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Is The Death Penalty Biased?, 2008.
This paper explores whether there are biases in the application of the death penalty in the United States.
1,636 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the problem of racial bias, gender bias, juveniles and capital punishment and the link between poverty and the death penalty. The paper contends that overall, the death penalty may be a necessary evil in our society, however, until we can be one hundred percent sure it is meted out fairly, a moratorium on the act may be in order.
Outline:
Introduction
Racial Bias and Capital Punishment
Gender as a Factor in Death Penalty Sentencing
Capital Punishment and Juveniles
Poverty and the Death Penalty
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Capital punishment has been administered and accepted in this country for over 200 years, however, some states have now abolished the practice, while others continue with sanctioned executions. In 2000, Governor George Ryan of Illinois suspended executions in that state and "commuted the death sentences of all Illinois death row inmates in 2003" (Wolfers 791). Following Ryan's lead, in 2004, New York's highest court ruled that the state's death penalty statute was unconstitutional. Although prisoners still sit on California's death row, executions in that state are virtually nonexistent, however, executions in Texas continue at an even pace (791). "
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Raising Children Today, 2008.
This paper discusses child rearing focusing on the issue of gender in child development.
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the basic task for parents is to instill desirable values and to help the child develop according to his or her ability. The problem of raising both boys and girls in today's society is raised, mentioning the view that it might have been easier in the past because gender distinctions were more rigid and clearer. The writer notes that to a great degree, boys learn from their fathers how to be male and girls from their others how to be female, though the process is more complex than this might indicate. The writer concludes that many people find that children today lose much of their childhood because of the many influences that cause them to grow up too fast and that affects how they learn to be male and female today, but in truth, the force that remains the most important is parenting and the role parents take as models to be imitated.
From the Paper
"The social controllers have eliminated these emotions through a number of conditioning methods, but the primary means of eliminating them has been to eliminate the family, the crucible where emotional bonds are formed and where the need for later bonds to supplant those between parent and child is formed. The elimination of the family has gone so far as to make the family and its relationships appear socially undesirable, psychologically unhealthy, and un-human. Human beings are touted as more advanced than animals and thus as no longer in need of the bonds and crutches animals require. The controllers have eliminated these emotions in the name of efficiency."
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Community Analysis, 2008.
An explanation of the various nested systems in the family unit involved in the psychological development of a child.
1,751 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an explanation of the four nested systems of roles, norms and rules that have a direct impact on the psychological development of a child. The author draws on her own experiences within her family unit and the influence of the microsystems of her family to illustrate her points and suggests that mothers should be educated and empowered on how to educate and empower their daughters from birth.
From the Paper
"This binary gender system comes complete with expectations for all aspects of existence. I believe these are dictated by the macrosystem, but interestingly, are primarily communicated and enforced by the microsystem. Thus, this interaction is that the microsystem acts as a conduit, passing on the values of the macrosystem, and making sure they are enforced. For a start, it defined the role I was supposed to play: nurturing, caring, empathetic, passive, meek, accommodating, with a particular love of housework drudgery and sewing. Secondly, it defined a wide range of norms I was supposed to conform to: feminine, with a love of pretty dresses and other adornments, and a disdain for dirt and sweat. Later, I was supposed to become coquettish yet fundamentally chaste, and to use indirect wiles to achieve my goals, rather than direct demands. Finally, all of this came with iron-clad rules that were not to be broken. There were so many of these that it is impossible to record them all. However, examples would be: Girls must not climb trees; girls must never fight; girls are allowed to cry if there is a good enough reason; all girls must love to play with dolls at all time; all girls must wear pink dresses at least three times a week; girls are expected to exhibit extra diligence with their schoolwork to make up for their natural inferiority; etc."
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The Church and Gay Ordination, 2008.
Presents an argument as to why the the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America should not ordain homosexuals.
2,645 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 15 sources, MLA, AU$ 128.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer argues that those in favor of ordaining homosexual pastors within the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA) have failed to make convincing arguments for changing the long standing position of denying ordination to homosexuals engaged in a sexual relationship. The writer maintains that the reason these arguments fail is chiefly because the ordination of homosexuals flies in the face of the virtue of identity theory. More specifically, the paper asserts that the ordination of homosexuals who choose to be sexually active is an affront to the basic values of the Lutheran Church and, therefore, it should hardly be surprising that the Church wishes to see to it that the aforementioned values are protected - mostly because Church elders understand that demanding the Church retreat from its basic principles and traditions is akin to demanding that it become something else entirely.
From the Paper
"More than simply being the means by which an organization identifies itself from others, practices and traditions lie at the heart of an organization's "character". That is to say, MacIntyre is fundamentally of the view that moral conclusions are made "firm" by being situated in a tradition of thought and action which has, in addition to an organic culture, a continuous history. More than that, "practitioners" are needed who, by virtue of their professional acumen and personal character, guide novices towards a better understanding of what behavior will lead to Good ends."
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Hildegard and Sex Complementarity, 2008.
A discussion of equality of the sexes in Sister Prudence Allen's article "Hildegard of Bingen".
1,920 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a close look at Sister Prudence Allen's article on Hildegard of Bingen, entitled "Hildegard of Bingen" (1985). The paper maintains that the article's main point is that Hildegard was the very first person to articulate the theory of the complementarity of the sexes. The article claims that this complementarity theory was original to Hildegard; thus Hildegard made a significant contribution to the history of the concept of woman in relation to man. The paper agrees with the article, concluding that Hildegard did indeed succeed in vindicating the equality of woman with man by presenting a cogent, comprehensive and multifaceted argument for the complementarity of man and woman.
From the Paper
"However, the important point is that Hildegard balanced this notion with a defence of the quality of woman and man, based on a metaphysical framework of sex complementarity in heaven and in the world. For example, in procreation, while man deposits the cold seed, it is woman's warmth that must grow the seed. Similarly, in heaven male saints are equal to but different from female saints; while on earth woman and man have equal access to both the private and public spheres of activity (Allen, 1985)."
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Television Series: "Ugly Betty", 2008.
This paper analyzes the gender roles presented in the television series "Ugly Betty" as seen in the 'Petra-gate' episode.
860 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the originators of "Ugly Betty" try desperately to prove that a soap opera can actually offer profound criticism of society's ills; however, the show fails miserably. The paper then defends this criticism by embarking on an analysis of the April 27 "Petra-gate" episode. The main argument presented by the paper is that the producers' (or more accurately, the writers') attempt to challenge gender and sexual roles by relying on extreme stereotypes fails to send a sophisticated message, as the stereotypes (being, of course, stereotypes) are downright crude and offensive.
From the Paper
"The character of Daniel, Bradford's foolishly impetuous son, also succeeds in reinforcing tedious gender roles, Betty, fittingly, cares a great deal about her boyish-faced boss, and she (also fittingly) manages to provide him with release by filling the role of the caretaker or strict mother: "You're using [women] like a drug". Betty is ideal for this role (she lacks good looks or sexual appeal), and does a superb job of being the self-deprecating friend, the listener, and, when the behavior of her uncouth boss demands it, the scolding mother and savior (it is she, after all, that saves him from certain ruin)."
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| Essay # 104100 |
temporarily unavailable
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HBO's"Oz" and the Immutability of Heterosexuality, 2008.
An analysis of Joe Wlodarz' article 'Maximum Insecurity: Genre Trouble and Closet Erotics In and Out of HBO's "Oz"' in "Camera Obscura 58".
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 102.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that Joe Wlodarz, in his article, 'Maximum Insecurity: Genre Trouble and Closet Erotics In and Out of HBO's "Oz"', analyzes the interplay between genre and sexuality in the HBO television program, "Oz". The author explains that, in an attempt at a Foucauldian reading of the series, Wlodarz succeeds and fails in making a point about the notion of seeing sexual acts as an epistemological guarantee of identity. The paper also points out that, ultimately, Wlodarz falls prey to some of the same assumptions he is arguing against. The author underscores that, by queering the genre of prison drama by describing it as soap opera, he also queers the very identities he is trying to examine based upon the 'queer' acts that they are performing. The paper argues that seeing these acts as 'queer' is an instance of submitting to the same epistemological fallacy that Wlodarz seems to be working so hard to undermine.
From the Paper
"Wlodarz writes that even in the 'love story' scenario between two of the main characters in "Oz", there are no loving sex scenes, no space between these men where sex is used as a resolution, or a place of comfort. Wlodarz argues that this is an indicator that "the series refuses to contain sexuality, to limit sexual identity, or to suggest that romantic and / or sexual relations are anything less than dangerous and destabilizing." I would argue, instead, that this portrayal of the sexual activity between men who call themselves straight and who only have sex with women when they have the option shows that they are indeed straight, despite the biological sex of the bodies of their partners."
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Gender in "Huckleberry Finn", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of gender in "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain.
1,465 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how Mark Twain in "Huckleberry Finn" shows Huck to be one who tells the truth as he knows it, without much concern for consequences. The paper contrasts Huck to Tom Sawyer, the more devious character who tries to live up to an ideal found in books. The paper examines these characters' ideas about gender and explains the many different and sometimes controversial interpretations of this theme.
From the Paper
"Gerald Graff and James Phelan in introducing a piece by Nancy Walker note that few are surprised when racial controversy is found in the pages of this novel, for those issues are also more up front. They also find that much of what the critics find in the novel may be imposed by them and not inherent in the text, and this is one of the reasons why there are so many ongoing arguments about these matters. They cite an argument by Myra Jehlen about the Judith Loftus scene in which Huck dresses as a girl and is discovered by Judith, and Jehlen finds that this "works to dramatize the way in which conventional male and female identities are a product of nurture not nature" (Graff and Phelan 473). As the editors note, other critics see this as an imposition by Jehlen of her own political views and cannot find the same idea in the text."
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Social Colloquialisms, 2008.
A research proposal on social labeling and its significance, with a focus on the subject of gender.
1,186 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that social labeling is identified as qualifying terms attached to specific constructs found within general social interactions. The paper explains that the purpose of this study is to identify those social colloquialisms that are used to identify gender within common parlance. The paper states the scope of the study, the research questions, the methods of assessment as well as the format and timetable.
Outline:
Purpose of the Study
Scope of the Study
Methods
Outline and Timetable
From the Paper
"The pervasiveness of social labeling has resulted in the investigation of these words as representative of values shared throughout a specific society. Early research by Brooks-Gunn and Lewis (1979), for example, sought to identify why children between 9 to 24 months of age were more likely to associate the label "daddy" with an authority figure while the label "mommy" was more likely to be associated with a nurturing figure. The authors found that these two terms were heavily saturated within information communicated to infants and children, such as nursery rhymes, and that the children absorbed these social labels without attaching any qualifying information to these terms."
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Gender Discrimination and the Law, 2008.
This paper discusses the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
971 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment ensures that states cannot promulgate or enforce a law that violates constitutional freedoms. The paper discusses the three degrees of scrutiny that are applied by the courts in analyzing statutes challenged under the Equal Protection Clause. In particular, the paper looks at various gender-based court cases and focuses on a 1996 case, United States v. Virginia, and its outcome.
From the Paper
"Three degrees of scrutiny are applied by the courts in analyzing statutes challenged under the Equal Protection Clause. If a legislative classification disadvantages a "suspect class" or infringes upon the exercise of a "fundamental right," then the courts will employ strict scrutiny and the statute must fall unless the government can demonstrate that the classification has been narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest."
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| Essay # 104005 |
temporarily unavailable
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Sex Has Been Gender All Along, 2007.
An examination of the re-framing of the concepts "sex" and "gender".
1,686 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper re-frames the concepts of "sex" and "gender". In this paper the term "sex" refers primarily to biological traits, while the term "gender" refers to the behaviors associated with a particular biological sex, rather than merely the biological sex itself. The paper shows that the existentialist Simone de Beauvoir was one of the trailblazers who opened up this field, while Judith Butler completely re-framed the concepts of "sex" and "gender." The paper then points out that Butler's re-framing moved the spotlight from a subject self with a biological sex/gender, to a performance of gender. The paper also looks at how this re-framing of "sex" and "gender" has had the consequence of freeing gender expression from previous restrictions - at least theoretically. The writer concludes that no gender positions are natural, or entirely dictated by biology. Rather, they are all constructed.
From the Paper
"Up until around the middle of the 20th century, it was almost universally believed that gender is assigned by biology, so that maleness inevitably implies masculinity, and femaleness inevitably implies femininity. It was also widely assumed that all infants are born clearly and indisputably either one sex or the other, and that once they reach sexual maturity they will inevitably and universally wish to choose a sexual partner of the opposite sex. This group of assumptions is sometimes referred to as biological essentialism (Butler; Fausto-Sterling, Sexing the Body; Salih)."
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Gay Adoption, 2008.
This paper argues against the myth that gay adoptions are dangerous to children.
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the opponents of rights for gays and lesbians claim that gays and lesbians are not merely unsuitable as potential adoptive parents but also entirely immoral. The author underscores that, overwhelmingly, the opposition to adoption by gays and lesbians is based on religious arguments. The paper relates that, although opponents of homosexual adoption have long tried to make a case that a child raised by a homosexual couple is at greater risk than a child raised by "straight" parents, serious research to support this is virtually non-existent. The author stresses that there is overwhelming scientific support, from such authorities as the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, that gays are entirely suitable as adoptive parents.
From the Paper
"Despite these studies, there are bitter opponents of gay adoption, and it is notable that a tiny group of people remain dedicated to the idea that there is a "scientific" basis for opposition to gay adoption. One of the most credentialed opponents of gay adoption is Lynn Wardle, a professor of law at the Brigham Young University Law School. Wardle has been most vocal in custody disputes, in which he contends if a biological parent is found to be gay, this creates a rebuttable presumption that the parent is unfit and should therefore by denied custody."
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Minority Groups within Unions, 2008.
A discussion of how minority groups in Canada are treated within labor unions.
1,290 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the different methods and strategies that minorities in Canada have utilized to advance their interests within the union movement, and what other actions they could take to further their cause.
From the Paper
"It has not always been easy for minorities to pursue their goals via the labour movement. Until the early decades of the 20th century, Aboriginal, Black and Asian workers were not even allowed to join unions. As a result, they formed their own unions to further their interests. An example was the Order of Sleeping Car Porters - comprising black people working on the railways. Later, when they were allowed to join the mainstream unions, these unions disbanded. However, since the 1980s, minorities have been organizing separate groups within the union movement to focus on their own specific needs. This movement reflects the concept of separation, as opposed to integration - it is argued that when a group suffers particular hardships or prejudices, it should have to right to separate and focus on combating these prejudices. This can be easier than attempting to persuade the mainstream unions to focus on these minority issues. This concept was established by the women's movement, so that it was less controversial when minorities embraced it within the labour movement (Labour Studies 332 Study Guide). However, it should also be borne in mind that there is streght in solidarity - as will be discussed further below."
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Cultural Constructions, 2008.
This paper discusses the challenge of the sitcom "Will and Grace" towards hetero-normativity.
1,363 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at how the prosperous sitcom, 'Will & Grace' challenges traditional notions of hetero-normativity in that it seeks to "normalize" a gay character by placing that character within a situation comedy also featuring an attractive heterosexual woman he just so happens to be living with. The writer points out that the show emphasizes Will's professional success and is unafraid to make explicit "gay" references to human sexuality - scenes that, whatever their dramatic and aesthetic merits, certainly humanize Will and force the audience to view homosexual men and women as having the same human and instinctual impulses as heterosexual men and women. The writer maintains that at the same time, though, even as the series casts a bit of mockery on some old stereotypes about gays, it also perpetuates the notion that gay men are weaker than other men - less virile, in short. The writer concludes that the series is a commendable one, but hardly an infallible one.
From the Paper
"The series has done other rather remarkable things that have challenged the bigotry gay men and women habitually face in modern-day American society. Most notably, the show has not been averse to making explicit "gay" references on-air, an apparent first in US prime-time television. Suffice it to say, this strategy has forced gay themes about sexuality and about human relationships into the mainstream - a process that, over a period of time, might diminish the reflexive distaste some audience members have for such topics. At the very least, the show's willingness to discuss explicit "gay" themes has allowed for a presentation of Will as a genuinely three-dimensional human being; in a day and age when "gay-bashing" is still a fact of life in many parts of America, anything that serves to humanize a gay character on prime-time television is something that deserves to be applauded."
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