Abstract This paper explains that the term "Mexican-American" is used for the original inhabitants of the U.S.-acquired northern territories of Mexico; whereas, "Chicano", historically a derogatory term, is used for Mexicans who immigrated in the U.S. during the period of the 1930s and 1940s. The author points out that, historically, during the early period of conflict, while the "Mexican Americans" had already been assimilated into American society, establishing their social and economic status in the society, Chicanos were mainly "outcasts" in this country. The paper concludes that, today, the Chicano-Mexican society is, and will be, a balance between the traditional and modern cultures, creating a hybrid form of culture and society that is distinctly characteristic of their Mexican and American heritage.
From the Paper "As the Mexican society is gradually assimilated into the contemporary American society, its future can be traced or patterned right after the history of African Americans in the US. The emergence of the Mexican American and Chicano movements fighting for equality and recognition of their rights in the American society is reminiscent of the civil rights movement of the African Americans during the 1960s (in fact, Mexicans are also included in this protest movement, along with black Americans). In essence, Mexican society and culture of the present and for the future is described as ?people between cultures,? where ?? "culture in the borderlands"? "human cultures"? (metropolitan typifications) are neither necessarily coherent nor always homogeneous.""
Abstract This paper looks at how, as more and more people of different races and cultures enter the United States, and how, as the ethnic composition of the country changes, immigration becomes a more intensely debated issue. It examines how some Americans favor tighter immigration restrictions and argue that immigrants take jobs away from U.S. citizens, drain social services, and resist learning English, and how others, however, point to America's historic commitment to immigration and believe that immigrants keep the nation strong, economically competitive, and culturally rich. It provides a timeline of policies from the purchase of Ellis Island in 1808 to the 1994 Proposition 167 in California, which would deny illegal aliens all public social services, public non-emergency health care based on financial needs, and public education.
From the Paper "During the later part of the twentieth century, U.S. immigration policy has addressed specific modern-day problems. In some instances, the federal government has set limits on the number of immigrants"who fall into certain classifications, such as refugee"who are allowed to reside in the country. The Refugee Act of 1980 legally defined a refugee as someone who flees a country because of persecution "on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion" (U.S. Immigration Policy 1995). The act allows the president to admit refugees in a time of emergency and also places a limit on the number of refugees allowed to enter."
Tags: aliens, ellis, island, refugees, restrictions
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the internment camps for the Japanese that were set up and implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The internment of Japanese-Americans was drastic and shocking, but it was supported by the majority of non-Japanese Americans. It was a decision that left a bruise on the psyche of the nation, however. The writer explores the history leading up to the decision and the decision itself. The paper includes photographs and a timeline of events leading up to and including the internment camps.
From the Paper "He was considered one of the top military police officers in the nation at the time. He was largely responsible for making sure there was peace and order in the military areas of the nation, which included the military camps that the Japanese were being brought to. Gullion was considered an expert in legal affairs as well when it came to the actions of the military. He had serious concerns about the legal ability to lock up civilians who had done nothing wrong. He argued that the military could not get away with interfering in civilian lives."
This paper discusses the effects of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) sentencing two Rwandan journalists to life imprisonment for their role in fanning the flames of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Abstract This paper explains that the ICTR decision comes almost a decade after the genocide in Rwanda, which began in April 1994 and continued for over 100 days; during this period, members of the Rwandan Hutu majority slaughtered over 800,000 members of the minority Tutsi tribe, mostly using machetes. The author points out that, though the trials are not over, the decisions are having an important impact on the future of Rwanda, such as the new Constitution, which prevents both the Hutus and the Tutsis from dominating the legislature or the cabinet. The paper stresses that one of the biggest challenges remaining is in the health service sector, in general, and among Rwanda's rising AIDS population, in particular.
From the Paper "Economic analysts like Ford (2003) thus suggest that rather than trying to recapture the markets it lost in crops such as bananas, beans and sorghum, Rwanda could instead concentrate on trying to revive its coffee trade. This suggestion holds much merit, considering how the Rwandan landscape is covered with coffee plantations, much of the population lives in rural areas and the current boom in specialty and fair trade coffees. It is unrealistic to expect Rwanda to have any active tourism trade in the near future. Instead, Rwanda could capitalize on the coffee trade and should take care to diversify its export crops. Thus, after the coffee crops are underway, Ford (2003) suggests plantations could also cultivate tobacco and the government could look into developing Rwanda's mining industry."
Abstract This paper looks at the problem that hate crimes present to society. The paper provides some FBI statistics on hate crimes, discusses some of the problems associated with combating the crimes, looks at legislation enacted in the United States designed to counter them, and talks about hate crime prevention groups and how they can be effective in deterring hate crimes.
From the Paper "Legislation in the United States has established harsher penalties for hate crimes over the past decade, which has been welcomed by many people, but criticized by others. (Wikipedia) Some people argue that women and minorities, such as blacks and gays, are getting "special treatment" by the establishment of strict hate crime penalties. This narrow-minded view is one obstacle in investigating and controlling hate crimes. It can also be difficult for investigators to distinguish hate crimes from other crimes, because it is necessary not only to prove what events happened, but what the intention of the perpetrator was. They are usually detected by a background investigation of the accused perpetrator or by eyewitness reports. Circumstantial evidence can sometimes show the intent, such as a diary or journal belonging to the accused that established a biased mindset. Getting a hate crime conviction can also be very difficult because there are very strict rules decided on by the FBI. (Wikipedia)"
Abstract This paper examines the reasons why immigration occurred from China to U.S. It also looks at the geographical areas where the Chinese immigrants settled and the reasons why these areas were chosen. The challenges the Chinese had to face as a result of migrating from China to the U.S. is also highlighted. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the influence the Chinese culture has had on American society.
From the Paper "During the 1870s, America's economy greatly suffered while that of Britain and Germany flourished. While the number of British and German immigrants decreased that of China, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark and southern and eastern Europe increased. Seeing this, the United States passed its first restrictive immigration law in 1875. "During the late 1870's, Californians demanded laws to keep out Chinese immigrants. In some instances, mobs attacked Chinese immigrants, who were accused of lowering wages and unfair business competition. They were also denounced as inassimilable and as racially inferior" (Joyce Bryant, Immigration Into The United States)."
Abstract This paper explains that "No-No Boy" is a historical, fiction novel by John Okada and is primarily based on the real-life events directly affected by the plight of Japanese-Americans in the immediate aftermath of WWII. It shows how Okada's novel has characters and a plot that are fictional; however, the unveiling truth behind its historical context provides readers with a multidimensional observation over a complexity of issues.
From the Paper "Okada's novel delivers a poignant reflection on the relations between Japanese-Americans and white Americans, and focuses especially on the image that Japanese-Americans have of themselves. Okada discovered many complexities behind writing his novel, complexities that could not be explained by Anne Moody or a historian such as Ronald Takaki. The image that Japanese Americans have of themselves challenges issues of free will, which portray even bigger issues of self-hatred and self-perception. Although free will was undoubtedly a major theme in Moody's Coming of Age in Mississippi, it missed the essence of pain and suffering. The world that Okada describes is certainly an ugly one that's full of hostility between and amongst races similar to the one described by Moody; however, one gets a sense that he maintains faith in humanity. This faith empowers the reader to feel the pain endured by Japanese Americans at this time."
Tags: 1940s, americans, fiction, historical, japanese, racism, states, united, wwii
Abstract This paper summarizes the Dieri, Bevenda, and Cherokee structures of religious belief and touches upon their tribal beliefs about god and gods, key myths, and rituals. The paper also compares the Cherokee beliefs to the Aboriginal beliefs and highlights their differences.
From the Paper "The Dieri, an aboriginal tribe of Australia, the Oklahoma tribe of the Cherokee, and the Bevenda may all be subsumed under the common category of ?native people,? when comparing such indigenous faiths with the common faith of those who colonized these individuals, namely white Christians. However, upon closer examination of the religions practices of these groups, there emerge equally striking differences between one another that belay such easy elision under the term ?native.?"
Abstract Jazz is a music that belongs to all races. This paper argues that, even though there have been a majority of African-American musicians in the jazz community, anyone can play it, write it, and express their feelings through it. There was music being played at the same time jazz began by other people who had a big influence on jazz, however. This paper shows that there have also been many white musicians who have made important and influential contributions to jazz. Over the last few decades, many jazz artists and critics have become vocal about their opinion about jazz and race because there are so many strong opinions about it. The writer concludes that this issue has been discussed privately since jazz became popular and that the connection between jazz and race continues to be a widely discussed topic in the jazz community.
From the Paper "The connection between jazz music and race has been discussed since jazz first became a genre one hundred years ago. Over the last four decades, many jazz artists have become more vocal about the idea that jazz is a black music. The argument is not that all good jazz musicians are black, but that the most immediate and significant ancestors have been black. Some of the major jazz innovators such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane have been black. The view of jazz as a black music, however, is controversial. There are many that believe that jazz is not the property of just one racial group. Artists who are or were not black such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw Stan Getz, Bix Beiderbecke, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Brubeck, Frank Trumbauer, and Charlie Haden have also left distinguished marks on jazz. At the turn of the century, when jazz first became popular, white and black musicians were playing very similar, though not identical, forms of music. Some artists and critics claim that the jazz expression of black Americans is a creative reflection of the black experience, however, most artists see jazz as a way to express personal experience, no matter what race they are. Though the first innovative jazz musicians were black, jazz is a music that belongs to all races."
Abstract This paper explains that, during the 1940s, the period of the Pachucos, Mexican-Americans were considered second-class citizens, suffering similar segregation and oppression as African-Americans of this time. The author stresses that the Pachucos and Chicanos are excellent examples of both the alienation and estrangement of the Mexican-Americans. The paper relates that a major problem of gangs is the loss of parental guidance.
From the Paper "Chicanos have adopted a unique style of dress. Much like the Pachucos, this fashion style is immediately recognizable by the public. Long-sleeved flannel shirts buttoned at the neck only over a t-shirt and baggy long pants, no matter how hot it is outside begins the ensemble. A bandana, of typically significant colors dependent on the gang they associate with, around the forehead or worn as a skullcap completes the outfit. A ball cap is optional; of course if worn, it will have the logo of the gang's adopted sports team. All in an overt attempt to let everyone know without question to which gang they belong. This outfit is so important to them, that it is not uncommon to see a gang member dressed in this more appropriate for winter garb, out on the sunny beach of Southern California in the middle of July."
This paper discusses the marketing strategy of Blockbuster Entertainment Corporation, the market leader in the United States and abroad for the rental of videos and associated products.
Abstract This paper explains that Blockbuster achieved its success through focused goals, effective marketing strategies, a clear knowledge of the market attained through market research, expansion and pricing according to marketing demands, and an involvement with the community. This paper relates that, in 2002, Blockbuster expanded its gaming market by purchasing the UK-based video game retailer, Gamestation, resulting in the development of Game Rush, a store-in-store concept to rent, sell, or buy new and used game software and hardware, which shares an entrance with Blockbuster stores. The paper relates that Blockbuster's marketing philosophy is closely intertwined with its concept of serving humanity through many service programs, stressing diversity in the workforce and customer base, sponsoring the filmmakers? category of the NAACP's ACT-SO Program and minority film festivals, and community projects, such as Boys & Girls of America and Children's Miracle Network.
Table of Contents
Blockbuster's Marketing Concepts and Strategies
Marketing Style and Philosophy
The Success of Blockbuster
From the Paper "Blockbuster's increased focus on retail for example has resulted in strategic planning (Desjardins, 2003, May). This includes a variety of newly created programs, as well as expansion in terms of in-stores selections of movies, games and equipment. Rent subscriptions, movie and game trading, as well as store-in-store concepts, are some of the new strategies to attract customers and ensure the return of existing customers. Specifically, the new concepts include the Blockbuster Freedom Pass, a rental subscription program that allows the customer to rent an unlimited supply of movies without restrictions such as return dates or extended viewing fees."
Abstract This paper looks at the vast differences between the cultures of Native and European Americans and explains why, without significant compromise by both peoples, these cultural differences made peaceful co-existence between the groups untenable.
From the Paper "Given the proper circumstances, the traditional Native American cultures could not have co-existed alongside European American cultures, with both remaining relatively intact and viable because of basic fundamental differences regarding land and life. Each culture respected their own heritage and felt no desire to change their ways for the other. The Native Americans might have made a fatal mistake by believing that they could co-exist with the Europeans while the Europeans, as demonstrated in Andrew Jackson's message, had no such intentions. Examining how each culture viewed these issues reveals how, without compromise, any attempts to co-exist were futile."
Abstract The history of the police force is interesting and varied. In particular, it looks at how the paradigms associated with the force, as well as factors of social development and diversity, have made it a particularly difficult field for minority groups such as women, African-Americans, and Hispanics to find and maintain careers. It explores how, over the years, law enforcement agencies have discriminated against racial minorities in the same way as against women and looks at the challenges posed by the 21st century.
Outline
Historical Use of Minorities in the Police Force
Challenges of Minority Groups on the Force
Work Performance
Meeting the Challenge
From the Paper "The greatest challenge faced by women, African Americans and Hispanics joining the police force is the attitude of white male officers towards them. Women for example are seen as weak and somewhat inadequate to handle many of the duties required of an officer. This is then one of the reasons why these groups are somewhat reluctant to apply for jobs on the police force. Some women for example may believe that police work is indeed mostly physical, and that a woman would indeed fail to measure up to the requirements. More realistically perhaps, others may feel that the limited promotion and recruitment opportunities offered to women are an obstacle that they are not willing to attempt to overcome."
Abstract This paper argues that the special rights that Aboriginals are granted in Canada violate Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states that all individuals are to be treated equally, regardless of their race or ethnic origin. The paper argues that Aboriginals are one group of peoples among many other minority groups that make up Canada. It questions, therefore, why Aboriginals should be given special grants and privileges above everyone else.
From the Paper "As well, in trying to establish successful colonies, the governments did impose assimilation on Aboriginals; however, Aboriginals were not the only ones subjected to assimilation. Indeed, assimilation and discrimination against certain ethnic groups and races is not a part of history that Canada is proud of, but at the same time it is not an aspect of history that applied only to Aboriginals. Blacks, Asians, eastern Europeans and Irish peoples are just a few of the many cultural groups that were subjected to discrimination upon their immigration to North America. Yet, it is only Aboriginals that are currently granted special rights and benefits in Canada."
Abstract This paper argues that the United Nations has not responded to humanitarian crisis and conflicts like Rwanda in an efficient and effective way. The UN has failed not only because of its inherent weakness and poverty of means and resources, but also because of the fundamental flaw in its post-Cold War peacemaking approach.
From the Paper "Although Clapham's claims contain some truth his article has a methodological weakness. It is flawed because it takes a very narrow view of UN peacekeeping and peacekeeping models. Clapham, for example, argues that the UN has only used one peacekeeping model during the post-Cold War period and insists on examining the United Nations' role in the ethnic conflict in Rwanda through that model. However, the point is that this model does not apply to Rwanda because the United Nations never used it in that country. His methodology provides insufficient explanation for why the Rwanda conflict was not prevented or contained, because it is based on the argument that the United Nations had intervened in Rwanda while it had not."
