Abstract This paper shows that despite the terrible conditions under which American slaves were forced to live, they were in many ways successful in establishing stable slave communities. They were also successful in maintaining their sense of wholeness, both as individuals and as members of their original cultures, by depending on what culture they could transport with themselves ? mostly in the form of stories, songs, music and dance. The paper shows how these slaves relied on a sense of family (often based not on consanguineal or not only on consanguineal bonds but also affinal ones), as well as religion, often the adopted Christianity of blacks in the New World.
From the Paper "Slave religions usually had a supreme being and a host of lesser spirits ? some brought from Africa, some borrowed from the indigenous people of the New World, others created entirely anew in response to local conditions (Young 91). The ability of religion to be such a source of strength for so many slaves was the result in large part from the fact that there were no firm boundaries between the secular and the sacred, which infused all things and activities. At least initially African slaves universally believed that posthumously they would return to their lands and rejoin their friends: This was no doubt of some comfort to those enslaved and taken so very far from home (Young 94)."
Abstract The United States is currently going through a period of turmoil regarding whether English should be the only language spoken in the country. The rationale given for insisting that everyone speak English is that 'if people chose to come here, they should learn our language'. This paper examines the effects of this policy on smaller ethnic groups such as the Native American Navajo's who view speaking their native tongue as a kind of spiritual freedom. The paper also looks at the way Yiddish has almost disappeared from the Jewish culture due to this type of integration policy. Other cultures discussed include the Chinese and the Cajuns.
From the Paper "One other subculture demonstrates the relationship between culture and language. The Chinese have been coming to the United States since the early 1800?s, when they came here to work as agricultural workers or in railway construction. The Chinese come from an ancient and highly accomplished civilization, and their culture contained elements that helped them be successful in their new country. Industry and resourcefulness are highly prized traits in Chinese culture, behavioral traits that tended to aid success in their new land. In addition, they valued the extended family, and so were quick to support and help one another (Author not given). However, the dominant culture inadvertently encouraged the Chinese to maintain their language, and the maintenance of language and requirement that they live together encouraged the maintenance of their culture as well. The motivation for this was racial, but allowed the Chinese-American culture to hold on to cultural traditions and language for several generations while other immigration groups were tending to assimilate."
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of race and its effect on human intelligence and development. It presents the position of Jared Diamond, the author of " Guns, Germs, And Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" who argues against the notion that race plays a role in human development and intelligence and then presents the position stated in "The Bell Curve". This book, by Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray, assumes an exact opposite position and asserts that whites are inherently more intelligent than blacks and that intelligence is genetically inherited and basically fixed.
From the Paper "So does race play a part in intelligence and human development? Diamond feels that the answer to that question is absolutely not. His theory is that history followed different paths for different races not because of biological factors, but due to social environments. Many historians and scientists feel that Diamond's explanation is wrong and over simplifies the real issues of race, human development and intelligence. But Diamond feels that many historians and scientists, by seeming to be objective and impartial, legitimized racial theories in the eyes of many Americans who were otherwise prone to believe in the equality of all human beings."
Abstract This paper examines how prehistoric cave art is considered to be man's original form of art, although its date of origin is still unknown. It looks at how, with examples, the art displays the effects of the cultures and surroundings that created them. It discusses how the cave art found in Europe and Africa depicts the prehistoric conception of animals, humans, symbols and weapons and how there are many differences and commonalities between the art found in both areas.
From the Paper "The cave paintings in Linton are considered to be only 11,000 years old, as opposed to Apollo 11. The cave shelter located in Linton on the Eastern Cape of Africa contains a painting of that illustrates the experiences of healers or shaman, calling on supernatural powers. Human figures are clearly defined. The shaman has hooves, as if taking on the shape of an animal in order to connect to the spiritual world. White dots are used to represent spiritual power. Strange features are also assigned to other animals and humans present during the trance in the painting, using white dashes. Animals in the painting appear to have mismatched body parts, such as a snake with an antelope head."
Abstract The pyramids are the very symbol of Egypt and represent a rich and exciting history of this once great nation. This paper details each pyramid constructed in Egypt from the first one built, to the last one of the 4th Dynasty. The paper includes the history of the creation of pyramids and some information about mummification, as well as the philosophies behind them.
From the Paper "Often times, a pharaoh had what was called a ?southern burial.? The southern burial had two purposes. First, the body would be buried in a pyramid in the north. It was believed that the soul or "ka" would then travel south to Abydos where the unused tomb, or cenotaph was (Brier 99). This was figurative of the reunion of Upper and Lower Egypt, which was highly celebrated by Egyptians. In addition, it served as a decoy for the real burial chamber to throw off tomb robbers".
Abstract An analysis of Egyptian culture and how it relates to war, religion and government, as well as the notion of astronomy and numbers in the acceleration of this great culture's rise in history. By verifying these elements, we can see how they grew in power.
Abstract Analyzing and probing into the cultural studies of fashion reveals various aspects. However, different individuals, having different mindsets, have different opinions and view fashion from an altogether distinct perspective. Some believe in the fact that fashion is used as another tool to subject women to oppression by using dress codes and other forms of fashion in order to dictate their inferior social order. However, many others share a stark opposite opinion. On the other hand, a number of people, like me, hold a somehow neutral opinion on the possible role of fashion in determining women's social standing. This analytical research paper examines fashion in a broader description, its effect on women's lifestyle and the conclusions drawn from it.
Abstract This paper compares 19th century African-American cultural forms, such as Minstrel Shows, with contemporary "black" music as a way to reveal how racism continues to be maintained through cultural appropriation.
Abstract In this paper, 3 countries in Southeast Asia (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand) are described from the perspective of cultural geography. The role of Buddhism and ethnicity are evaluated in relation to these countries and the value of a cultural geography is discussed as a tool for enabling an understanding of cultural differences and the relevance of geography to culture.
Abstract The paper looks at the history of Afghanistan and the reasons for why Taliban has emerged as ruling force in the country. It also explores, outside influence, if any, the rise of their power and the route they have taken.
Abstract This paper discusses that the book represents an attempt to explore, in the form of a scholarly, anthropological study, the religious system of "Voodoo". The author states that the difficulties of addressing "Voodoo" in a serious, academic fashion lie in the fact that the religion in modern North American culture is "loaded" with racial and cultural stereotypes and misunderstandings.
Abstract This essay discusses the life of people in ancient Egypt. It describes how they lived and what family life was like. More than anything, we see how Egypt was a profoundly religious society.
Abstract This essay will examine the question of Caribbean culture and try to answer what is it especially through the works of Kincaid's A Small Place as well as Chevannes' Rastafari: Roots and Ideology. What one finds is a Caribbean culture attempting to reclaim its identity, while fighting against the dominant forces of oppression and colonialism.
