This paper explains that, since the early 1600s, Hispanic Americans have influenced many aspects of today's American culture such as art, religion and education.
Abstract This paper relates that Hispanic Americans, also known as Latinos, are residents of the United States who can trace their ancestry to countries in the Western Hemisphere where the Spanish language is spoken. The author points out that the Hispanic American community is a mix of subgroups with roots in various countries of Latin America, such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama; many Hispanic Americans are uncomfortable with the term Hispanic American and prefer more specific designations, such as Cuban American or Mexican American, which more clearly reflect their community organization. The paper relates that almost every city in the United States has a Mexican, Cuban or other Spanish oriented restaurants from the corner "Taco Bells" to fancy sit-down cafes; Hispanics American culture has been greatly influenced the clothing industry with brightly colored skirts and dresses and all-cotton Mexican shirts popular style for golf-wear.
From the Paper "The Spaniards found exotic stories to be very real. They also fed on wild rumors, stories from the Indians and survivors of early expeditions, and the fervid imaginations of explorers on the edge of a strange New World. The possibility of finding cities of gold and gilded kings was given credibility by the conquering feats of Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro. In 1521, Cortes looted the fabulous treasure of the Aztec empire in central Mexico. In 1533, Pizarro vanquished the huge Inca Empire of western South America, centered in what today is Peru, exposing rooms full of gold and silver. These stories not only have become wonderful tales but also have found entry in the United States history books."
Abstract This paper explains that, although the laws regarding who may and may not legally enter the United States are clear, many illegal immigrants not only enter the United States but also find themselves welcome in some industries such as agriculture, construction and the service industries. The paper points out that, although President Bush has proposed giving legal status to illegal immigrants who can find a steady job, many critics feel that this solves no problems because most jobs held by illegal immigrants, such as in agriculture, are not permanent jobs. The paper recommends a policy, based on sound economic and security reasons not emotion, which encourages illegal workers to begin creating a paper trail regarding who they are and where they live; however, whatever policies are set, they should be carefully analyzed to make sure they don't encourage people to avoid compliance and don't create a new black-market industry for yet another set of forged documents.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Scope of the Problem
Current Public Policy
Possible Solutions
Federal
State
Proposed Changes
Homeland Security
What does the Public Want?
What Should be Done?
From the Paper "Another option is the "Real ID Act". This law attempts to maintain the country's willingness to welcome people from other countries while watching out for the nation's security. The law would use driver's licenses, asylum laws, a border fence south of San Diego and increased deportation. This law's supporters believe that the combination of open borders and failure to enforce immigration laws make it far too easy for terrorists to enter the country and then disappear. The law would require substantial evidence of both identity and immigration status before issuing either driver's licenses or state identity cards. The cards themselves would be made harder to forge."
Abstract Using Mark Juergensmeyer's book "Terror in the Mind of God" as a reference, this paper examines how religion sometimes influences its believers in such an extreme way that they turn to terrorism in the name of God. The paper examines the origins of terrorism, cultures of violence and the future of terrorism.
From the Paper "Juergensmeyer's ideas discussed in the book go against what most criminological theories of crime causation tell us. Rational Choice theory, which is the theory used almost exclusively in today's criminal justice field, believes that criminals choose to commit crime by weighing the potential benefits versus the potential risks. (Siegal, 107). This assumption that offenders make a rational informed decision affects crime prevention strategies (Siegal, 129). The religious terrorist, however, is in a cosmic frame of mind where moral religious values override any sense of legal right or wrong."
This paper analyzes the issue of police brutality while also discussing the role of the media in depicting cases of unwarranted excessive force on the part of law enforcement officers.
Abstract This paper examines the use of excessive police force primarily among minorities. This paper discusses the various reasons excessive force not only occurs but continues to grow at an alarming rate. This paper contains data and statistics relevant to this particular topic. This paper discusses the issue of police brutality from the point of view of law enforcement officers who insist that excessive force is used in less than 1% of contacts with civilians and suspects. This paper also delves into this issue from the point of view of African-Americans who contend that police brutality is significantly higher than the claims made by law enforcement officers. The writer analyzes the systematic biases that are present when debating this controversial topic. This paper discusses the fact that officers are rarely convicted for improper use of violence which indirectly contributes to this growing problem. This paper examines the role of the media in depicting police brutality while also detailing the case of Tyisha Miller, a young black woman killed by police in California.
Table of Contents:
A National Pattern
Systemic Bias
Media Ownership
Works Cited
From the Paper "Many members of various minority groups feel that they are unfairly targeted, especially with regard to the use of excessive force and the differences that white and black residents ascribe to these incidents. In many cases, such as the cases of Wilson and Oregon, the incidents are sparked by non-violent offenses. In addition to fatal shootings, many police officers are also resorting to the use of TASER or stun guns, in situations which were previously resolved without the use of force. Statistics from the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida, for example, show a stunning increase in the use of TASERS. In 2000, there were only three reported uses of TASER guns. a mere two years later, that figure jumped to 295."
Abstract The paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of racial profiling and how it is different from profiling.
From the Paper "In recent years, public debate over the question of whether or not law enforcement officials at all levels in the United States use the practice known as racial profiling in stopping and or identifying suspects has become emotionally charged. According to R. Richard Banks, the view that pervasive irrational racial profiling invariably accounts for the widespread investigation of people of color and ethnic minorities reflects a misreading of empirical studies of law enforcement officers' stop-search practices."
Abstract This paper describes a method for improving instruction in multicultural classes that uses the classroom learning environment. The paper discusses the effect of the classroom learning environment on student performance and the components of such an environment that should be taken into account.
From the Paper "With the growing diversity of the student population in the United States, almost all teachers are likely to be confronted with the challenge of at least one student who comes from a minority background during their career. In order to ensure that teachers are able to cater to the diverse needs of the students in multicultural classrooms, researchers have highlighted the importance of the classroom learning environment in students' overall performance. In addition to the organization of the physical classroom environment..."
Abstract This paper discusses how immigration in the era of mass immigration, 1850 to about 1920, differed from other periods, and what changed in the experiences of immigrants. The paper examines the start of immigrant communities based on ethnicity and looks at how improvements in transportation enabled mass immigration.
From the Paper "The United States is overwhelmingly a country of immigrants in the sense that nearly all Americans or their ancestors came from elsewhere in the last few centuries. Only the Native Americans, less than one percent of the population, are descended from peoples who had lived in what is now the United States for thousands of years. Moreover with the important exception of African-Americans, most of the people who immigrated to the United States or to what would become the United States did so..."
Tags: united, states, immigration, immigrants, ethnic
Abstract This article looks at the effects of personal, cultural and organizational values on decision-making in a person's personal and professional life. It explores the difference between ethnic culture and corporate culture and looks at how corporate culture colors decision-making at work.
From the Paper "Personal and cultural values affect decision making in a person's personal life because they define who the person is and how they will react to different situations. Different cultures often have vastly different value systems such as the respect for elders in Eastern cultures, the faith-based beliefs of different religious groups such as Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. These factors play a major role in the way people think and how they approach problems. In some cultures, it is customary to seek the advice of elders in decision-making whereas ... "
Abstract This paper explains that minorities often do not receive adequate health care because they lack the economic resources to pay for it and do not have the political influence to generate reform. The author points out that Hispanic babies suffer from a lack of prenatal care in much greater numbers and Hispanic adults are dying in larger numbers than Caucasians. The paper relates that many Hispanics do not have equal access to diagnosis or treatment because often they are uninsured or because they live in areas where medical facilities are unavailable, poorly staffed or lack necessary medicines.
From the Paper I"n examining and explaining Hispanic views of health and health care providers, it is evident that they are troubled by the fact that minorities often do not receive adequate health care because they lack the economic resources to pay for it and do not have the political influence to generate reform. According to Smoak (2005) Hispanic babies suffer from a lack of prenatal care in much greater numbers, and Hispanic adults are dying in larger numbers than Caucasians afflicted the same illnesses and diseases because many Hispanics do not have equal access to diagnosis or treatment, often because they are uninsured or because they live in areas where medical facilities are unavailable, poorly staffed, or lack necessary medicines."
Abstract This essay examines and defines genocide in general with the emphasis on Rwanda. The essay analyzes the general causes of genocide and the particular causes of the genocide in Rwanda. It also looks at the various actors that were involved in the genocide: the victims, the perpetrators and the bystanders.The bystanders are especially important, as in the case of Rwanda they were the 'international community'.
From the Paper "The 20th century may be called 'the century of genocide', despite all our technological achievements and strives towards a 'civilized', tolerant and global society. In fact it was in the 20th century that this term 'genocide' came into existence. Never before in the history of humankind were so many people killed or their culture destroyed on the grounds of their descent and ethnic affiliation. The Jews, Bosnians and the Rwandans are only three well-known examples. What compels one group of people to 'suddenly' destroy another group, killing men, women and children without any discrimination?"
Abstract This paper discusses obnoxious negative peace and substantive positive peace. These terms are found in a letter by Martin Luther King, Jr. expressing his opinion on direct action. Martin Luther King believed it was important to fight for substantive and positive peace for African Americans and it is important for Americans to continue to fight the battle for substantive and positive peace not only in America but throughout the world.
From the Paper "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (King 1963). What does this quotation mean? What is the difference obnoxious negative peace and substantive and positive peace? Why are these important today? These were important terms for Martin Luther King and they are important terms today. Martin Luther King believed that whatever affects one person actually affects every one else (King 1963). Many people living during the lifetime of Martin Luther King was willing to close their eyes to the violence and terrorism happening to African Americans. They believed that African Americans were wrong in taking a stand toward wanting their independence. Martin Luther King believed it was important to fight for substantive and positive peace for African Americans and it is important for Americans to continue to fight the battle for substantive and positive peace not only in America but throughout the world."
From the Paper "Within the Japanese cuisine, there contains many strange meals but there are myriads of delights that would make anybody's tastes buds melt. Coming from a Japanese decent I have tried many of these tasty meals, but I would not take it too an extreme to say that I drink "snakes blood for longevity"(Steinberg 6). Japanese meals are actually considered very healthy and low fat considered to the traditional American, southern fried chicken. Japanese food is served in little portions and displayed in a very exciting way to liven up every aspect of each savory bite. To liven up these dishes we often cut vegetables or fruits into tiny designs or animals, or organize each piece of meat and each small vegetable in a way that flatters the plate. Cutting and Slicing, mostly vegetables into meticulous designs, makes a dish its own work of art. "
Abstract This paper describes Elie Wiesel's account of his days in the concentration camps of the Nazis during WWII. Faith, strong family values, and maturity are the themes portrayed in the essay, as it speaks of Wiesel's survival and of Wiesel's lost family members and innocence.
A look at the circumstances, which led Shaka, the Zulu, to create a nation of people who are renowned the world over for their intense pride, nationalism and bravery.
3,120 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 90.95
From the Paper "The rise of the Zulu nation in South Africa to world prominence in the nineteenth century is credited to Shaka (sometimes spelled Chaka or Tshaka). The story of Shaka and the Zulu nation is marked by a number of historical controversies and is sometimes explained in a mythical or metaphysical context. Shaka was the catalyst in the formation of the Zulu empire, which had a cataclysmic impact on the Africa continent."
From the Paper "Newspapers, television, radio and Internet are the main sources that the public turns to when they want to be informed about issues that are taking place in the world around them. The media has been able to send out subliminal messages about minority groups and their actions. Mass media has portrayed Arabs as terrorists there by greatly influencing the way people look at them. The media manipulates, distorts and abuses the way people view Arabs by associating terrorist attacks with Arabs and Muslims. "