that kept Southerners attached to the immoral vice of their absolutist institutions. The critical perception here helps one to realize that the "old debates" were structured to help distance the humanist problem of slavery through a rigidly imposed economic system."
| |
|
Gay Rights and Civil Rights, 2007.
This paper compares and contrasts gay rights with civil rights.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses whether homosexuals should receive rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The writer questions whether gays should receive rights compared to civil rights. The writer argues that while it is true that gays and minorities are often mistreated, the difference is in the ability to make a decision. The writer maintains that gay rights are different than civil rights because homosexuals make the decision to be gays and even the Bible shows that it is wrong, but African-Americans are born "black" and the Bill of Rights guarantee rights to "all men". The writer then points out that the Civil Rights Act was passed to guarantee that all African-Americans be treated equally with other Americans. The writer argues that comparing gay rights with civil rights shows that gays make a decision to date or love another person of the same sex, while African-Americans are born with their skin color and they should be given the same rights as any American.
From the Paper
"Before determining whether gays should have rights it is important to look at the definition of homosexuals. The definition of homosexuals will show that it is defined as a sexual orientation with romantic love and sexual desire of the same sex or gender. When a person falls in love with another person, a decision must be made to love the person. Homosexuality is a decision. The gay person decides to fall in love with another person of his or her same gender. This is the same as if a person decides to never date a person or if a person decides to fall in love with another person of a difference sex. Since it is a decision, people should not receive certain rights because they make a decision. Many homosexuals and minorities are rejected jobs and other freedoms so many people believe they should have rights as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. However, it is important to remember that homosexuals decide whether they want to have a love life with a member of the same sex."
| |
|
Racial Profiling, 2007.
This paper examines the problem of racial profiling in the United States and Canada.
1,217 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explains that courts give the police discretion in who they stop during traffic stops, but statistics prove that more African-Americans are stopped than whites. The paper reveals that many African-Americans are frisked, their vehicles are taken apart and they either get a ticket or go to jail for some bogus reason. The paper points out the opinion that racial profiling is not a problem, but disagrees and argues that changes must be made to stop this racial profiling.
From the Paper
"Imagine a young African American driving A Ford Explorer to an interview when he is pulled over by the Georgia State Patrol. The young man was driving five miles over the speed limit or less. The police officer asks for back up though he does not appear to have a valid reason for back up. The two officers take apart the Ford Explorer looking for drugs (Callahan and Anderson 2001). Would this same scene have happened with a white male? It is important to look at the definition of racial profiling, how the courts give police officers the discretion to stop African Americans and how the problem of racial profiling should be stopped."
|
|
|