Abstract In this paper, the film, "American History X", is analyzed to provide a clear perspective on the formation of biased ideas. Covering different manifestations of political socialization, the concept of resocialization and the behavior associated with these characters, one can see how people can be driven to these beliefs. Comparisons with several sociological texts on indoctrination and resocialization are provided.
From the Paper "Cameron Alexander could be considered the major persuasive element in American History X. He does a good job of being a "credible communicator", which according to Myers "is someone the audience perceives as credible and trustworthy" (Myers 2004, pg. 164). Cameron is a middle-aged propagandist who seeks to recruit Caucasians disillusioned by how other races are supposedly taking over America and adopts them into his "family", which makes it easy for Derek and Danny to look upon him as a father figure."
Abstract This paper argues that the death penalty should be abolished. The paper asserts that the death penalty is spurious, often based on socioeconomic or other factors irrelevant to the severity of the crime itself, and employed in a racist fashion.
From the Paper "The death penalty is an arbitrary institution that is employed for a series of reasons that are unrelated to the crimes committed by actual persons (assuming, of course, that those sentenced to the death penalty are even guilty of the crimes that they have committed). Indeed, the death penalty is employed differently depending upon the race, gender, and wealth of accused person. These criteria are unacceptable for use in determining outcomes that will result in imminent death for accused persons. The death penalty, since it is influenced by these factors is used arbitrarily and must be stopped."
Abstract This paper examines how Frederick Douglass's book, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass", is a tremendous piece of literature because it not only reveals the terrible conditions of slavery, but also reveals the strength of the human spirit despite circumstances. It discusses how the novel is important because it describes the transformation from a slave to a free man, overcoming oppression and replacing it with freedom. It looks at how Douglass had to adapt to slavery in order to survive, as well as examining his efforts to resist the chains that bound him.
From the Paper "Douglass introduces us to the first hindrances of his slave experience--lack of knowledge. We are shown how Douglass had to adapt to slavery simply by not knowing certain things. For instance, he tells us that he has "no accurate knowledge of his age" and he was not able to ask his master about it. (47) Slaves also learned to survive on the most meager "allowances" consisting of eight pounds of pork and a bushel of corn for a month, as well as two shirts, one pair of trousers, one pair of socks, and one pair of shoes for a year. (54) Another example of how Douglass adapted to slavery is his statement of how slaves almost always said they were "contented" with their masters because the penalty for telling the truth was being transferred away from family and friends."
Abstract This paper looks at the origins of affirmative action, considers the pivotal role that the Warren Court ruling on Brown vs. Board of Education played in affirmative action policies, and highlights their purpose. The paper, while recognizing the need for affirmative action and expressing an overall positive opinion of the concept, also details some of the negative consequences of affirmative action programs, mistakes made in their implementation, and suggests a need to revitalize present affirmative action programs.
From the Paper "Affirmative action statutes have in recent years been struck down in a number of parts of the country. Despite this fact, affirmative action remains important in this nation and the premise behind it ? that all Americans should be given an equal opportunity to succeed, especially in some arenas such as school and the workplace ? remains even more important, especially in the area of education. Much of the social, political and economic progress that African-Americans have been able to make in the second half of the 20th century came about as the result of legal and social challenges to the second-class education that they had been receiving. Without a continuing, firm commitment to providing equal education opportunities to all children, the continuing differences that exist among different groups of Americans as defined by race (including everything from average salary to expected lifespan) will never disappear."
Abstract This paper examines Rebecca Walker's book, "Black, White, and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self", and its message of a fragmented sense of self. The paper looks at how Walker blames her inability to form a stable and permanent sense of self on her parents' liberal parenting style and multi-racial heritage and then discusses Walker's self-analysis regarding her feelings of alienation. The paper concludes with comments on both the strengths and the weaknesses of the book.
From the Paper "Rebecca Walker's memoir Black, White, and Jewish, is subtitled ?Autobiography of a Shifting Self.? Walker argues that because of the multi-racial and multi-ethnic identity, conferred by her parents and societal perceptions of race, she can never have a stable sense of identity or self. To demonstrate this, Walker uses not only the emotional devices of memoir, but also logical, sociological arguments in regards to her racial identity and ethical arguments about her parent's liberal parenting styles to establish her credibility as an author. Walker argues that her multiracial heritage, constant shifting of homes, and the liberal parenting style she received caused her current shifting and fragmented sense of self."
Abstract Richard Wright was one of the most controversial writers of his time. He wrote about life as an African American man. The paper explains how, in many cases, Wright sought to teach white America a lesson about blacks through his novels and short stories. The writer points out that Wright's most popular work was the novel, "Native Son"; however. he also wrote several short stories. Among these was the story, "Big Black Good Man", published in 1958. This paper examines the themes that are used throughout the story. The discussion examines the location, time of year, and how the story reflected the racial and ethnic composition of the main characters.
From the Paper "Throughout the story Wright uses humor to set the tone and to develop the characters. One of the main characters in the story is Olaf Jenson, a white Danish night clerk of a boarding house. The other main character is Jim, a black Sailor from the United States. The story takes place during the summer and the location of the story is Copenhagen. All of the scenes in the story take place at night as the sailor and the clerk interact."
Abstract This paper discusses the theory suggested by James Oakes regarding the motives of slaveholders in early American history and the underlying social and economic conditions largely related to these motives. The paper summarizes Oakes's theory, which holds that the South fought to maintain the institution of slavery because of the social relationships it symbolized, and the perception that it was an economic necessity.
From the Paper "The immigrants to the colonies had a deep and driving need to prove themselves as men. Their status among their peers was contingent upon their economic success and that was, to a great degree, derived from the ownership of slaves. Owning slaves was a mark of accomplishment that set the man as master as well as owner. To own a slave was the primary goal of many, if not most, of the immigrants (THE RULING RACE, p. 42). Slaveholding was a status symbol that allowed members of the lower class to rise to the level of a "gentleman". Owning a slave became a symbol of manly courage as well as social class. The social system in which the slaveholder lived demanded that they maintain their status through the ownership of slaves. Their reputations as "gentlemen" were at stake should slavery be abolished."
Abstract This paper debates whether interracial relationships and, ultimately, marriages, erode cultural traditions and whether they cause a breakdown in racial solidarity. It looks at how interracial dating and marrying continues to increase as more and more individuals of once homogeneous communities are turning to an integrated way of life and accepting the idea that it is inside what counts. It also explores the reasons why family and friends tend to oppose interracial dating and discusses whether an interracial home life is harmful to a child.
From the Paper "Keeping black men and white women apart was the main purpose of Jim Crow. Gunnar Myrdal's landmark 1944 study found that Southern whites generally grasped that keeping blacks down also retarded their own economic progress, but whites felt that was the price they had to pay to make black men less attractive to white women. To the extent that white racism persists, it should limit the proportion of black-man/white-woman couples. Since these inequalities in interracial marriage are so
contrary to conventional expectations, what causes them? The mass media has preferred to ignore husband - wife disproportions entirely."
Abstract Jackie Robinson became the first black person to enter major league baseball in 1947 when he became a Brooklyn Dodger. This paper discusses Robinson's effect on major league baseball. The discussion covers the league before, during, and after his playing time. The essay also focuses on the effects that entering the league had on him and his life before, during, and after his playing time in the majors.
From the Paper "During the time that Robinson played in the league he was the target of racial slurs and threats against his life. (Prince 1997) Historians have asserted that his teammates always presented a united front in public, although there was a great deal of racial tension behind the scenes. (Prince 1997) During the time that Robinson was in the leagues there were also other blacks added to the rosters of other major league teams. (Prince 1997)"
Abstract This paper discusses the life of Anne Moody, an African-American civil rights activist who left her home town and family determined to take part in protests and sit-ins in America's turbulent South in the 1960s. The paper uses quotes from Moody's autobiography, "Coming of Age in Mississippi", to show her determination, as well as her anger against both blacks and whites involved in the struggle.
From the Paper "She struck out on her own, recognizing that it was time help in the fight against injustice. She worked diligently as a civil rights activist with the Congress of Racial Equality and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She also spoke and participated in civil rights activities such as the Woolworth's luncheon sit-in. At times, including when working to support voter registration, she was fearful for her life. Activists were being killed, and Moody's name was on a Ku Klux Klan black list."
Abstract "Riverdance" is arguably Irish step-dancing at its best. This paper shows that it is, however, as much a stepchild of African-American tap dance as it is of the eons-long Celtic heritage. In fact, without the renaissance of African-American tap dancing between the 1960s and 1980s, it is unlikely "Riverdance" would ever have happened. African-American tap dancing, then, is at least the godparent of today's most popular dance show and a true foundation of what might be called World Dance, just as African-American music can be argued to be a strong basis for World Beat. This paper outlines the seminal events and essential figures that led directly from African-American tap dancing to "Riverdance". The method used to demonstrate the probability that "Riverdance" could not have been created were it not for African-American tap dance is to draw parallels and elucidate convergences between the ancient Irish step-dance and the African-American tap dance forms.
From the Paper "The event that began to put African American dancers back in the public eye was the Civil Rights act of 1964. 39 After that, the African American performer was not considered just an entertainer, but an artist, a full-fledged member of the mainstream of dance. 40 Although modern ballet artist Alvin Ailey was becoming famous, there was renewed interest in Master Juba, long deceased, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who had done a "stair dance" on film with Shirley Temple in the Depression; black dancers from the 1930s and 1940s were overcoming the pejorative aspects of the old minstrel show and coming back as highly sought-after dance artists.41 "
Abstract This paper analyzes the main character, Vyry, in Margaret Walker's novel "Jubilee". The paper summarizes the first, second, and third sections of the novel and describes Walker's portrayal of Vyry, the illegitimate daughter of a plantation owner and his black mistress, as a woman with innate intelligence and strength, which helps her to both survive and flourish. The paper concludes that "Jubilee" is the story of the triumph of Vyry's free spirit over the racism of the South.
From the Paper "Vyry survives and flourishes, despite the enormity of the difficulties that lie in front of her. In the course of her lifetime, Vyry must deal with the reality of slavery, the death of her mother, the sale of her close friends and family, and even the challenges of war and resettlement. Vyry faces brutal racism in the violence of the Klu Klux Kan, as well as in the attitudes and actions of the white plantation owners and larger white society. She must also maneuver the minefields of first love and the joy and sorrow of family as a black woman in the South at the time of the Civil War."
Abstract This paper argues that, often times, poetry seems to be an author's way of forcing a reader into wrestling with some deep insight, which could be stated in a few words, but is hidden under layers of rhyme and formal structure. Luckily, the best poetry is capable of giving us some bit of truth that we may not have otherwise considered an at the same time, helping us to experience something of the author's life. The paper shows that the poem, "Theme for English B," by Langston Hughes, is an excellent example of poetry that conveys a bigger idea than its few lines would seem to contain by capturing a piece of the author.
From the Paper "The speaker and the author in this poem are distinctly different. The speaker is a twenty-two year old college student, while the author at this point is a forty-seven year old accomplished writer and teacher. Hughes uses the persona of the speaker as a way to look inside himself and express his feelings. The idea of race is very important to the speaker, who worries that his differences will color all that he does. Hughes writes, "I guess being colored doesn't make me not like/ the same things other folks like who are other races/ So will my page be colored that I write?/ Being me, it will not be white" (25-28). While the speaker is concerned with his race being a factor in what he writes, it is the author's voice showing through to give us an idea of his worries about his own image as a writer."
Abstract This paper examines how the stories "Quicksand" and "Passing" illustrate the profound pressures felt by Nella Larsen as a female writer in the male dominated Harlem Renaissance. It looks at how Larsen grapples with the conflicting demands of her racial and sexual identities and the contradictory nature of a black and feminine aesthetic. It attempts to show that while Larsen's literature appears to project feminist concessions to the dominant ideology of romance, marriage and motherhood, it can equally be interpreted as a radical and original critique of female sexual experience, repressed in both literary terms and in Larsen's own contemporary society.
From the Paper "The theme of racial identity is central to the exploration of black womanhood in both 'Quicksand' and 'Passing.' The main protagonist of 'Quciksand,' Helga Crane is portrayed by Larsen to suffer from a dual consciousness arising from her mixed parentage. Helga appears indifferent or even accommodating towards white racism as she accepts her uncle's new wife's racist attitudes, believing that she was 'an obscene sore in all their lives, at all costs to be hidden. She understood while she resented.' Helga is also ambivalent regarding Anne's ongoing racism towards whites in the form of sociological critique, and the condemnation of miscegenation."
Abstract This paper examines the history of equal employment opportunity and how it impacts human resource management today. Human resources managers must be aware of the how the EEO laws affect employees, potential employees, and retiring employees. This is because these eight Equal Employment Opportunity laws impact several areas of human resources management, including compensation, employee selection, opportunities for training and promotion, performance appraisal, and retirement.
From the Paper "Another area of human resource management concerned with EEO laws is the area of promotion and job training opportunities. The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 is one law that targets 20% of all discrimination charges, which happen to fall into the category of age related discrimination. Age related discrimination tends to occur often when decisions are being made about additional job training, funding for continuing education, and downsizing through "early retirement" programs (Bohlander, 56). Other elderly people are looked over for hire or promotion because they are considered too old and un-hip to promote. Casual remarks that express ageist attitudes can easily be used to build cases of discrimination based on age (Bohlander, 56)."
