Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss the different leadership styles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Also included, is a discussion of the obstacles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. faced while diagnosing civil rights issues and implementing leadership strategies in the 1960s. The researcher also examines leadership in modern organizations juxtaposed with the Dr. Martin Luther King's leadership.
Tags: african, american, civil, non, protests, rights, violent, visionary
Abstract This paper takes a look at the Jazz Age during the twenties in America and how the music both reflected and inspired great social change. The author discusses the history of Jazz music, how it originated and spread and how it came to express the nature of society.
From the Paper "The Twenties was a crazy time in America. There was crime and violence, illegal alcohol and drugs, and dancing and jazz music. Despite the depression and prohibition, jazz music was able to lift the spirits of Americans and get their knees knocking and their arms flailing. Jazz spread like wildfire through the nation, and taught Americans how to make the best of a "depressing" situation. Some jazz represents the spontaneity and confusion of the decade while the more serious jazz shows the underlying rhythm of the twenties. If one listens to jazz music from the 1920s one can sense the mood of the times, and feel the excitement that jazz brought to the nation."
Harlem Renaissance writer uses the life story of a character named Janie to reveal how non-conformity and independence can be used to overcome social class restrictions and racism.
1,175 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, 2000, $ 40.95
Abstract The paper provides an analysis of the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God", by Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston. The author discusses the central theme of rejection of materialism and societal hierarchies based on class, wealth, race and sex by the incorporation of individualism and non-conformity.
From the Paper "Janie easily leaves her elevated position in the community to begin a new life with Tea Cake. Hurston implies that the pursuit of individual dreams can bring intellectual freedom, an enlightenment that is infinitely more valuable than material wealth. Despite obvious differences in age and social status Janie at last seems to have found true love. ?Janie looked down on him and felt a self-crushing love. So her soul crawled out of its hiding place.?
Tags: authors, black, distinctions, female, independence, non
Abstract This paper examines Rosa Parks and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The author analyzes the consequences of her actions and shows how civil disobedience and the refusal to obey an unjust law, was an effective method of dissenting protest. Included is an examination of the effects of these events upon the Civil Rights Movement.
From the Paper "In 1955, Montgomery, AL had a municipal law that required black citizens to ride in the back of the city's buses. That year, Mrs. Rosa Parks, a forty-two year old seamstress, boarded a city bus and sat in the first row of seats in the black section of the bus. The designated white section of the bus was quickly filled and when more white passengers boarded the bus, the driver ordered Mrs. Parks to give up her seat and move back. She refused, and was arrested. When questioned about her actions, Parks replied, ?When I declined to give up my seat, it was not that day, or bus, in particular. I just wanted to be free like everybody else. I did not want to be continually humiliated over something that I had no control over: the color of my skin.? Her courageous act touched off a 381-day bus boycott led by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helped spark the civil rights revolution that followed."
Abstract This paper explores the social, economic and political reasons for the war as well as the aspect of slavery. The author emphasizes slavery as the main cause and examines how it contributed to political developments.
From the Paper "The Civil War, also known as the War of Abolition, was the war that changed the lives of every American then living, and continues to affect our lives even today. Had the outcome been different, it would have changed the fate of the United States to a nation that prided itself on taking advantage of the rights of others. Over 600,000 US citizens died in this tragedy, all from the United States, in the war that took more American lives than any other war. The United States was founded upon the ideals that all mean are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However, slavery was seen as a necessity in the South, where about one-third of the total population consisted of slaves."
Tags: black, civil, institution, racial, slavery, war
This paper examines how hip hop and in particular rap music gives African Americans on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent.
4,135 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 110.95
Abstract This paper discusses how the musical styles of hip hop and rap create a powerful venue for African Americans to express their feelings regarding politics, racial discrimination and society in general. To compliment the main thesis, this paper includes an in-depth history of the origins of hip hop, analysis of politically significant songs and the effects of mass media on hip hop.
From the Paper "In the United States of America we pride ourselves as being the freest nation in the world. Unfortunately, there are times in our history in which certain groups have been unrightfully deprived of their freedom. This can be said for African-Americans who endured 244 years of slavery and another century of institutionalized racism. As Ralph Ellison has suggested, "Afro-Americans have had rhythmic freedom in place of social freedom, linguistic wealth instead of pecuniary wealth" (West, 1999, p. 474). The late 1970s signaled a new era of rhythmic and linguistic wealth: rap music. Hip hop and in particular rap music gives African Americans on the margins of society a powerful voice to express political discontent, but these messages are being obscured by the violence and sexism in some rap music. While political discontent is expressed through all the elements of hip hop, rap music has become the most powerful, creating a link that transcends location, age, religion, and race."
Abstract This paper closely examines the black civil rights movement in Mississippi through the book "Coming of Age in Mississippi" by Anne Moody. The paper gives great historic detail to events and issues of the 1950s and 60s. It gives biographic details of Anne Moody's courageous life.
From the Paper "African Americans had been struggling for their right for freedom and equality in the United States since the early 1600's and the struggle had undergone a metamorphosis many times. As the times and social attitudes changed so did the strategy of the fight. African Americans adapted to the mood and behavior of the era they were in."
Tags: african, americans, freedom, equality, united, states, america, 1950, 1960, social, injustices, color, racial, civil, rights, movement
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of "A Raisin in the Son" by Larraine Hansberry, the story of a black family's struggle to break out of the poverty that is preventing them from achieving their dreams. Using the components of setting, imagery, and characterization, the theme of man versus society is analyzed and the reader is shown that if you are not careful, becoming obsessed with money can cost you your dreams.
From the Paper "Great care is taken in the presentation of Walter's character, which helps the reader to see how easy it is for him to become obsessed with money and nearly pay for it with the loss of his dreams. In the play, all Walter thinks about and talks about is money. When Walter complains to his wife that she will not listen to him, in exasperation she tells him, "Honey, you never say nothing new" (1875). Walter Younger is thirty-five years old and is a limousine driver. He is unhappy with his job and is desperately seeking an opportunity to improve his home situation and his standing."
From the Paper "In The Promised Land Nicholas Lemann investigates the effects that the great black migration to the northern cities had on American Society. Lemann's purpose in the book is to identify the roots of current problems in urban ghettos, determine why earlier attempts to solve the problems failed, and suggest alternative approaches to America's largest social problem. He believes that any new policies need to be based on a strong grasp of historic social causes, knowledge of past policies' failures and successes, and an understanding of the experiences of the people who took part in the migration and whose lives were part of the development of both the black ghetto and the black middle class after World War II. Lemann's analysis of social policy and the nature of the problem of the black ghettos leads him to the conclusion that the federal government is the only institution..."
Abstract This paper discusses the plight of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam war, as told by the soldiers in their own words. The paper explains that many of them felt they were fighting a war they did not understand, while they were subjected to racism at home. The paper describes how this book changed or confirmed the writer's understanding of war. The ethical questions raised by the book are examined in the paper. Implications of the Vietnam war for our present situation in the Middle East are presented briefly. The paper concludes with the writer's personal evaluation of the book.
From the Paper "The book "Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans"{ Wallace, 1980} is packed with many educative information for those of us too young to understand what happened in South East Asia during the Vietnam war. First of all the book is a collection of 20 war stories from enlisted African American soldiers taking part in the war. Most of the stories in the book show how divided America was about fighting the war. While there were demonstrations in the United States particularly on College campuses, many Americans failed to realize at that time that there were similar divisions among American soldiers in the Vietnam War. The experiences of the African American soldiers were influenced by the racism they experienced at home. According to Terry, the rage among African American soldiers in Vietnam was very high, one black soldier said, that what they been through in the Vietnamese jungles, in addition to their experiences in America is a terrible injustice. Some African American soldiers said they should even go back to America and start another civil war. Some soldiers asked why they should be fighting for prejudice of the Whiteman."
Abstract This is a position paper that explains why reinstating race-based affirmative action is consistent with the intent of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The paper also argues that the society and citizens within need to realize that race-based affirmative action is not about putting burdens on innocent individuals; it is about providing minorities with opportunities. In order to draw the conclusion, the arguments of both advocates and opponents of the affirmative action are presented in such a manner where the advocates? arguments dispute opponents? arguments.
From the Paper "In 1977, Allan Bakke sued the University of California based on the fact that he had been denied to the admission of University of California Davis Medical School due to the fact that the University had reserved a number of spots for minority students ? quota system ? with lower GPA and MCAT scores. He claimed that he deserved to be admitted to the University, but had been denied twice because minority applicants with lower qualification were given advantage and priority based on their races. Ever since the case of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke 1977, the issue of affirmative action ?specifically race-based affirmative action in admissions ? has been the center of a number of debates...."
Tags: allan, bakke, california, davis, of, quota, system, university
Abstract A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper "In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the "land of promise" where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The "American dream" differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one's goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
Abstract This paper focuses on the treatment of African-Americans in television programs spanning decades. Specific shows are discussed (e.g. - "All In The Family", "Sanford & Son"). Conclusions are drawn by the author based on his/her research regarding trends of treatment of African-Americans in mass media.
From the Paper "There is no question that media is a very powerful force in all of our lives. Whether we realize it or not the media is an important factor in molding some of our first opinions as children. That is why it is very important for television to be representing all minorities. Television has not historically done a good job of this. However, it has improved drastically from how things were in the 1950?s. It is also very important that other races are portrayed accurately. If they are portrayed in stereotypical ways, that will be the view that children have before they are old enough to make their own decisions. We need to teach our children about other races in order to live in a world that respects all races."
Explores constitutional issues in racial profiling and discrimination in the wake of 9/11. Examples of profiling are derived from general minority experiences and specifically Arab/Muslim discrimination after 9/11.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 68.95
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of racial profiling. The writer addresses four scenarios and argues for or against their legal and moral foundation based on the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition to the writer's belief regarding each scenario, we are given key elements of the opposition's argument and the writer's rebuttal to that opposition.
From the paper:
"Following the attacks on America September 11, 2001, there were cries for revenge throughout the nation. Anyone who looked Muslim was endangered as Americans took their anger to the streets. Following the attack there were several instances in which pilots refused to fly planes until Muslim looking passengers were removed and angry residents threatened those who looked like one of "them". The initial rage died down and in its place we were given many new security measures that we have been told are for the good of national security. The measures boil down to legalized racial profiling in some cases. Racial profiling is not a new event. It has been around for many years. Racial profiling goes against everything the constitution of this nation stands for; yet in light of the attacks in New York, Americans are less vocal about it then they have been in the past. Now, instead of denouncing all profiling as unconstitutional and wrong, we find ourselves looking at individual profile scenarios and holding them against the constitution to see if we can slide them through. We have entered a new world since the attacks. It is a world in which we are trying to walk a much thinner line between protecting the safety of those who live here and protecting the constitution."
Tags: racism, profiling, 9/11, constitution, Blacks, Arab, Muslim
Abstract This paper discusses the racial issues of adolescent alienation and abuse in Ann Moody's, 'Coming of Age in Mississippi'. The author discusses gender and role issues, the social setting and racial identity through her own experience revealing the painful, personal experiences of rejection or acceptance.
From the paper:
"Moody's writing is a painful autobiography of the strains in the relations that she felt while growing up. The social setting was such that the blacks and whites had separate identities but while the whites had their self respect the blacks were still in the process of realizing what there role really was. This created a tension in the interactions between the two nations that was exacerbated by the racist issues that were prominent in their lives. Further, being black women she was first suppressed due to her gender and then her race. Thus, she shows that as a woman in a black society her role became even more dubious."
