Abstract The contact zone has been described as a social place where cultures meet, clash and grapple with each other. This occurs when two different cultures with different amounts of power clash. One good example of this is the clash between white and black people, which has been an ongoing struggle from the days of slavery to the present. The paper shows that while this struggle is a difficult one, it should be recognized that there are also benefits to the contact zone. The struggle that occurs allows for growth and for people to come to terms with the world and adjust themselves to it. In "Notes of a Native Son", James Baldwin describes his clash of cultures. An analysis of this work shows the benefits that come from the contact zone. One of the important things shown is that Baldwin is not only clashing with the white society of the time, he is also clashing with the past history of the black person and what it means to be black. The paper shows that through these two struggles, Baldwin is able to integrate himself with his identity as a black person and his place in the society of the time. This awareness and personal growth is a good example of how the contact zone is beneficial. It may cause conflict, as cultures clash, but through dealing with this conflict, cultural growth becomes possible.
From the Paper "Baldwin's struggle against his black culture is only part of the story because he is also struggling against the white culture. In the beginning, he is not even aware that a cultural conflict exists. As he notes, "I knew about the south, of course, and about how southerners treated Negroes and how they expected them to behave, but it never entered my mind that anyone would look at me and expect me to behave that way" (56). Baldwin then becomes aware that he is naive in thinking there is no conflict between whites and blacks. In New Jersey he finally realizes that he is defined by the color of his skin and not welcome in the same places that black people are. His initial reaction is to reject the unspoken rules and go to all the places he knows he is not welcome. This is the beginnings of his realization that he is not considered equal and the start of the sense of anger toward the situation."
Abstract The concept of a fundamental human nature is pervasive in the Great Awakening. Women and African- Americans alike both received a more progressive social standing through the Great Awakening. This paper demonstrates how this process occurred.
Abstract This paper examines the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on the United States, especially in terms of providing a new medium of self- expression for the members of the African American community.
Abstract This paper will discuss Randy Roberts' book, "Papa Jack: Jack Johnson and the Era of White Hopes" and seek to understand this boxer in light of the research that Roberts has done him. By understanding the life of a black boxer in the early years of the sport, we can see how this creative work uncover sthe racism and attitude of the boxing world in the era of Papa Jack.
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 "
