Abstract This paper chronicles the famous Scottsboro Boys trial. It's a story of racism in the 1930's that describes the events leading to the trial, the trial itself and the outcome. The paper describes what happened to the boys while they were in jail and the events and outcome of their second trial. Racism appears and reappears throughout the story of the Scottsboro Boys, as they were sentenced to death on several different occasions, despite obvious inconclusive or debatable evidence. Finally, the paper briefly describes the fate of all people involved in the case.
From the Paper ?When the train that they were riding on stopped in Stevenson, Alabama, the small group of black boys decided to walk along the tracks. A short while later they met up with some more black boys from another car. The boys decided that they would get back at the white boys who had been throwing rocks at them earlier. Once the train started again, the same group of white boys started throwing rocks at the blacks from a lower car. The now rather large group of blacks got in the car that the whites were riding in and started fighting them."
Review of the article "The Other Difference Between Boys and Girls" and its premise that social equality of the sexes can only be achieved through recognition of gender differences.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract Richard M Restak in his article "The Other Difference Between Boys and Girls" examines some of those stereotypes and demonstrates that differences in behavioral performance of boys and girls are determined by brain functioning. He intends to reverse conventional wisdom about discrimination based on sex, and pursues his analysis with the assumption that "social equality for men and women really depends on recognizing these differences in brain behavior"
Abstract This paper analyzes the film "Boys Don't Cry" created in 1999, which explores how we identify gender and differentiate between the masculine and the feminine. The paper describes the story of the female Teena Brandon who masquerades herself as the male Brandon Teena. It illustrates visually that identity as male and female actually involves only a relative few visual and aural cues. The author writes that society does not tolerate that much freedom and that those who step too far outside the gender boundaries society has set are destroyed. The paper demonstrates how gender is not the only issue being tested in this film, for ideas about small towns, tolerance, and the threat of the outsider are also examined.
From the Paper "The film Boys Don't Cry (1999, Kimberly Peirce) is based on a true story and raises numerous real-world issues in its story of a murder case in middle America in which the victim was a girl who successfully passed herself off as a boy. The film delves into gender issues, questions of identity, and the ethics of interpersonal relationships. First, the viewer asks why so many people were fooled for such a long time by this masquerade."
Abstract This paper interprets the movie "Boys Don't Cry" using the personality theory of Erik Erikson. The author presents a brief synopsis of the movie and an analysis of its main character, Teena Brandon. The paper concludes that, based on Erikson's conceptual framework of personality and psychosocial development, Teena has an issue of identity diffusion.
Abstract This paper examines Richard Wright's novel "Black Boy" in the larger context of racism in America. The paper describes Wright's view of racism as existing in the very fabric of society. The reviewer further describes Wright as believing it would be virtually impossible to characterize American society in the absence of racism. According to the paper, Wright is quite pessimistic about the future of American society. The reviewer concludes that Wright feels the concrete dreadfulness of racism cannot be overcome on a social level at once, but can be overcome through the individual mindset and self-release.
From the Paper "The portrait Wright paints of America is a truly bleak one. Escape from the trials of life as a black boy seems almost altogether non-existent. Wright attempts to escape the South only find himself more fearful in the North; he escapes to Chicago only to encounter the same social barriers to success. In the end, Wright's escape is only truly possible through the act of writing--it becomes his one link to an ideal world. Even at a very young age, Wright seems to possess a clue that life, for a black man, may never truly be fulfilling in any tangible way: "At the age of twelve I had . . . a conviction that the meaning of living came only when one was struggling to wring a meaning out of meaningless suffering," (Wright 100). Clearly, the act of writing becomes this struggle for Wright. Unfortunately, writing and literature are the two facets of the world that his own black culture seek to deny him throughout his entire childhood. So in this way, Wright is attempting to critique both black and white culture. Although the dominant, oppressive culture of white America aggressively places limits upon what is attainable for a black man, the oppressed black culture methodically limits the modes of escape for a black man out of the community's need for self-preservation."
Abstract This paper examines the book "Boys Will be Boys" by Myriam Miedzian which discusses why boys in contemporary America society turn to violence so often. It looks at how Miedzian finds that what we call male behavior is accepted in society as the norm, as if males were violent by nature and so had to act out certain rituals as part of their genetic heritage. It examines how, although Miedzian believes that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior, external factors such as better parenting and education do have an effect. It compares the views of Miedzian to that of other biological theorists on the evolution of traits in mankind.
From the Paper "The author finds that this all derives from a view that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior. As a group, males are more prone to violent behavior, but those who actually exhibit violent behavior seem to be suffering form one or more disabilities, such as learning disabilities, brain injury at birth, maternal alcoholism, and so on. Some see a domineering mother as a cause of violent behavior in the next generation, but the author believes the absentee father is another cause, whether that father be physically absent or merely uninvolved in the raising of his children. Many also believe that males make poor child-nurturers and that if they did involve themselves more in the raising of children, those children would come out much worse off than they do at present. The author argues with this conclusion as well."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys" written by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson. The paper contends that the book is an important and a fascinating read to all boys and their families. Both authors have been convincing in their argument that for boys it would be good if they become more 'emotionally literate' in order to comprehend their own feelings as well as others. The valuable and insightful proposal given by these writers would be welcomed by parents and teachers alike to learn how to stay tuned in to a boy and at the same time respect his autonomy. The paper claims that the book gives its readers a much-needed glimpse into the hidden or 'inner' lives of boys.
From the Paper "The book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys reveals a realm of boys who are hurting sad, quiet, frightened and annoyed. According to the statistics in the book it is alarming that quite a number of young boys are at high risk for suicide, loneliness, drinking, drug abuse and violence. In light of those statistics the authors set out to answer this basic, vital question: What do boys need that they're not getting? In answering this, here, Kindlon and Thompson have shed light on the destructive emotional training boys receive which is basically in other words is called as the emotional mis-education of boys."
Abstract This paper details the rise, fall and rise again of the Beach Boys, one of the most influential rock bands in the U.S. This paper delves into the birth of the Beach Boys which took place in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The original members were brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are known for having invented "California Rock," a style that celebrated and idealized California teen life, which was comprised of surfing, driving and dating. This writer of this paper cites many of the band's musical hits, including "Surfin' Safari," released in 1962, "I Get Around," "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Help Me, Rhonda." In 1968, the Beach Boys became the first American rock band to perform in Russia. This paper also delves into the personal lives of the band members, including Brian Wilson's mental state. During the band's rise to fame, Wilson's ambitions, neuroses and drug intake were on the rise and negatively affecting the band. This paper examines the various reasons behind the band's five year hiatus which began in 1970 and its eventual re-grouping in the 1980s. Despite the positive reviews surrounding the comeback of the Beach Boys, the 1980s would prove to be anything but positive for the band. This paper also touches on the various internal conflicts between the band members. The writer contends and explains why the essence of the band is still popular today.
From the Paper "Despite the positive comeback, the eighties would be a decade that would prove to be anything but easy and musical. Carl Wilson quit the band to work on his solo career. According to Romanowski, he was the one band member that opposed how the band was reverting to a nostalgic sound instead of moving forward. Romanowski maintains that the band was indeed an "oldies-but-goodies act, albeit an extraordinarily successful one." In 1983, Wilson joined the band again but the year was marked with tragedy as brother Carl drowned. After a short while, Brian left the group again and the band enjoyed another success with the single "Kokomo" without him. In the meantime, Wilson's solo effort did not sell well and in 1994, he was touring with the band again. More troubles lay ahead, however, as Love sued Wilson for defamation of character in 1994."
Tags: music, carl, brian, mike, love, wilson, california
Abstract This paper provides a chapter by chapter review of Homer Hickman's book "Rocket Boys." It begins with chapters six to seven and takes the reader through the book, up until chapter fourteen. In each section, the paper describes the events of each set of chapters and briefly explains the theme and message that can be taken from that section of the book.
Table of Contents:
Rocket Boys: Chapters 6-7
Rocket Boys Ch.8-9
Rocket Boys Ch. 10-11
Rocket Boys Ch.12-14
From the Paper "One of the most interesting aspects of this scene is how it echoes many other scenes in Rocket Boys where women help Homer succeed, even while less forward-thinking, jealous, or brutish men do not. Homer's father wants him to work for the mines; Homer's mother wants him to become a scientist. Homer's principal makes the curriculum more difficult only when the school's future football seasons are threatened, Homer's teacher encourages him to shoot for the stars. Even the girls protect the Rocket Club members from the football players at the school and the school even has a female librarian who helps Homer and Miss Riley get the important book on rocket design. "Sonny, it may take awhile, but I believe you can learn the things that are in that book," says Miss Riley, and urges him to enter the science fair (207). Admiration (and perhaps a bit of a schoolboy crush) for Miss Riley acts as a powerful motivational force that drives the young Homer's ambition. "'Miss Riley,' I said, 'if you want me to enter I'll do it'" (207)."
Abstract This paper discusses the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. The essay provides a critical exploration of the issues in the debate, and argues the thesis that the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls is a consequence of systemic gender stereotyping in our society as a whole.
Outline:
Introduction
Boys and Reading: The Critical Context
Boys and Reading: The Stereotype
Boys and Reading: What Can Educators Do?
Analysis
From the Paper "Among contemporary teaching professionals, one of the most compelling issues of our time is that of the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. This is a particularly controversial issue, as it follows upon a very similar concern in the discipline some years before regarding the underperformance of girls in particular subjects. Moreover, as any review of the literature on the subject will reveal, the complex and controversial issues of gender stereotyping, and how we as a society understand, construct and/or shape masculinity, lie at the core of the debate."
Abstract This paper introduces the book "The War against Boys: How Misguided Feminism is Harming our Young Men," by Christina Hoff Sommers, an engaging book about modern feminist values and how they are affecting young people. It looks at how Christina Hoff Sommers believes society is emasculating boys with feminine values, while supporting girls in the classroom and beyond. It shows how in a world where men seem to dominate, Sommers' thoughts are a breath of fresh and much-needed air and how skewing the moral and mental values of boys and girls seems to be far more damaging than we realize. It examines how Sommers shows how "feminizing" boys could forever change the way men see the world and themselves and could be far more damaging than most people realize.
From the Paper "One reason Sommers cites as evidence for her beliefs and findings are the education statistics for young men in America today. She notes, "Boys, on average, are a year and a half behind girls in reading and writing; they are less committed to school and less likely to go to college" (Sommers 14). The author includes a myriad of statistics and tables, which bear out her findings, especially in the learning patterns of boys versus girls. Boys simply do not hold up in most of the studies done. For example, Sommers states, "Girls read more books. They outperform males of tests of artistic and musical ability. More girls than boys study abroad. More join the Peace Corps. Conversely, more boys than girls are suspended from school. More are held back and drop out" (Sommers 25). Her volume is filled with statistics such as these, illustrating not only her research abilities, but also the idea that our educational systems are failing today's boys ? and failing them badly."
Abstract This paper reviews the literature to understand the possible contribution of the unique psychosomatic predisposition of boys and its relation to the underachievement. The author believes that there is a clear urgency to analyze and restructure the educational methodologies to suit the special requirements of boys. The paper suggests replacing the dependency on didactic methods with more active participation of the students, which is more productive for boys as well as girls; use of computers and complementing textbook material with graphical presentations and shorter periods.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Problem
Literature review
Father's Role
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "A British research program conducted by the Oxford University stresses that active participation by the father has a significant effect on the boy's educational performance. This 40-year-old study monitored the progress of the volunteering students at different periods of time from 7,11, 16, 23 up to 33 (years). The students were graded according to the level of participation of the fathers in their educational pursuits. The research data indicated that students who had the active participation and support of their fathers were the most successful in their educational as well as their social lives. The "British market research bureau" survey indicted that only 12% of fathers participate actively in their child's education. According to Mr. Ann Buchanan, one of the chief researchers in the Oxford project, opines, "The early years are critical. More needs to be done to involve fathers and help them understand they have an important role. School parent meetings need to become more father-friendly and health visitors and hospitals need to talk to fathers.? "
Abstract This paper explains that the fundamental premise of Myriam Miedzian's "Boys will be Boys" is that violence in society can be drastically reduced, both in terms of war and crime, if society is willing to tear down the traditional archetypes of masculinity. The author points out that one of the most common lines of attack that Miedzian takes into consideration is the notion that somehow the male is biologically inclined to be violent, which stems from the argument put forth by a number of socio-biologists. The paper concludes that proposals for changing this archetype are likely to be insufficient in ultimately shifting the perspective held by society because market forces are likely to continue advertising and supporting the male as a figure of action for the simple reason that it is profitable.
From the Paper "The second powerful argument that Miedzian is forced to grapple with deals with the theories of political realism. Specifically, the idea that violent and aggressive males are advantageous to society because of foreign struggles and wars. Still, she classifies this premise as false and writes, "The 'real men' who run our country are handicapped by the values of the masculine mystique to make rational foreign policy decisions. . . . The masculine mystique teaches men to be tough, to repress empathy, and not to let moral concerns weigh to heavily when the goal is winning." Overall, she believes that these traits are harmful on a large scale and inevitable lead to unnecessary conflict."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the strength of 'Rocket Boys' as a memoir is that it is a tale that is both universal and particular. The writer maintains that Homer must deal with quarreling parents, roughhousing at school, and insensitive authority figures like the principal of his school. Although these difficulties are common to most adolescents, the writer notes that Homer's tale is also set during a unique period of American history, when America was coming to terms with its role as a superpower. The writer points out that the Rocket Boys did not merely build a rocket, and realize their dream of emulating their favorite scientists. They also changed the culture of the town in which they lived, which is perhaps every young person's greatest dream. The writer concludes that the older people were wrong and the boys were right, but the Rocket Boys changed the world, not through mindless rebellion and negation, but through mindful and positive pursuit of a great dream.
From the Paper "Homer's father was the mine superintendent. Homer Senior believed in the town and wanted Homer to follow in his footsteps. Homer had a clear choice--he could obey his father or he could obey his mother. His mother dreamed of a different life for her son, that he would grow up to fulfill all of her hopes and ambitions. She had seen firsthand the dangers of mine work, as well as the glories promised by the future of aerospace engineering, proclaimed by all of the newscasters after the launch of the Russian Sputnik. Homer's parents were in constant conflict, and he could not ally himself with one or the other, without losing either his mother or his father. Homer's father was such a presence in the town that Homer has no existence beyond his father's shadow at the beginning of the book--even his teachers called him Sonny. Although Homer loved his father, ultimately it was Elsie who drove her son to the National Science Fair at the end of the book. While Homer's parents both loved him, and Homer senior's outlook on life seems hopelessly conservative, patriarchal, reactionary, and backward-looking in the eyes of a contemporary reader. Homer's struggle resonates with any child who is the product of divorce, or simply a difficult home situation."
Abstract This paper discusses the poem, "The Little Black Boy," written by William Blake. The paper discusses the structure and components of the poem, as well as their meaning and function in the plot of the poem. It describes the focus on God throughout the poem and how the little black boy desires to be like the little white English boy because the little black boy feels that he is white inside.
From the Paper "In the third stanza, God lives on the sun. He freely gives His light and heat away to man and nature. At first this feels like a loving, warm gift. In the next stanza, the light and heat are harmful. They are only harmful to the black faces. Their faces get sun burnt. The black bodies are what create the shady grove. In the fifth stanza, the blacks are free only when they have learned to withstand the heat of the white man's God."
"God's beams are a contrast to mother's kisses. Mother kisses the little black boy during and after the lesson. Mother's acceptance is from birth. She quietly teaches him and loves him unconditionally. God's lesson comes with bearing of heat. His lessons hurt and are only accepted at death. God's love comes with the condition that the little black boy is no longer black."
