Abstract The paper shows that the central research question addressed by Lila Abu-Lughod in her book "Veiled Sentiments" is how women and young men may express certain personal feelings that otherwise violate their moral code, the code conveyed to them by their social group. The paper discusses how the Bedouin society she studies is one where people often sang or used short poems to express their feelings and how the author notes that the question that arises concerns the relationship between the Bedouin poetic discourse and the discourse of ordinary social life.
From the Paper "The world depicted by Abu-Lughod is a society based on blood ties above all, both linking people to the past and to one another in the present. In approaching this society, Abu-Lughod first had to divest herself of certain romantic notions of Bedouin life. She believed that the people were tied to the sea, but she found that the sea played little or no part in their social life and that it was the desert which was central in their thinking. She was also surprised to find that the people lived in houses instead of tents, though they did pitch their tents next to the houses and spent most of their time in the tents."
Abstract A report on ancient Egyptian jewelry. The author focuses on how the jewelry was crafted, specific styles of jewelry, and their symbolic meanings.
From the Paper "Ancient Egypt is known for its awe-inspiring monuments, mysterious mythologies and legendary treasures. Its history is rich and complex, reaching far back into the beginnings of civilization and spanning thousands of years. Much of what we know about this ancient culture comes from the ancient artifacts it has left behind. Among these is the multitude of its beautiful jewels. What types of jewelry did the ancient Egyptians wear and how was it significant to them? How did they manage to create such incredibly intricate and unique jewelry? "
Tags: craft, art, composition, meaning, symbolism, symbolic, symbol
Abstract A critical analysis of the philosophies of Socrates. The author discusses Socrates' ideas and concepts about true happiness and pursuing God's will. It includes criticism and application to today's society.
From the Paper "Socrates? philosophy has existed since before the birth of Jesus Christ. He recorded his thoughts concerning personal and political issues, giving his detailed and amazingly well thought out positions on each. He questioned everything around him, and discussed them with his friends and students, an exercise known as philosophizing. Socrates deemed that a truly happy man does not require material goods. He argued that it would be in one's best interest to consult a wise person before making an important decision, and that we should each comply with God's intentions above all others?. These arguments have been debated for centuries by many, and should be considered still, since they are important and relevant today, more than 2,000 years later."
The paper is written from the stand point that gay marriages should be legalized because marriage is a basic human right. It also examines the work of those who claim that it is actually a very old institution.
3,030 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 12 sources, 2000, $ 89.95
From the Paper "The paper fuses research done by two brilliant writers, John Boswell and W. Eskridge to prove that same-sex marriages have actually been in existence since the Dark Ages. It includes legal citations, the Catholic view on gay marriages, different types of marriages..."
Abstract This paper first studies the history of gender roles with regard to communication and how in the past decades with the openness of society and globalization, it has become more "acceptable" for women to take leading roles in public speaking. The writer also looks at studies which examined the different way school children communicated in co-ed and non co-ed schools. Finally gender differences in the workplace are analyzed.
From the Paper "In the past, men and women's roles were strictly enforced by society. Men were expected to behave in a certain way and women were expected to in another way. No one would dare to violate these unwritten rules, or face extreme humiliation. In the case of women acting in a way that was traditionally a man's behavior, in some cultures, she could face physical punishment for her transgressions. When men violated social graces, often these transgressions were ignored. As women gained more status, these roles began to change, but the differences still existed. They were only expressed in a more subtle way. "
Abstract This paper discusses the ever growing problem of world overpopulation. The paper analyses the problem, obstacles in the way of a solution, and possible methods of improving the world situation.
From the Paper "Since the turn of the century the world's population has grown over six-fold. By the year 2060, the population is to grow to an expected 16 billion people! In underdeveloped and overpopulated continents such as Africa and Asia this problem poses a serious threat to existence and health. "
The paper examines the massive effects the black plague had on society: including social, physical, psychological, religious, economical effects, and even influence in art and literature.
2,905 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 7 sources, 2000, $ 86.95
Abstract This paper provides a thorough look at the Bubonic Plague, the deadly pandemic that continuously reappeared all throughout Europe until the Seventeenth century, leaving behind death, devastation, and economic disaster. The author discusses how the plague was transmitted, symptoms, the versions of the plague, the plague's impacted on religion, and how it influenced the culture of the times-literature, art, and superstitious behavior. The paper also looks at the staggering number of dead that the Black Death claimed as it swept across the European continent.
From the Paper "The Black Death was a time of death and destruction to all of society and its surroundings during the Fourteenth Century and beyond. According to Chester David Rail, "The sudden onset of human plague in southeastern Europe and the Middle East in the winter of 1346-1347 seems to have marked the beginning of the plague", Rail, 11. The Black Plague was a deadly pandemic continuously reappearing all throughout Europe until the Seventeenth century, leaving behind death, devastation, and economic disaster. The Black Death, also known as the Black Plague or the Bubonic Plague, originated in the Thirteenth century. The disease originally was transmitted from rat to rat and from rat to man by the bite of rat-fleas. "Bubonic plague may be transmitted from place to place by imported fleas, which are carried by people"in their baggage or in merchandise?, Wilson , 2. Constant travel and trade by Europeans with other countries exposed Europe to the plague. Its symptoms were exhibited by buboes, which are hard, painful, swellings of lymphatic glands usually affecting the groin area or under the armpits and around the neck."
A study of the methods used by the two most populous nations on earth, emphasizing the difference between China's coercive policy and India's voluntary policy.
4,122 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 23 sources, 2000, $ 110.95
From the Paper "Overpopulation is perhaps the single most pervading force of today's society. Transcending boundaries of political science, economics, sociology or any other field working with issues relevant to contemporary society, the mathematical certainty of exponential population growth is simple; By the time we begin to sense overpopulation, it is only a short time until the problem reaches mammoth and uncontrollable scale. Particularly in the third world, where resources are scarce, the imperative for action for clear. China and India are the two most heavily populated nations of the world, yet have taken radically different approaches to population control. India has maintained a strictly non-coercive population policy, and indeed the population has skyrocketed. China, on the other hand, has succeeded in curbing the population growth rate quite significantly by taking a much more proactive stance. While pragmatically effective, China's policies are so authoritarian and coercive that they lead to consequences considered simply inhuman by many."
Abstract This essay discusses the growing popularity and influence of tattoos in American culture over the past century. It dates back to the tattoos debut in America through the military in the late 1800's and then becoming a part of our circuses in the 1900?s. This paper discusses how certain groups like feminists and sailors came to use tattoos and their variety of purposes from artistic impressions to story telling. It also discusses America's tolerance and acceptance for tattoos among the classes and genders throughout time and how this has changed. Tattooing is an art adopted by American society over 100 hundred years ago and is deeply rooted now in our culture as it has allowed us to examine and display portions of other cultures.
From the Paper "The reasons and motives behind getting a tattoo are as varied as the designs one can create. In days past, some of the reasons may have been to show one's patriotism to his country, to show love and respect for another person or organization, to remember past events or record the places one has visited, or even to rebel against something. Today, the reasons for tattooing still include the previously mentioned points, but have expanded to include exploring other cultures, expressing ones individuality, and simply for artistic reasons. Tattooing is an important part of the "American culture" because the designs many people create draw upon so many different cultures around the globe. The American tattoo, in a sense, is like a melting pot of designs, just like America is the melting pot for all of the different cultures."
Abstract An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.
From the Paper "The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, ?Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else.? The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."
Tags: hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu
Abstract This essay examines the brutal sport of gladiator fighting in ancient Rome. The essay contains a history of the games, an overview of a typical day's activities, and a look at theories for why the Romans permitted such blood sport in their society for many centuries.
From the Paper "The Romans were, in some ways, the most civilized people of the ancient world. Their well-developed cities, with the many shops, service, and design amenities, were models for the rest of the world. However, that advancement and enlightened way of life cannot hide a dark reality which we find unacceptable in our modern world: an almost total disregard for the value of human life and human rights. The most visible aspect of that disdain for humanity was the massive importation and exploitation of slaves by the Romans. We also have a great difficulty understanding their love of the ?games:? the Roman spectacle of gladiatorial combat to the death."
An examination of the role myths and folk tales play in guiding the cultural, social, and religious life of the Native American community and the way religion as the backbone of culture also directs society, both individually and communally.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 8 sources, 1998, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Myths and folk tales are the oral traditions that act as guides for the cultural, social, and religious life of the Native American community. Within Native American life, these factors are intertwined and cannot be easily separated into distinct categories. Native American religion as the backbone of culture also directs society, both individually and communally through the use and practice of sacred rituals, ceremonial dances, songs, prayers, and vision quests (Thomas et al., 1993). This belief system represents, as well as directs the Native American wayof life. A life that is in tune with and at the same time, at odds with the surrounding natural environment. This dichotomy found in their relationship with the natural world is the motivator for these oral and ritual traditions, and through these myths and folk tales the , people are able to create and maintain a sense of religious, cultural, and social identity and purpose within the larger picture of existence in an ever-changing and mystifying universe (Leeming, 1990)."
Abstract This paper examines the notion of multiculturalism in the United States. America has long been called "The Melting Pot" due to the fact that it is made up of a varied mix of races, cultures, and ethnicities. Therefore, a wide debate has begun over how to educate today's children. The paper presents different arguments, including teaching all children about all cultures, only their native culture, or only the present culture they live in. Pros and cons of these and several other possibilities are presented as well as compared. Methods of education are also discussed, such as how to go about teaching multiculturalism, and the benefits it offers teachers, students, parents, etc.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the history of Southwestern Cuisine and its impact on American cuisine and culture, as well as information on how it is prepared and on which ingredients it relies.
From the Paper "An examination of popular cooking magazines over the past years will show that food trends come and go quickly, but the proliferation of Southwestern Cuisine shows no sign of fading; rather, its popularity has remained and is growing its influence has expanded far beyond its regional origins. Its core ingredients of vegetables, legumes, meats and grains lend themselves to a variety of interpretation, from gourmet to vegetarian when combined with the spices, chilies and cheeses native to the Southwestern region of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona."
Abstract This paper examines the roots of monotheistic and polytheistic religions, and the different gods worshipped over time. The author uses such examples as the gods of ancient Greece, the Code of Hammurabi, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Bible.
From the Paper:
"There is no doubt that having belief in a supernatural being or beings is healthy for the human soul. Whether it be one God or a family of gods and goddesses, religion allows the human essence to have something to help cope with emotions, give blame for the unjust, and rejoice in a celebrate life. Truth, indeed, is finite, and the roads that lead to it are numberless.?