| Papers [1-16] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "HISTORY RELIGION BIAS": |
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History of Religion and Bias, 2007.
A discussion of religious studies and the problem of researcher bias.
1,101 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the problems associated with researcher bias when the history of religion is studied at an academic level. The author further explores how religion is studied within a Western academic paradigm and its implications for understanding non-Western cultures. Islam is used as an example of a subject that may require a new approach. The author concludes that minimizing bias therefore remains a core challenge for the historian of religion. To achieve this, historians must exercise responsible scholarship by clearly defining terms at the outset of their research, adopting a lexicon and semantic framework relevant for the study, and by acknowledging and expressing the ideological standpoint from which the research is conducted.
From the Paper
"Tapper (1995) points out that the anthropology of Islam presumes a Western perspective, rooted in an "application of the methods of cultural/social anthropology to the study of Islam as a world religion," (p. 185). Breaking down this statement makes apparent the challenges to the historian of religion. The history of religion or of any particular religion, like the anthropology of religion, attempts to be scientific in its approach in order to be accepted into the canon of Western academic literature. Thus, the "application of the methods of cultural/social anthropology" infers the application of accepted methodologies, which may include participant/observation in the field of anthropology as Tapper (1995) points out. Historians' methods differ, favoring instead the examination of artifacts or explication of validated primary source texts. Already the historian of religion has a problem, for what constitutes an "artifact" or a "primary source" depends on several intervening factors. Interpretation of historical texts can be especially problematic because not all texts can or should be taken literally; many of the allegories or metaphors within them have lost their original meaning over time; and linguistic or cultural barriers may prevent a complete understanding of the value, import, or impact of those texts on the people under scrutiny. Varisco's (1995) exploration of the tribal lineage of Muhammad emphasizes the importance of adopting the frame of reference most conducive to unbiased understanding. The term "tribe" connotes different things for Muslim and non-Muslim people, and the only way to effectively understand Muslim social structure is to grapple with the Muslim meaning of tribe."
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Sexual Bias in Religion, 2002.
A look at the literature of three main religions in order to understand the root of their sexual bias.
1,756 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the literature of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in order to determine where their ideas of sexual bias originate. The stories examined are the story of Creation in the Old Testament, the story of Job, several stories in the Christian Gospel and the Koran's ?Book of Women? .
From the Paper
"The three dominant religions in the west; Judaism, Christianity and Islam, have always been noted for exhibiting a form of sexism. As most societies are patriarchal rather than matriarchal, most don?t find this to be uncommon; ancient Chinese and Indian civilizations were no less sexist. Although evidence exists that many matriarchal societies predated Judaism, our only record of them is that which has been uncovered by archeologists, in addition to vestiges of these ideas, which are to be found in the Catholic exaltation of Mary. However, to determine the exact nature of sexual biases in the major religions, we must look to their holy works as these serve as a basis for the religions. "
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Racial Bias in Civil War History, 2006.
This paper looks at the racial bias present in American Civil War history.
1,992 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 92.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that American history has been written in the spirit of white patronage. The writer maintains that certain facts about this country's history have been conveniently forgotten in order to emphasize the glory and righteousness of the white man and the helplessness and in-consequence of the black man. While this may be an unconsciously made decision, it is a decision that has been made nonetheless. The writer points out that in no single event is this idea of white dominance more clear than in the popular mythology surrounding the Civil War. The writer notes that there is no mention in this country's popular history of the North's profit off of slavery during the 1860s, or the region's ambivalence toward newly freed slaves. Further, the writer points out that there is certainly little or no mention of the thousands of black men who served in the Union army, or of the poor treatment that they received at the hands of white officers. The writer concludes that by whitewashing history, by denying blacks their proper place in history, the textbooks and teachers of this and previous eras are teaching the in-consequence of those blacks in their own history.
From the Paper
"A huge and enduring misconception of the Civil War period is that the evil slave traders stayed in the South while the North sounded the call of freedom. It was in fact the northern colonies that would introduce African slaves to the colonies, and it was also the northern colonies that would continue to supply the South with slaves until the Civil War. Until well past the Revolutionary War, up to 10% of New England's population was made up of slaves. After it was decided by most northern colonies to abolish the practice, they did so in a gradual fashion, freeing the children that would be born to their slaves, but not the parents of those children. Long after this process of gradual liberation was completed, the North still reaped large profits from the slave trade, in the form of their ships. Up until the Civil War ended, 35,000 trips were made to bring slaves to the Americas, and although Northern complicity often existed only so far as stock ownership was concerned, it still existed. It was only after the Civil War was finished that the North decided to forget it's unfortunate history, and it is this collective amnesia that has been passed down to this day."
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"The People's History of the U.S." by Howard Zinn, 1994.
A review of the work attempting to correct ethnocentric biases of earlier histories of the U.S.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, AU$ 57.95
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From the Paper
"Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States is an attempt to redress imbalances and ethnocentrism embodied in earlier historical accounts of the history of the United States. He examines first the ways in which American history has been written, some of the biases that have been displayed in such writing, and then sets out to offer a different point of view with a historiography that avoids the problems of the past and provides an alternative assessment of how this country developed, one not steeped in patriotic fervor and racial and ethnic prejudices.
Zinn finds that history in the past has been written as if all those who read history have common interests which the historian is dedicated to serving. He says historians are not being intentionally deceptive, though clearly he does feel that..."
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Historical Minutes of Canadian History, 2006.
This paper discusses Canadian history as a mixture of entertainment, information and biased political rhetoric.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer looks at the Historical Minutes, sixty five short films which recreate key moments and persons in Canadian history. The writer describes that these films are defined by a proud, intensely nationalistic viewpoint and delivered in a glossy theatrical sheen reminiscent of a Hollywood film. The writer points out that though the Minutes are divided into different sections, the majority of the content is political in nature with an emphasis on the growth of democratic Canada, the unification of Canada as a nation, and its struggle against the bonds of the Commonwealth and the typical struggles all democratic nations undergo in achieving political freedom and equanimity.
From the Paper
"Canadian Symbols assemble a somewhat disconnected bunch of people and events, the most obvious and relevant being that of the Canadian Flag and its identity. (Several segments expanding on the history of the Flag and the players involved may have provided more relevant and interesting history than some of the other Canadian Symbol features, such as British actor Pierce Brosnan playing the first Englishman to apparently be inducted into the Red Indians). The Commerce pieces cover mostly uninteresting territory, attempting to connect with modern viewers by reference to such icons as the Bell network and the word "Cineplex"."
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History Remembered, 2007.
This paper argues, based on literary examples, that history is subjective because humans are imperfect and cannot relate history objectively.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although historical facts are supposed to be objective, historical remembrances are based on emotion and are equivocal and biased due to the varying viewpoints and the prejudices of the time. The author reviews, from this perspective, (1) Edward Ball's "Slaves in the Family", an investigation of his family's history as slave owners in South Carolina, (2) Tim O'Brien's novel "The Things They Carried", a glimpse into the world of the Vietnam War and the "truths" of its vulgarity, and (3) Sherman Alexie's "The Case of Thomas Builds-the-Fire", about the 1858 murder trial of Builds-the-Fire, who is accused of killing Colonel Steptoe. The paper concludes that it is difficult to try to rationalize and analyze past wars and terrible events because they are bound by prejudices, cultural taboos, misconceptions and madness.
From the Paper
"The Civil War was not so long ago, but its legacy still affects us; its stories are the notions of times gone, yet they are as true as the feeling they incite. A collection of interviews and document analysis is the basis for the factual book, "Slaves in the Family" by Edward Ball. Ball investigates his family's history as slave owners in South Carolina. South Carolina was the leader of inducing civil war when it seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. Edward Ball is the great-grand son of Isaac, the Confederate ..., who obviously fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War."
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Should Her Story be History?, 2006.
This paper examines the lack of female historians, as well as women's accomplishments and contributions documented throughout history, in a primarily male dominated field.
1,145 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper ponders the argument that the secondary characteristics of a historian has more impact on his or her writing, than gender alone. The writer contends that these secondary characteristics, such as race, socio-economic status, religious and political affiliations are what determine a writer's personal beliefs and biases. This paper explores the contributions of Sarah Bolton, one of America's leading feminist historians, who brought women in history to the forefront. Bolton's writings of history openly advocated the role of women in history and the change in social norms. The writer of this paper contends and explains that historians generally have agendas and that their writings are used to further these agendas. The writer also asserts that if history is written only by men, it is logical to assume that women's contributions to historical events will be lacking. The same holds true for history written by only one particular race.
From the Paper
"Take, for example, the different perspectives that could be taken by two writers, both women, about women being granted access to higher education in the 20th Century. The first woman writer is a member of the middle-class, and she and her husband both have to work in order to keep their family in the middle class. That historian may begin her history with women getting equal access to higher education, which led to more women entering the workforce in higher-paying jobs. In addition, that historian could accurately show that, traditionally, as women have entered an occupation, it has become devalued by society, and the members of the occupation have then suffered a relative decline in pay. As a result, the historian could conclude that women's access to higher education has led to a society of families that cannot maintain a middle-class lifestyle without two incomes."
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Edmund Hallet Carr?s "What is History?", 2002.
A critical review of this work, with respect to the meaning and purpose of history.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the work ?What is History?, by Edmund Hallet Carr. It looks at how the work redefines the way historical facts are understood and the importance of context in the interpretation of historical facts. It looks at the importance of a historian having an awareness of the time-frame a historical work was written in, the objectives of the writer at that time and his/her own society-based biases. The paper then brings in Cronon?s ?A place for stories: nature, history, and narrative? and Linda Alcoff?s ?The problem of speaking for others?, as examples of how Carr?s ideas have been used by other historians writing on the meaning of history.
From the Paper
"Edmund Hallet Carr?s book, What is History?, was first published in 1961 and had a major impact on the understanding of history. Reading this book over 40 years later, it still has the same impact, creating a change in the way history is viewed and understood. The lasting impact of Carr?s concepts can also be seen by the way they are still applicable to modern ideas on the meaning and purpose of history."
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Historiography - Oral History, 2002.
This paper describes the role of oral sources in accurately recording history.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper begins with a comprehensive definition of oral history (archival tapes). It looks at the importance of interview techniques and of a knowledge of the era in question. The establishment of the credibility of the source is dealt with, as is the investigation of personal biases. The verification of the course of events is raised and the place and use of oral history records amongst other historical sources is discussed.
From the Paper
"Recording history with accuracy is a task and responsibility that has daunted man forever. Too often, history committed to text is the product of biases, hearsay and cultural mythology. The outcome is a canon of ideals and impressions based on a potentially convoluted version of the past. These discrepancies make it difficult to appreciate history as anything more than folk legend. Using oral histories to convey ideas and information is particularly useful in avoiding many of these snares."
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History of Abortion, 2006.
A look at the history of abortion in American from a philosophical, political and religious perspective.
1,932 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to provide both a factual background of the history of abortion in America and the reason that the topic of abortion has had such a dramatic influence on American history and politics, while minimizing the effects of personal bias on the topic.
From the Paper
"In early America, only white men could vote and women were considered the legal property of their husbands. While women's rights were largely unprotected during those times, the issue of abortion was not yet controversial. There seem to be a variety of reasons for that. The first reason is that women were in charge of taking care of pregnancy. Women sought out midwives, rather than doctors, for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy. There is little information about the historical numbers of early abortions, but there is anecdotal evidence that midwives did help some women terminate their pregnancies. "At common law, abortion performed before 'quickening' - the first recognizable movement of the fetus in utero, appearing usually from the 16th to the 18th week of pregnancy was not an indictable offense" (Roe v. Wade, 132). In fact, abortion remained legal throughout most of the United States until approximately the 1820s. Even when abortion was considered illegal, the fact that pregnancy could not be verified until a doctor could hear a fetal heartbeat allowed many women to get abortions under the guise of having a doctor bring on their period."
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Herodotus: "The Father of History", 2007.
A critique of "The Histories" by Herodotus.
841 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Herodotus is deserving of the title of "the Father of History and that his "The Histories" pays tremendous attention to accuracy as well as detail. It looks at how "The Histories" sheds a degree of bias that taints most writings of that era and how the topics chosen by Herodotus are vital to the recording of history.
From the Paper
"The wide array of detailed subjects which The Histories of Herodotus cover is reason alone to earn him the title of "the Father of History." While other historians of his time focused purely on war epics and politics, the content of the work of Herodotus proves to be a rare treasure. Indeed, much of his book discussed the wars and politics of the period, but also included is much more. The descriptive geographies of the regions, particularly of Egypt and the Nile, are extraordinary. He included numerous cultural details of society and religion. Intriguing, are the "full and accurate" descriptions of the customs of the Indian tribes which otherwise may have been blotted out of history. ".
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Redefining the History of the British Mandate, 2003.
An analysis of Tom Segev's controversial revisionist history of the British mandate period in pre-state Israel, "One Palestine, Complete".
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This essay evaluates the ways in which Tom Segev challenges the traditionally biased histories of Israel's creation in his book, "One Palestine, Complete". It focuses on the new perspective he offers on the British, Jewish women and Arabs. Additionally, it uses specific excerpts from the book and compares them with the viewpoints of traditional historians.
From the Paper
"Traditional Israeli history is intertwined with Zionist ideology and thus blatantly biased. In One Palestine, Complete Tom Segev dramatically rewrites the history of Palestine under the British Mandate, effectively removing much of the original ideological bias. His controversial reevaluation challenges conventional historical assumptions on many levels, most notably regarding the role of the British. While many Israeli historians downplay the role of the British in developing Israel, Segev emphasizes the British contributions that Zionist ideology wishes to dismiss."
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"History of the English People", 2007.
An examination of how Henry of Huntingdon's 'contempt for the world', affects his presentation of 'kingship' in his book "History of the English People."
1,881 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Henry of Huntingdon's ecclesiastical bias, which is a prominent feature throughout his book "History of the English People", and the origins of this bias. Examples from Henry's book are utilised throughout the paper in order to highlight and illustrate Henry's viewpoints on the vices and virtues of previous kings and notable clergy. Henry's clear advocation of a clear separation of church and state is also analysed.
From the Paper
"However, before we can fully understand how Henry's contempt for the world influenced his views on kingship, we must understand what Henry meant by his contempt for the world, by what it entailed and what he tried to describe and illustrate to the reader of the history as to the events of the time and how he tried to influence the reader of the history along his lines of thought. Henry's phrase 'contempt for the world', essentially refers to the sins of man, which he hopes that the reader will take note of and "learn to hold in contempt, what is contemptible" . Henry at the time of writing this highly religious history believed that the actions of men were directly in touch with the world. Indeed the sins of men were not dissimilar to the cardinal sins of the time or indeed to the sins of man as evoked by Plato in The Republic. "
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Korean History: A Comparison of Accounts, 2008.
This paper evaluates competing written accounts of the status of women in a specific period of Korean history.
2,209 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 99.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the perspective of four different authors on the era dating from approximately 892 until around 1592 on the Korean Peninsula, in order to highlight how biased historical explanation actually is. The paper examines a text published by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in Seoul, Roger Tennant's book "A History of Korea," Martina Deuchler's "The Confucian Transformation of Korea: A Study of Society and Ideology" and Han Hee-sook's journal article "Women's Life during the Choson Dynasty". The paper concludes that Martina Deuchler's book offers the richest analysis and most persuasive historical account of the changing status of Korean women.
Outline:
Introduction
Broadly Comparing Historical Accounts
Complex Accounts of Korean women: Deuchler and Han
Chinyeong
Kyongguk Taejon
Conclusion
From the Paper
"However this project demands a much closer focus in order to be effective as an exercise in historical comparison. Therefore, we will look specifically at the issue of how and why the status of women changed in Korea from Silla times through to early Choson. This examination will not be a simple narrative of the social shifts that impacted the lives of Korean women during this time period. Rather, we will identify different explanations of why that change occurred, and consider different statements about which changes were the most important. It will become clear that various authors bring their own ideological agenda to the telling of history, and that the act of omission constitutes a major tool in shaping the events of the past."
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Tacitus: An Interpretation of Roman History, 2003.
An examination of the writings of Roman historian, Tacitus, focusing on his work, "The Annals of Imperial Rome".
2,935 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the validity of the work of Tacitus in "The Annals of Imperial Rome" and his bias on the government of the Roman Empire. It explains that, as a former official within the imperial regime, Tacitus had a bird's-eye view of the goings-on within the Roman Empire, beginning with the reign of Augustus Caesar; his experience within the Empire, however, influenced his opinions on the history of Rome. Tacitus had a tendency to change the speeches of Roman leaders to enhance his arguments about the effectiveness of leadership within the Roman Empire. This leads to many questions about the nature of his interpretation of Roman history.
From the Paper
"Modern historians constantly grapple with the dilemma of accuracy and objectivity, or the lack of it, in the antiquated documents that their predecessors painstakingly devised for future examination. While many written documents of antiquity do not survive to reveal their obligatory tales, those that do are often miserably translated or fail to elaborate upon the subjects with which modern historians are concerned. However, these invaluable primary sources are, in some cases, the only evidence available of the events occurring during periods that have been obscured by contemporary affairs. The era of the notorious Roman Empire has fallen prey to this occurrence; the remaining documents of this period are few, and some are simply portions of the original works. Tacitus? work, The Annals of Imperial Rome, is especially intriguing since it is one of a few surviving reports chronicling a group of individuals who rule during the early empire. Herein lies the unavoidable question: because his work is one of a scarce group, against what scale may its exactness be measured?"
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National Asian Histories, 2002.
Examines how the writing of Asian history was shaped by the national ideologies and points of views of the countries.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
By including examples from the history of East Asian countries, this essay will explore this issue of how history is shaped by certain forms of value and ideology by showing that the writing of most history is controlled by the view of national history. This essay will show how national history is partly revisionist in the sense that people put national views onto history that it never fully had. In this sense, actual history or the truth of what happened is always difficult to get at and in many ways unattainable, since one has to read and consider history through the veil of bias
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