This paper provides a comprehensive look at the realities of the Basque struggle and the way that it is perceived according to international media groups.
6,145 words (approx. 24.6 pages), 18 sources, 2000, $ 144.95
From the Paper "The Basque nationalist movement is rapidly rising to the top ranks of separatist movements in Europe. However, it is one of the least understood among them. With the peace process in Northern Ireland slowly but steadily taking hold and the situation in the former Yugoslavia shakily maintaining the appearance of being under control, a vacuum has been created for the study of another European nationalism. In conjunction with this vacuum, the most brutal offensive by the Basque terrorist group ETA -Basque Homeland and Liberty- since 1992 has brought the Basque question into the spotlight. While most media sources report on only the current violence conducted by extremists, this paper will explore the various faces of Basque nationalism throughout its history."
Tags: batasuna, carlists, eta, franco, herri, pnv, spain, basque, nationalism
From the Paper "Even before the 1600s, before the introduction of the fur trade in North America, the Chippewa and Cree tribes resembled each other culturally, linguistically and geographically, give or take a few hundred miles. They controlled areas in the Great Lakes region up to the southern edge of the Hudson Bay Company hunting, fishing, trading, warring with other Indian tribes and harvesting small crops of maize and wild rice. The European fur trade, made particularly competitive by the establishment of the Hudson Bay Company in 1670, pushed both tribes westward in their quest of furs which the Indians traded for guns, alcohol, and horses around the end of the 18th century. But as the furs depleted in the east and northcentral part of the continent and ?the Great White Father,? and ?her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland,? extended their reach further into North America, the tribes felt even more pressure to migrate West."
From the Paper " Next to the legendary Shaka, no other Zulu monarch in South Africa was feared and revered as much as Cetewayo, the oldest son of Mpande, one of Shaka's half-brothers. Cetewayo was successful in his campaign to revive the Zulu military tradition instituted during the reign of Shaka."
An examination of the book, not only about chocolate, but about the connection of 'human history', including religion, art, war, food, sex, politics, medicine, agriculture, environmental issues, weather, economics, and geography.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 3 sources, 1999, $ 72.95
From the Paper "The late Sophie Coe's book, "The True History of Chocolate" which her husband Michael Coe completed after her death is a history of the journey of chocolate from its origins in the lowland jungles of southern Mexico to the European continent, its future African and Indian colonies, finally returning full circle to the Americas. But the journey of chocolate is only one of the many aspects portrayed in their book. By using chocolate as the vehicle, the Coes have also exposed the 'human history' that is intimately connected to this journey. A journey that progresses through three thousand years in time as well as spanning most of the world."
A comparison of the Pueblo culture and the Hispanic culture found in the American Southwest, concerning their cultural differences in their practice of witchcraft.
4,640 words (approx. 18.6 pages), 13 sources, 1999, $ 120.95
From the Paper "There is a virtually universal belief that humans are able to use super- natural techniques to bring about misfortunes such as illness, death, loss of a spouse, or loss of property and on the lighter side, these techniques can also be used to create love potions and the retrieval of a lost heart. These supernatural abilities are commonly attributed to the practice of witchcraft and although there is no definitive definition for witchcraft, it seems that because it is a universal belief the only apparent differences in this belief system are found within the traditions particular to each specific culture. These traditional belief variances can be seen when comparing the Pueblo culture and the Hispanic culture found in the American Southwest. Although these two cultures exist side by side, the cultural practices concerning witch craft are definitely different, with the only similarities being of Spanish origin."
Tags: cults, folklore, indians, luis, myth, pueblo, san, spanish, valley
From the Paper "What is so special about humans anyway? From Mother Nature's point of view all parts of the ecosystem are equal. And when I say equal, I mean that the basic principal of equality does not require equal oridentical treatment; it requires equal consideration. We all evolved from the same beginnings, we are all made of the same stuff and we all belong to the same biosphere. The world wasn't made for any one species. It's here for all of us. And it is nothing but pure arrogance and prejudice to think that we are the pinnacle of creation, that we have the right to treat the rest of creation anyway we want. It's time we recognize that we are a part of nature, not lords over it. "
From the Paper "Dennis and Barbara Tedlock have dedicated a significant portion of their lives studying both the ancient Maya and the contemporary Maya of Guatemala. Each is an expert in their own right and each is able to shed light on the mysteries of the Maya people. They both draw their information from the field of archaeology, pre-Spanish chronicles, and contemporary beliefs. When looked at together, the Tedlock's, books create a living picture of both the ancient Maya and the contemporary Maya of Guatemala. "
Tags: archaeology, astronomy, myth, ruins, tedlock, time, maya, culture, history, indian
Abstract An examination of how Nigerian author Chinua Achebe was influenced by his experiences and how that is reflected in his novel, "Anthills of the Savannah".
From the Paper " 'We . . . are committed to reclaiming the rich heritage of Africa, every inch of it, and redrawing the contours of African history which in the hands of others had been drawn . . . with great malice and lurid falsehood' (Achebe, Colonial Criticism, Hopes and Impediments, 85). Upon examination of Anthills of the Savannah and Achebe's earlier works, this quotation from a 1974 essay proves to be a mission statement for the author. Achebe writes out of an African experience and of a commitment to an African destiny (Achebe, Colonial Criticism, Hopes and Impediments, 74). While his earlier themes concern a clashing of cultures between European colonists and African traditionalists and the emergence of national independence from Western regimes, Anthills of the Savannah deals with Africa's post-colonial political and cultural turmoil. His greatest endeavor is to tell Africa=s story from the point of view of the African; he aims to set the record straight, for prior to his literature most African tales were told from a Western perspective, (Wren, p.77)."
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.
Abstract In this essay, the author uses the supporting evidence of Mark Reisler and his book, and lectures from Professor Gutierrez's to explain what kinds of perceptions of Mexicans were formed during the 1920's and why. The author explains why most Americans formed negative opinions of Mexicans, and offers an explanation of what effects these negative opinions have on social relations.
Abstract This study takes the literary approach in unraveling the Maguindanaon character and sees what their literature says about them.
From the Paper "In Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines, and particularly in the Province of Maguindanao, a tribe known as the Maguindanaon has since been stereotyped by the mainstream population as being uncivilized, violent, war-like and with criminal tendencies. However, the educated members of the Maguindanaons resisted such characterization of their people and instead argued that like their majority brothers they too possess positive characteristics."
Abstract This essay examines the role of women in Ancient Mali society through the legend of ?Sundiata.? It also briefly examines the role of legends as an appropriate source for a historian. The author portrays the use of an oral folk tale as a social source.
From the Paper "In any society with a fairly low literacy rate, oral tradition becomes the most important way to pass down the history of that society, and it generally plays an important part in the education of the members of that society. This can be seen in virtually any ancient culture: Homer's Iliad, the legends revolving around King Arthur, even large parts of the Judea-Christian Torah and Bible are all meant not only to entertain, but to impart tradition, moral lessons, and history to younger generations, who, in turn, will pass it down to their children and grandchildren. Sundiata, an African tale about the great king of that same name in the ancient empire of Mali, is another epic story in this tradition of mythical historical tales."
The paper offers an analysis of three primary resources. The three Jewish Chronicles recount the persecution of German Jewish communities during the First Crusade.
628 words (approx. 2.5 pages), 1 source, 2001, $ 22.95
Abstract This paper looks at the Jews' behavior during the Crusades as seen through their own actual writings. Quotes are given and numerous examples of how the Jews reacted to the crusading Christians are provided.
From the Paper "The three chronicles in this book are of historic value because they represent some of the few existing primary sources regarding the events of the first and second Crusades. More importantly, it is a rare occurrence that the victims of war would chronicle the events. Generally, accounts are relayed by the victors, those who feel that their acts of bravery and heroics should be recorded for posterity. Unfortunately, victors and victims alike suffer a great temptation to embellish written accounts to sway public opinion in their favor. This type of sympathy bias, coupled with a strong religious bias is easily discernable throughout the text."
A look at three films "The Piano", "Once Were Warriors"; and "Broken English" which offer insight into the social plights of New Zealand and its frequent manifestation of domestic violence.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 47.95
Abstract A look at the release of domestic violence in New Zealand cinema. The author investigates the nature of conflict and gender bias that viewers are exposed to and how this reflects the social history and how it has impacted past and modern culture in New Zealand.
From the Paper "The three films, "The Piano" (1993), "Once Were Warriors" (1995) and "Broken English" (1996) all offer insight into the social plights of postcolonial New Zealand and its frequent manifestation in domestic violence. The films are set in societies where gender conflict is rampant as a result of the country's colonial history. The film, "The Piano" assumes a euro centric approach to colonialist New Zealand, dealing with the abusive relationship that results from an arranged marriage between a young Scottish woman named Ada and a European settler, Stewart, in the mid-nineteenth century. This film scrutinizes the subjugation of women during colonial times, but also correlates it with the conquest and oppression of the Maori aboriginals. "Once Were Warriors" centers on the life of Jake Heke, a member of the indigenous Maoris who, living a life of urban poverty, finds refuge and solace in the only thing over which he retains control ? his physical strength. A failure in most respects, Jake is only able to derive a sense of dignity through his physical power and masculinity, and therefore uses it as his only weapon. "Broken English" is a film which broaches domestic violence by examining a separate social reality of modern New Zealand; the strife of Croatian immigrants residing in the multi-ethnic, ghettoized urban outskirts of Auckland. This film elucidates the fundamental nature of conflict and gender bias within immigrant cultures."
Abstract Since the recent bombings the image of Arabs in America has changed. The media leads us to feel the way we feel. This paper shows how the media affects our views of Arabs after the Sept 11 bombing.
From the Paper "Through the above examples, I have been conditioned to develop an unconscious hatred towards Arabs. After examining the different forms of media and the feelings they provoke in me, I realized my biased attitude towards specific ethnic groups. Although I do not disagree with the message of the media, especially after the tragedies we have experienced in the past weeks, I do feel that I have been conditioned since I was a child to develop feelings of hate towards certain ethnic groups."
