From the Paper "Langston Hughes ? or to give him his full name, James Mercer Langston Hughes, was one of the shining lights of the Harlem Renaissance, itself one of the shining moments of American 20th century history. This paper looks at the works of Hughes within the context of his historical moment and how his poetry helped give voice to perhaps the first truly empowered generation of blacks in the United States.
Born in 1902 in Joplin, Missouri, and educated at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Hughes worked as a seaman, busboy, and teacher in several American cities and abroad. He studied in the Soviet Union and, during the Spanish civil war, was Madrid correspondent for a Baltimore periodical. While no doubt his travels in such differing cultures influenced his philosophy and his perspective, his writing (while always sophisticated)..."
Discusses the legal and social restrictions, historical overview, statistics, impact of integration on interracial marriage, socioeconomics, gender alignments and children of these relationships.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract "Interracial marriage between Black and White Americans does not make up a very large percentage of the total number of marriages in the United States. But the impact of the these marriages on society--as well as on the participants and, especially, their children--is much greater than numbers might suggest.
From the Paper "Interracial marriage between Black and White Americans does not make up a very large percentage of the total number of marriages in the United States. But the impact of the these marriages on society--as well as on the participants and, especially, their children--is much greater than numbers might suggest. The level of racism in America--which is largely responsible for the small number of Black-White marriages in the first place--has declined considerably in recent decades. But racism persists at outrageous levels and the children of interracial marriages will suffer from it no less than the children of African-American families. A discussion of the effects of interracial marriage on children will follow a brief description of the state of interracial marriage in America; including a summary of forces that worked against it in the past,..."
A critical review of the 1976 work on the origins of slavery in the U.S., the role of capitalism, freedom and authority, as well as the Samboization of blacks.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, 1999, $ 47.95
Abstract Stanley M. Elkins, in Slavery: A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life, examines the origins of slavery in the United States, related to freedom and authority, and the creation of what he refers to as the "Sambo" as a type of slave personality.
From the Paper "Stanley M. Elkins, in Slavery: A Problem in American Institutional and Intellectual Life, examines the origins of slavery in the United States, related to freedom and authority, and the creation of what he refers to as the "Sambo" as a type of slave personality. The question of the role of "freedom" in the establishment of the brutal system of American slavery must be qualified. The freedom referred has nothing to do with democratic freedom, and everything to do with the unbridled freedom of capitalism to flourish without regard to the rights or even the humanity of the slaves. The rich, white slaveholders were certainly exercised their own democratic freedom, but the fact that slavery accompanied such freedom must call into question any claim that the United States was indeed democratic while slavery endured. Of course, the freedom of the slaves themselves is also ..."
Abstract The paper begins with a background to the letter and a synopsis of its main points. It looks at the three different audiences that the letter intends to address, explores the tone of authority used by King and discusses the moral and political statements he uses in his defense. The effectiveness of King's appeal to the emotions of his fellow black American countrymen is also dealt with. The paper concludes by investigating the elements of "ethos" (appeals based on validity and character) and the elements of "pathos" (appeals to emotions) contained in the letter.
From the Paper "Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from Birmingham Jail, which was written in April 16, 1963, is a passionate letter that addresses and responds to the issue and criticism that a group of white clergymen had thrown at him and his pro- black American organization about his and his organization's non- violent demonstrative actions against racial prejudice and injustice among black Americans in Birmingham. King writes the letter to defend his organization's actions and the letter is also an appeal to the people, both the white and black American society, the social, political, and religious community, and the whole of American society to encourage desegregation and encourage solidarity and equality among all Americans, with no stratifications according to racial differences.
King's letter from Birmingham Jail addresses the American society, particularly the political and religious community of the American society. Specifically, King's letter addresses three important groups in the American society: the white American political community, white American religious community, and the black American society. King addressed these communities as the primary groups wherein racial segregation is continuously proliferated (the white American political and religious community) and points much of his arguments to and for his fellow black Americans in the society. King's main thesis in writing the Birmingham letter is that, racial segregation, or injustice to the black American society, is due to the continuous encouragement of the white American society, particularly the powerful communities in politics and religions. King defends his primary thesis all throughout the length of his letter, and the arguments that he has made to prove that his thesis is true and valid will be the focus of this rhetorical analysis.
In addressing and confronting the problem of injustices among the black Americans in the American society, particularly the violence that had happened in Birmingham, and generally, the inequality and racial prejudice happening in his American society, King argues his position by using both moral, social, and political references and logic for his arguments to be considered valid and agreeable. The response desired in his letter is agreement and appeal for the part of the white American society to abolish segregation and discontinue the injustices happening to his fellow black Americans, while King appeals to his black American fellowmen for unity and solidarity, which is an essential factor for their cause to be achieved (that is, the prevention and eventual abolishment of racial prejudice, inequality, and injustice."
Abstract This paper plots out how Walter's views on manhood develop and change, including many quotes. Also, a comparison between Mama's definition of a man and Walter's definition - citing the generational gap between the two and how their life experiences effect their perspective about a man's role in the world.
From the Paper "How does one define what it means to be a man? Is there one single step or moment in which a boy moves into manhood, leaving behind his childish ways and moving forward into the maturity of manhood? Many cultures have formal initiations or festivals celebrating a boy's entrance into manhood."
This paper analyzes "Coming Of Age In Mississippi" by Anne Moody about racism and the civil rights movement, focusing on economic, family and social conditions.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, 1990, $ 47.95
From the Paper Racism permeated every aspect of southern life style and thus every part of an Afro-American's life, from his self-perception to his basic economic condition. It was almost impossible to overcome because it was ingrained into the thinking of everyone, both black and white. The older blacks felt that things would never improve, but could get worse if they participated in the movement. Their goals were basic subsistence. The middle-class blacks would lose their jobs if they marched or tried to register to vote. Consequently, the students provided much of the energy in the civil rights movement because they had the least to lose and the most amount of foresight. Moody was pessimistic upon seeing that the movement did not represent a cross section of the population.
Racism, which was born of slavery's economic foundation, continued to control the black family's economic condition. It was
From the Paper "Langston Hughes was an important writer during the period known as the Harlem Renaissance (1920-1930). During that time, several black writers rose to prominence while expressing their views on the African-American experience. Those writers wanted to show the pain and suffering of their experience while at the same time showing the hopes and strengths of the black culture as a whole. Langston Hughes' "Not Without Laughter", published in 1930, was quickly acknowledged as a representative novel of the Harlem Renaissance. Although he had published some poetry before, Not Without Laughter was Hughes' first novel. Critics hailed the book as an important work because it accurately expresses the life of rural Negroes during the early twentieth century; furthermore, it was praised for being a great work of fiction, with a meaningful plot and memorable characters. "
Essay on affirmative action, including an outline, history, con and rebuttal, past court cases, recent events including the University of Michigan case, and work cited page.
Abstract This essay covers most topics surrounding affirmative action, including background, first affirmative action case and more recent events. The writer claims that affirmative action, while created to help bring blacks and whites together, only further spreads the races apart and should be abolished.
Table of Contents
History
Civil War
Reconstruction
Jim Crow Laws
Presidential Orders
Past Court Cases
Con and Rebuttal
Con Quotes and Opinions
Jessie Jackson on Affirmative Action
Lyndon B. Johnson on Affirmative Action
Rebuttal
How Affirmative Action Hurts the Civil Rights Act
Ill Effects of Affirmative Action
Recent Events
Piscataway Board of Education vs. Taxman
Proposition 209
California Ballot
Suit against Proposition 209
Arguments for Proposition 209
Arguments against Proposition 209
University of Michigan and Bush Brief
From the Paper "According to the Webster's Dictionary, affirmative action is an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women. "Born of the civil rights movement three decades ago, affirmative action calls for minorities and women to be given special consideration in employment, education, and contracting decisions" (Froomkin 1). It has been a controversial topic in the United States since it began to plague the country in the early 1940?s. Affirmative action as it is now seen, is giving unequal or special employment, or educational rights to minorities. "Affirmative action programs were originally created to correct racial and cultural discrimination, dating from the days of slavery and public segregation. But the initiative has proven controversial, and enforcement has often applied in a random and confusing way" (Mears 1). While created to help bring blacks and whites together, affirmative action only further spreads the races apart and should be abolished."
Tags: 209, african, americans, civil, proposition, racism, rights
Abstract This paper shows how Stephen Oates explores the life and times of one of the greatest civil rights leaders. It explains how the book looks deeply into Martin Luther King's life and the results of his endless struggle to rid the United States of bigotry. Furthermore, the book examines the forces and people that shaped Dr. King's life, leading him on his pathway to destiny.
From the Paper "Throughout the book, Oates takes a highly favorable look at what Dr. King did for the movement. He writes the words of his story with a great deal of passion. At many points in the book, Oates zealous style places King on a pedestal for all others to look up to. This style is very powerful, influencing the reader to absorb King's message. In order for the reader to find truth in King's philosophies however, Oates needed to thoroughly demonstrate the need for change in America."
Abstract This paper discusses the argument of "Should the U.S. Government pay Reparations to the Descendants of Slaves". The argument is in favor of the case but supports the thesis through the presentation of both sides of the argument and presenting a solution in the best manner possible.
Abstract This study will discover the implied audiences of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, and seek to understand, in their speeches, whom exactly they were both trying to speak too. This implies an audience with conservative whites who may have been in mind when these great speakers sent out their message. By studying the approach of rhetoric in their speeches, we can quickly see why they depicted different, but similar messages in their speeches. The two speeches from both men are: "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by MLK, and "The Black Revolution." By Malcolm X. IN analyzing these means of communication, we can see the message pf fear that Malcolm X sent out to his audience, and the contrasting message of Love that Martin Luther King brought out to his white audience.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the experiences during and after slavery of Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass. It examines their personal accounts, how each confronted their position in society in relation to their ability, and how each was and is perceived by others.
Abstract A slaveholder and a crusader for human freedom, Thomas Jefferson seems to be, at first, a man of obvious contradictions. However, Jefferson made many attempts on paper to express his feelings against the institution of slavery, but usually faced obstacles. These obstacles are analyzed in this paper, as well as the documents and proposals that Jefferson made to the government during his lifetime. A reference to his alleged love affair with a female slave is also mentioned in the paper.
From the Paper "The name Thomas Jefferson is, to many people, the embodiment of everything that stands for human rights and freedom. However, he was also a slave owner. This obvious contradiction can be explored by comparing the two sides to the man behind the name. He was indeed a crusader for the gradual emancipation of slavery, albeit a mostly defeated one. He once defended a man, whose grandmother was a mulatto, in court, saying, ?Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the world with a right to his own person, which includes the liberty of moving and using it as his own will.? On the other side, he was also the owner of several large plantations and 200 slaves; this made him the second wealthiest man in his county and one of the richest men in Virginia. His lifestyle oftentimes somewhat went against his beliefs, but Jefferson always stuck by his human freedom ideals. Jeffersonian scholars have concluded that although Jefferson may have been flexible in his methods in the emancipation of slavery, he was always committed to his desire to see the demise of slavery."
This paper emphasizes the racial injustice that characterized the South in the 1960s. It discusses the life story of Anne Moody, the author of this autobiography, and the many hardships she encountered.
Abstract This paper focuses on the life of Anne Moody, the author of "Coming of Age in Mississippi." It discusses many of the civil rights in which African- Americans were neglected in the 1960s. The major issues addressed in the paper is the issue of "race" in the post-modern United States during the 1960s and Moody's struggle to survive in a country full of hate and neglect.
From the Paper "Coming of Age in Mississippi, by Anne Moody, is a stark testimony to the racial injustice that characterized the southern United States until the civil rights movements of the 1960s brought lasting changes to the region. The southern world into which Moody was born in 1940 was one ruled by whites. Her autobiography is filled with incidents that serve as a reminder of this overwhelming truth. Anne Moody's development and life are greatly shaped by the tremendous amount of racial discrimination and prejudice that African Americans face in the South at the time she is growing up. Moody's unearthing of the perception and implication of race is the underlining principle of her autobiography. Moody's racial "coming of age" enlightens her to the real truth of all races and oppressed people in the southern world."
Abstract This paper examines how, in "Mama Day", author Gloria Naylor narrates the story of a relationship that takes place between the characters, George and Ophelia. It looks at how both are black and without biological parents, yet carry different cultural backgrounds despite this likeness of race and parentage. George is the son of a prostitute, has no memory of blood relatives, and grows up in a white-run orphanage where his ideals and beliefs are shaped. Ophelia, who is also called Cocoa, is raised by her grandmother, Abigail, and great aunt, Mama Day, who enable her to maintain cultural connections to history through her birthplace, Willow Springs. It shows how Willow Springs is barely influenced by its connection to the United States and how, instead, it is a space shaped by its African relation through the people who inhabit it. It explores how the novel takes place in New York, where life is structured and hectic and juxtaposed against Willow Springs, where time and structure do not hold importance in the lives of its inhabitants.
From the Paper "Beginning in1823 through the legend of Saphira Wade's possession of Willow Springs then her killing of her white husband, white control on the island is never again achieved. The black inhabitants carry on the myth of Saphira Wade as a means of maintaining their power. In this sense, "Mama Day's and Naylor's own attempts to recuperate a cultural legacy reveal the desire for ancestral knowledge as a motivating force behind the ways in which individuals and communities construct myth. For the people of Willow Springs, such myth making becomes an essential tool in the construction of personal and collective identities" (Stave, p.158). As an island with a past of slavery and presently owned by blacks, the culture on Willow Springs is created and maintained by the blacks that live there and the physical nature of the land."
