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"The Forest People", 2007.
The paper looks at Colin Turnbull's book, "The Forest People," about the three years he spent living among the Pygmies, or BaMbuti.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Turnbull's book "The Forest People" and describes the culture of the BaMbuti. The paper relates that although the BaMbuti lived in a very remote area of Congo's rain forest, by the time Turnbull arrived for a long stay, modern culture had already begun to affect their way of life. The paper explains that the push to settle the BaMbuti in villages as farmers shook their culture to its core, but they managed to preserve their way of life. The paper concludes that the BaMbuti culture survived because it knew to accept what was good and useful, such as crutches for someone with a bad leg and to quietly reject the rest.
From the Paper
"Throughout the book, Turnbull describes a trait of the BaMbuti that may have helped them preserve their way of life as well as they had. Although they interacted with other cultures, in particular other non-BaMbuti tribes in the area, they affected the other culture's customs in that other tribe's presence so long as it did not make any important difference to them. But when the issue was an important one, they chose their own customs. Turnbull gives an example of this on p. 43 when telling about a child's death."
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Italy in the Middle Ages, 2007.
A discussion on Italian national identity during the Middle Ages.
1,377 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how, following the Viking invasions of Europe in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D., significant changes were brought about in the political and social organization of Western Europe. In essence, Europeans during this time supported various types of leadership, but only if an effective means of defense could be maintained and controlled, such as in northern Italy with its urban bishops. The paper examines how Italy rose hard against all other Western European countries to become the crowning glory of western art and literature during the Renaissance era.
From the Paper
"As the power of the Lombard courts diminished, the cities which they governed grew more and more independent and during the Hungarian and Saracen invasions, it was the cities of Italy under the leadership of their bishops that became the main centers of resistance. As a result, the Italian kings granted the urban bishops extensive powers and privileges, such as the right to construct walls and fortified towers and to collect tolls and public revenues in order to finance the building of these and other defensive structures. By the early 900's A.D., "the cities of Italy had been granted full exemption from the jurisdiction of the counts which in effect allowed the bishops to seize control of not only the defensive elements but also the revenues and courts of justice" (Wickham 156)."
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Native-American Totem Poles, 2006.
A review of the Native-American Indian totem pole and it's importance to the culture of Native-American Indians.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the role of the totem pole in the lives of Native-American Indians. The paper first provides a brief history of the totem pole from the perspective of the British explorer, Captain James Cook and then goes on to discuss the history of the totem pole in Native-American Indian culture. The paper then explains the process of creating a totem pole, listing the meaning behind the various symbols.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Totem Pole Significance
The History of the Totem Pole
Steps to Making a Totem Pole
Totem Pole Symbolism
The Great Seal of the US and the Canadian Coat of Arms
Native-American Indian Oral Tradition
The Haida Totem Pole
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
" The Native American Indians did not have a written form of their language and totem pole stories and imagery were shared with the owners of the pole and those who they told. The only meanings which are on record are in cases where the owners of the pole left written record, granted interviews or in cases where the story has been transferred from generation to generation in a story. These stories are referred to as the "oral tradition" which is subject to change and become distorted over time.
According to the website of the Manataka American Indian Council: The Native American Indians placed the totem pole at the front entrance of the family's longhouse for honoring the clan's ancestors, to record the clan's standing, rights and accomplishments, in memoriam of a ceremony or spiritual experience and contains the symbolism of the qualities, experience, and exploits of the family clan. (Manataka American Indian Council, 2006)"
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Wounded Knee 1973, 2007.
This paper explores the Wounded Knee incident of 1973 and discusses the actions by the participants and the government during that time.
3,706 words (approx. 14.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 154.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines the events leading up to the Wounded Knee incident and recreates the atmosphere that prevailed before the stand off began. The writer notes that during the 71 day siege at Wounded Knee in 1973, Americans were re-introduced to the plight of the American Indians as media coverage brought hour by hour descriptions of the demands made by those who lead the charge. The writer then describes how thousands of Native-Americans joined together to try and force the American government to change some of the basic problems that were prevalent on reservations not only near Wounded Knee but across the nation. The writer concludes that today, Wounded Knee still serves as an example of the undercurrent of anger many Native Americans feel about the way the government has treated them since first taking over this land.
Outline:
Introduction
Leading Up to Wounded Knee
Wounded Knee Begins
The Demands
The End
Conclusion
End Notes
From the Paper
"Before one can begin to fully understand the impact that Wounded Knee had on the nation and the participants one needs to have an understanding on the events and problems that led up to the siege.
While the Native Americans and the supporters of their people had long been angry over the treatment by the American government when it came to their culture, history and daily life there were several events that worked as a catalyst to lead up to the actual siege at Wounded Knee . The snowball of events begin in 1972 when a young native American named Raymond Yellow Thunder was abducted by two ranchers. Raymond Yellow Thunder was a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and had been kidnapped and taken to a dance at an American Legion Hall in Gordon Nebraska. While there participants in his abuse forced him to strip his clothes off and dance naked while audience members threw lit cigarettes beneath his feet to force him to continue dancing."
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Stereotypes and Prejudice, 2007.
A discussion on stereotypes and how they are formed, and whether these prejudices can be controlled.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how stereotypes and prejudice most often occur against groups and/or members of groups that are perceived to be different from other groups. The paper explores various factors, visible and less visible, that contribute, most typically, to prejudices and stereotypes among some groups. The paper examines stereotypes based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, disability, and various other factors.
From the Paper
"Recent psychology and management research suggests, moreover, that while diverse skills and abilities may in fact enhance group or team performance, demographic diversity (e.g., differences among team or group members in language; cultural; referential; or social background) may in fact detract from it (Knight, Pearce, Smith, Olian , Sims , Smith & Flood, 1999; Jackson, 2003; Hamilton, Nickerson, Jackson, & Owan, May 2004). As this research implies, then, people in work situations feel more comfortable and may also be more productive and gel better as a team when working with others they perceive to be more like themselves."
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Chicanas' Resistance, 2007.
An analysis of Mexican-American women's conditions and resistance in the American Southwest.
4,104 words (approx. 16.4 pages), 17 sources, MLA, AU$ 166.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a depiction of the diverse aspects of the Chicanas' experiences as women of color in the United States today, through an exploration of Mexican-American women's conditions and struggles in relation to issues of race, ethnicity, class and gender. The paper discusses acts of domination, such as the cultural representations of Chicanas in America (in media, history, fiction, etc.), the institutional practices that have traditionally been used to reinforce structures of inequalities, the political exploitation and the economic subjugation of women in the labor market.
Table of Contents:
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter Summary
Chapter Two
Preliminary Literature Review
Cultural Representations of Chicanas in America
Institutional Practices that Reinforce Structures of Inequality
Chicanas' Acts of Resistance
Construction a Modern Chicana Identity
Chicana Feminism in a Global Context
Chapter Summary
Chapter Three
Proposed Methodology
From the Paper
"History has shown time and again that when people have been oppressed long enough, they will rise up and slay their oppressors. Although the Chicana resistance did not reached this level in the past, it would seem that this population is at a distinct disadvantage in attempting to prosecute any meaningful reform because mainstream Americans simply do not want to hear about them, and if they do, the government has managed to place a sinister "spin" on these activities. According to Urrieta (2004), the Mexican American community has always been active seeking improvements in the educational conditions of their children, including the successful litigation of court cases against segregation a decade prior to Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. During this early period of Chicana movimientos in the 1960s, an estimated 10,000 Chicana/o students walked out of classes on March 3, 1968 in East Los Angeles to protest the unequal nature of their schooling (Urrieta, 2004)."
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Cultural Racism, 2007.
An analysis of the factors required to develop racial identity and prevent cultural racism.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of cultural racism and the reasons that it is so prevalent in society. The paper discusses a book called "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting in the Back of the Cafeteria" by Beverley Tatum, in which she discusses many of these issues. It presents five stages of racial identity development: pre-encounter, encounter stage, immersion/emersion, internalization and internalization/commitment. The paper concludes that Tatum suggests that change is needed to improve the problem of cultural racism.
From the Paper
"It is not easy talking to teachers who are white or of color about racism and prejudice. It is a sensitive subject that people are not used to talking about. All our lives we are told not to talk about differences, so we have to retrain ourselves. For example, when I was child and asked my parents about another child who was a different color than me, it was quickly passed over and not discussed. I don't think that most people are purposely racist. They are just unsure of how to proceed to discuss such a sensitive topic. Most of the white people I talk to either have not thought about their race and so don't feel anything or have thought about it and felt guilt and shame."
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Gender in Asian-American Literature, 2006.
A review of John Okada's 'No No Boy', Jhumpa Lahiri's 'The Namesake' and Nina Revoyr's 'Southland', focusing on the issue of gender portrayal.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews three pieces of Asian-American literature, analyzing the portrayal of gender in these novels. The three works the paper reviews are John Okada's 'No No Boy', Jhumpa Lahiri's 'The Namesake' and Nina Revoyr's 'Southland'. The paper discusses how these books do much to provide information on the Asian-American ethnic identity but, as with any other fiction, they present the authors' subjective points of view and readers must be alert to their ethnic authenticity and transnational analytic limitations.
From the Paper
"On the one hand Ma rejects western culture for herself and her children, but Ichiro is still drawn by American culture and disregards most of Ma's nationalistic beliefs. She is unwilling to accept his rejection and pretends it is due to his illness: "We will talk later when you are feeling better... Think more deeply and your doubts will disappear. You are my son, Ichiro" (Okada 15). Ichiro sees that "Ma is the rock that's always hammering, pounding, pounding, pounding in her unobtrusive, determined, fanatical way until there's nothing left to call one's self. She's cursed me with her meanness and the hatred that you cannot see but which is always hating..."(Okada 12). Yet, on the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Yamada came to the U.S. to give their sons the opportunity to have an American education "which would make them better men in Japan" (205). "
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Totem Poles, 2007.
A discussion on totem poles as a spiritual form of ethnic art.
2,319 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
This paper researches and writes about the building of totem poles as a spiritual, multicultural art form. Specifically, it looks at the recent totem poles carved by Jewell Praying Wolf James from the Lummi Native American Nation. It also discusses the tradition of totem poles and how their use and meaning may have changed in Native-American culture from the late 18th century to present day.
From the Paper
"Despite the long and important tradition of totems and the celebrations relating to them (called potlashes), they have experienced great challenges and setbacks in the past centuries. In Canada, the Indian Act of 1876 made potlatching and other Native customs illegal. Many consider that the Indian Act destroyed tribal life in Canadian Native Americans, and it certainly had an impact of native culture and art; totem poles and other art was destroyed or confiscated, and people violating the laws were imprisoned or fined heavily. In both Canada and the United States, the abuse of Native Americans and their lack of rights under the American and Canadian governments resulted in mass export of their art, if it was not destroyed (Malin 167-68). "
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The Islamic Revolution of 1979, 2006.
A review of the history and impact of the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a detailed exploration of the Islamic revolution of 1979 in Iran. The paper reviews and examines the events leading up to the revolution, discusses the revolution and analyzes the impact it has had on Iran to date. The paper concludes with a theory regarding the dangers of replacing an unpopular leader.
Outline:
Introduction
Before the Revolution
Then and Now
The Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On January 16, 1979 the Prime Minister demanded that the Shah leave his post of power and step aside for a new regime.
The Shah faced with the growing anger against him and fearing a violent confrontation did as he was told. While it was not an official violent and forcible overthrow of his regime it has been viewed by many as an overthrow as he believed he had no choice but to vacate as ordered or face a violent confrontation.
Once this happened Imam Khomeini was immediately asked to return from years of exile and take the lead of the nation. He was asked to create a Vatican like state. He was also called to help preserve the constitution which was at risk immediately following the revolution. In addition, he was asked to promise free elections to the people so that they would be able to have a voice in who and how their government would be run in the future(Iran's Revolution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution).
He ignored those requests, even from the very people who assisted in exiling the Shah and returning him to power, and instead chose to institute an interim government of his own that he chose and handpicked. "
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Globalization and Culture, 2007.
This paper examines globalization and the influences cultures have on each other.
2,329 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
The paper illustrates how the impact of globalization on individual cultures is most apparent at the personal level of each nation's citizens and is becoming more visible with the globalization of business. The paper describes how cultures impact and are constantly being impacted by globalization. The paper emphasizes the reciprocal effects of one culture on another. The paper illustrates its thesis through case studies, empirical evidence, secondary research and primary research from interviews with people who attempted to assimilate into cultures radically different than their own.
Outline:
Summary
Westernization in India: Call Center Training in Bangalore
Cultural Bias with a Sense of Urgency: Meet Silvio Napoli
Key Findings on Globalization and Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The fact that businesses are now more global than ever is acting as a catalyst to push people together from widely varying cultures in the pursuit of business strategies and initiatives. To claim, however, that the globalization of business is forcing a westernization of the world's less prosperous nations is erroneous; in fact, the opposite is occurring. Workers in these third world nations want the same level of personalized, tailored products and services as they see in the world's wealthiest nations, only tailored to their religious and cultural beliefs, which are quite different from westernized nations."
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Exploding the Myth of Race, 2007.
This paper examines the ideas presented in "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Joseph L. Graves.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the biological anthropologist Joseph L. Graves' suggestion that race is a culturally and socially constructed idea, not a biological fact. The paper identifies how he takes contention with many of the assumptions of the modern scientific community in the fields of medicine and anthropology; he maintains that blood groups or genetic diseases are not exclusive to confined racial groups. Graves makes a persuasive case that human beings must look beyond artificially constructed racial barriers - both laypersons and traditional medical researchers. The paper concludes that culture is a more powerful influence upon individual human health than the genetic and biological legacy that we all, as members of homo sapiens, commonly share.
From the Paper
"Sickle cell anemia, a disease associated with African Americans, is actually a genetic mutation that protects against malaria found primarily in individuals of West African ancestry. The supposed 'Black' race does not manifest the genetic trait of sickle cell across the entire African continent sparing the geographical expanse from Ethiopia to Cape Town. To further confuse racial categories of Blackness, sickle cell anemia is present in European Mediterranean ethnic groups, in a slightly different form, even though these persons might not share such conventional physical markers of race in terms of their physical appearance."
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Globalization and Culture, 2007.
This paper looks at different cultures that are brought together due to globalization.
1,437 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that commerce and business are pushing people from different cultures together much more rapidly on a global scale than has ever been true in the past, and this is just accentuating culture shock. Throughout this assessment, two contrasting examples are provided. The writer first discusses Indian call center employees learning Western dialects and diction to be more accepted. Then the writer examines the story of Silvio Napoli and looks at his many challenges in trying to fit into the Indian approach to doing business. The writer notes these two examples are very topical given the current focus on India. Finally, lessons learned and a short series of observations are provided.
From the Paper
"Taking from example one of the many stories in The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman notes that call center employees in India are taking voice training and diction courses to deliberately sound more westernized to inbound callers from the U.S., U.K., Canada and other English-speaking nations. Experiences of call center representatives who have gone through this training indicate that higher levels of customer satisfaction are achieved and less derogatory comments made about outsourcing in general occur when callers think they are more westernized. Just one of many examples of the dynamics of the Indian culture being influenced by western values and cultural norms, the ongoing training of Indians to sound more like westerners casts an unflattering light on the entire aspect of globalization. The elimination of regional differences in culture to "fit in" globally also highlights how strong ethnocentric behavior influences others, even half a world away, in a matter of minutes on a telephone call. This reaction to the world shrinking in terms of who each of us interact with every day to get things done personally and professionally is driving changes in behavior no government, organization or company can dictate."
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The Consequences of Popular Culture, 2007.
An analysis of the effects that popular culture, particularly the media, has on influencing people's views.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper investigates the effect that popular culture in America has had on attitudes, in terms of concepts of wealth and power. The paper focuses on the visual media, with special attention given to the film and advertising industry. The central point that this paper makes is that the modern media can distort values and the truth through the creation of popular culture.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Influence Of Popular Culture: The Visual Media And Advertising
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The central point that this paper wishes to make is that the modern media can distort values and the "truth" through the creation of popular culture. On the one hand the idea of freedom and material success are relatively positive aspects within the message of democracy in popular culture; but on the other hand it also leads to expectation and unrealistic views of life. This aspect is even more serious when American popular culture is exported to other counties where the images of wealth and power can even be less realistic and can create psychological and social confusion."
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The Historical Importance of Water, 2007.
An examination of early civilizations and their dependence on water sources.
1,348 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper examines water's importance in the history of the world, which can be clearly seen in early civilizations and their dependence upon the availability and location of water. The paper explores how early societies structured their city life, agricultural practices, sanitary systems, and even politics around their sources and uses of water. The paper further examines how the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Hebrews, and the Phoenicians are all examples of "hydraulic" civilizations to varying degrees. The paper concludes that the importance of water can be clearly seen through the locations and achievements of early civilizations.
From the Paper
"An interesting difference between the hydraulic civilizations of India and the hydraulic civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia is the absence of powerful kings and rulers. Whereas the kings and pharaohs of the other societies oversaw the creation of the hydraulic system and forced labor into the construction and maintenance of it, "it is very difficult to square this hypothesis with what is known about the Indus civilization. There is no evidence of kings, slaves, or forced mobilization of labor" (crystalinks)."
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Islam and the Slave Trade, 2007.
This paper discusses the role of Islam in the African slave trade.
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 127.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the topic of slavery in the Islamic world with the intention of showing that, contrary to some popular myths, the slave trade was not a European invention but that there was already a well established industry in this regard prior to European colonization. In this article, the writer relates the contention made in many articles and studies, that the fact of slavery in the Islamic world has not received the same moral criticism and censure as the better known slavery in the European world. Furthermore, the writer notes that scholars also state that not only did Muslim slavery predate European slavery in Africa, but it has also been more resistant to abolition than European slavery; and in some instances the claim is made that the Islamic slave trade provided the model and motivation for slavery for other cultures and nations.
Outline:
Introduction
Evidence of the Pre-Colonial Islamic Slave Trade
The Characteristics of Slavery in Islam
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"The fact of Islamic slavery is further substantiated by the attitude towards slavery from the tenets of the Islamic faith. In Islam and the Koran there is a general acceptance of slavery as part of social life. However this fact should come as no surprise, as slavery is one of human societies most endemic and ancient institutions; and a defense of slavery can, for example, be found in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as a basic feature of human civilization. Neither were the Islamic nations the first to enslave Africans. Before them the Egyptians enslaved Africans on a large and systematic scale."
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