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. "
Examines Michael Coe's book "The Maya" which pulls together the available data from many different fields of study to produce a comprehensive survey that sheds new light on the beginnings and eventual decline of the ancient Mayan civilization.
2,160 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, 1999, $ 67.95
From the Paper "By using new and updated material from the archaeological field, combined with the recent studies done in the field of linguistics, Coe has been able to create a plausible 'history' of the Maya people, while at the same time creating a new model that portrays a very complex social and economic system not believed to have existed in earlier research. Coe's revised edition also dispels the notion that the complex centers were primarily used for religious or priestly functions. Coe instead sees these centers as also being the hub for politics, trade, and social functions. Added to this history are the artistic forms expressed in the Maya Murals, burial sites, architecture, ceramics, clothing and dated monumnts, all of which gives insight as well as documentation to the lives and movements of the humans that inhabited the many areas of Mesoamerica as early as eleven to fourteen thousand years ago. By tracing the various art forms displayed on these archaeological items along with the decipherable hieroglyphic writings, Coe has been able to offer a realistic progression of the Maya civilization through its Pre-Classic, Classic, and Post-Classic eras. Included in this progression is the outside influences of different languages and styles of artistic expression, whether these influences came through the process of trade, exchange, or war. But before Coe examines these three stages of Maya development, he first explores the possible human lifestyle prior to these stages, thus setting the stage for the development of the obvious and intricate architecture that is found in Mesoamerica today."
A look at the book as a triumph of the human spirit, as well as a personal narration that offers an insider's view of the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural life of an entire group of people.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, 1999, $ 60.95
From the Paper ?I, Rigoberta Menchu: An Indian Woman in Guatemala" is a human story. In 1982, when this story was recorded, Rigoberta was only twentythree years old and had already witnessed and experienced a lifetime of unbelievable physical, psychological, and spiritual persecution. Her story is a testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit under the most de-humanizing conditions imaginable. At the same time, this personal narration offers an insiders view of the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural life of an entire group of people. Through Rigoberta, a contemporary Maya community comes alive bringing with it the struggles that began with the Spanish Conquest and continue in the Guatemala of the twentieth century. "
Abstract This paper talks about the communal identity of the blacks that helped them become stronger and more powerful during the hardships of the 1930s. The picture of ?Mrs. Mary Willis,? by Jack Delano, represents a strong and determined black woman, not needing any type of help or support, and able to deal with the adversities of the economic crash and the natural disaster of the Dust Bowl. On the other hand, Richard Wright's article, ?Joe Louis Uncovers Dynamite,? represents the communal identity of the blacks, and how unstoppable and overpowering they can be once they come together as a collective group. The paper discusses how the blacks were represented differently by different people, why Delano portrayed blacks as powerful individuals, while Wright portrayed blacks as having a potential identity as a community that could have an impact in their social status during the 1930s.
