Abstract The paper observes the characteristics of adolescents and how their cognitions and behaviors contribute to their peer group formation and social development. These observations support the group formation concepts of social psychology. The paper bases its findings on five studies that look at the process of socialization in youth and have identified techniques and patterns utilized.
From the Paper "Social psychology by definition is the study of groups, and group formation is never more obvious or influential than in the stages of adolescence. Adolescents employ a variety of techniques, including self-serving bias and attributions, in the formation of their peer groups and in their socialization. While research directly examining these particular techniques in adolescence is somewhat rare, many researchers have studied general ways in which youth socialize. Five articles related to this topic have been reviewed, each dealing with characteristics of adolescents and how their cognitions and behaviors contribute to their peer group formation and social development."
Abstract This paper examines the iconography of the gods and goddesses within traditional Indonesian art, looking at the ways in which they are dressed reflect larger stylistic concerns within the culture as well as illuminating the relationship between the gods and their worshippers.
From the Paper "Before examining this particular issue in greater detail it is important that we provide an overview of the country's religious mix and heritage. The majority of the current population is Muslim, but it is an Islam strongly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the islands" older, indigenous pagan and animistic beliefs. The island of Bali is home to most Indonesians of Hindu descent, while in the current day there are small Christian population scattered throughout the country. There are also followers of Confucianism.?
Abstract This paper examines Samuel P. Huntington's clash of civilizations thesis in relation to the recent conflict in Kosovo. The paper concludes that all of the major players in the recent conflict in Kosovo performed as predicted by Huntington's thesis. The author discusses how the primary combatants, Serbs and Kosovars represent a fault line conflict between two civilizations, and both drew in support from kin-countries and how Russia came to the defense of Serbia, although only diplomatically as the situation permitted.
From the Paper "Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has become one of the premier institutions of the Western civilization. The recent entrance of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into the alliance had little-to-no strategic or military importance, but symbolized the re-joining of these states with the West. NATO's main role is changing from that of a military alliance to a club of Western market democracies. Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Baltics seek membership to this club because they want to be recognized as a part of the West. NATO has become the dominant symbol of Western power, and thus exclusively the West carried out the air war over Kosovo."
Abstract This essay is a detailed biography of the American novelist, Bernard Malamud. It describes some of his most famous works and the themes behind them. The essay speaks about Malamud's hard childhood and upbringing in Brooklyn, New York. It describes his family and how they are portrayed in his novels.
From the Paper "Bernard Malamud was an American novelist and short-story writer. Born to poor parents in Brooklyn, New York he was educated at the City College of New York and the infamous Columbia University. Making something of himself, from 1961 he taught at the Bennington College. A Jew, Malamud has touched upon them in every novel and short story in great detail. Although his first novel, The Natural released in 1952 is a fantasy about a star baseball player, most of Malamud's writing as in his second novel, The Assistant written in 1957 is concerned with Jewish themes and reflects the sad, impoverished Brooklyn scenes of his childhood. The Fixer (1966), for which Malamud received a Pulitzer Prize, is a poignant novel (based on a true story) of the suffering of a Russian Jewish workman sentenced unjustly to prison. "
Tags: Bernard, Malamud, America, novelist, Jew, Brooklyn, NY
This paper discusses how unequal educational funding is a large contributor to the race and class disparity in success rates in the United States and examines some successful alternatives that would provide strong incentives and more equal funding.
Abstract This paper deals with the historical development of educational funding and the several attempts over the past 40 years to equalize funding between rich and poor communities. The paper then presents three case studies of states that have adopted new programs that try to eliminate much of the disparity while recognizing the race and community issues associated with underprivileged schools. This paper seeks to urge that these alternatives be adopted nationally.
From the Paper "There has seldom been doubt throughout much of American history that the State does not have a responsibility to educate its citizens. Although this doctrine holds true, there is undoubtedly a strong public sentiment that a state should provide quality education for all. However, it is also clear that what is considered "quality" does not amount to the same thing for every student. Although the Supreme Court has largely eliminated overt race and gender discrimination, the fight has moved to hide the racial division with something more politically correct?money. The current system of school financing in most states undoubtedly furthers racial division within the United States."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The author summarizes the history of religious conflict in Northern Ireland and looks at the recent attempts to end decades of violence. An historical background on the troubles is detailed and includes the policy of "Home Rule," The Ireland Act of 1920, which divided Ireland into North and South, the suspension of Northern Ireland's government in 1972 and finally the successful attempts in the 1990s to broker an agreement between the two parties. The author then looks at the religious makeup of Ireland and the divisions between the Catholic and Protestant populations which, according to the author, caused politics to become a proxy for religion. The author then looks at the how the divisions in the populations of South African and Northern Ireland impeded their roads to independence.
From the Paper "About two-fifths of the population is Roman Catholic, while more than one-fifth is Presbyterian, with less than one-fifth Episcopalian (Church of Ireland); Methodists and members of other sects make up most of the remainder. The distribution of Catholics and Protestants is, however, very uneven by region . In country districts the latter are in a majority in the north and east. Elsewhere they are in a minority, though fairly highly localized. Most towns have a Protestant majority: this is the case in Belfast, where Catholics make up less than one-third of the population. Towns remote from Belfast (including Newry and Londonderry) are more than half Roman Catholic. In each of these towns themselves there is a high degree of segregation of the sects, and mixing is minimal and ?segregation increases as socioeconomic status decreases." Civil disturbances are almost always confined to locations in which segregation is highest."
This paper is an historical study of the Mohicans based on the film "The Last of the Mohicans" and a book called "Betrayals: Fort William Henry and the Massacre".
Abstract This paper details the story of "The Massacre" that was held during a battle between the Britain and France's Indian allies at Fort William. The book "Betrayals: Fort William Henry and the Massacre" by Ian Steele, took a close look at the old stereotypes, balancing out and combining contradictory accounts to forge one coherent and accurate tale. The film "The Last of the Mohicans", directed by Michael Mann, paid intricate attention to such historical details as style, language, and muzzle-loader mechanics. The paper details the event in respect to these two works and analyzes this terrible tragedy.
From the Paper "In 1757, the British outpost of Fort William surrendered to the French forces that had besieged it. Terms of surrender were granted that promised safe passage to the warriors and civilians living within the fort, and the British moved out. On the trek back to noncombatant territory, the surviving garrison was attacked by France's Indian allies. The "massacre" that followed was to go down in infamy, as wildly speculative and differing reports made their way back to the press. The episode was seen as an ultimate symbol for the perfidy of savage Indians and their treasonous European counterparts, and was perpetuated through endless literary retellings. Well over 300 years later, the story of this massacre is still being told. In 1990, a historical book Betrayals: Fort William Henry and the ?Massacre,? by Ian Steele, took a close look at the old stereotypes, balancing out and combining contradictory accounts to forge one coherent and accurate tale. Shortly thereafter, the legend was told once again, this time in full Technicolor. . The Last of the Mohicans, directed by Michael Mann, paid intricate attention to such historical details as style, language, and muzzle-loader mechanics. However, the film also took distinct liberties with the actual situations and reasons surrounding the Fort Williams massacre."
Abstract This paper describes in depth the life and ideas of civil rights leader Malcolm X. It explains how he was criticized for his "hate" campaigns against the white race, and shared this theology with the black people, pushing his hatred for whites, in order to provide the blacks a reason and a means to love themselves. The paper argues that Malcolm X would never agree with government programs to aid his black community, instead, he thought blacks should help themselves.
From the Paper "Malcolm Little was born to Reverend Earl and Louise Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. The Littles worked for unity of black people and believed in self-determination. They raised their children in an environment of ethnic awareness and dignity. Because of their father's preaching of the black cause, they were also raised in an environment of violence that included being harassed, threatened, burned out of their home, and shot at. The ultimate blow came when Malcolm was six, when his father was killed by white racists (Malcolm X - An Islamic Perspective)."
Abstract The paper examines the common roots and beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, etc., and examines how competition for believers strengthened each religion. The author looks at how Asia has been remarkably free of internecine religious warfare that has plagued other regions.
From the Paper "Asia is a land of varied cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. These foundations form the basis of Asian social life. Asia has been home to many popular religions and a place known for the acceptance of new religious ideas. This explains why it's such a place of mixed culture and religion. People such as the Chinese, Indo-Europeans, and the Semites all meet and exchange ideas in Asia. "
This paper examines the article entitled "The Significance of Affirmative Action for the Souls of White Folk: Further Implications of a Helping Model" by the authors Anthony R. Prakanis and Marlene E. Turner.
Abstract The paper explores the effects of racism on racists, through the analysis of the article "The Significance of Affirmative Action for the Souls of White Folk: Further Implications of a Helping Model," by the authors Prakanis and Turner. The paper intelligently investigates the psychological concept of "democratic altruism". It views democratically altruistic individuals have a sense of social responsibility, a sense of emotional empathy, and a sense of being included in their society. The paper layouts out the goals of affirmative action as a fundamental principle of American society in countering the lingering perceptions of racial inferiority in the American mindset.
From the Paper "In their article entitled ?The Significance of Affirmative Action for the Souls of White Folk: Further Implications of a Helping Model,? the authors Anthony R. Prakanis and Marlene E. Turner discuss a psychological concept referred to as ?democratic altruism.? The authors examine the effects of racism on racists. They examine how the concept of "democratic altruism" can be healing to both the perpetrators and the victims of racism, and can be healing to society as a whole. They then go on to explain how why Affirmative Action, often looked at as only benefiting minorities, can also be of aid to the whole of society."
Abstract This paper investigates the ideals of superiority and inferiority and how they have factored into racism and racist behavior throughout history. The author looks at how natural order, power, influence and position factor into a person's behavior and how they look at someone of a different race. The author also examines issues surrounding African-Americans and Asian-Americans and how these two different communities continue to be plagued by racism, and prejudice.
From the Paper "Padilla also asserts that stereotypes are ever changing and a new one is developed every time a major immigration into America occurs. Italians, Germans, Chinese, Irish and Jews have all experienced stereotyping (Padilla 1998). A study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago has shown that beliefs held by many Americans about racial and ethnic minorities are based on stereotypes. The study consisted of a survey administered to a cross-section of Americans. The survey asked participants to evaluate the characteristics of whites, Jews, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and southern whites on a scale of one to seven. The results showed that minority groups were evaluated more negatively than whites, with the exception of Jews, who were rated more favorably than whites in all characteristics except patriotism. Hispanics and African-Americans were ranked last or next to last on nearly all characteristics measured (How Do Americans View One Another? The Persistence of Racial/Ethnic Stereotypes)."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of how the American government treated Japanese-Americans during World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The paper looks at the the relocation camps where the Japanese-Americans were sent, their treatment there and some of the long-term implications of this policy. Relations between Japan and the United States prior to Pearl Harbor are also examined in detail.
From the Paper "Many people criticized the U.S. government for acting the way it did toward Japanese-Americans. Some of these critics have said that the United States acted as if martial law had been called out (Inada 187). Although of course the United States remained under civilian rule for the war, in some ways its actions were like those that are taken by martial law authorities. Martial law is put into effect when civil authority alone is deemed not to be strong or severe enough to keep life functioning in a basically normal and safe way. Usually governments that declare martial law allow normal civil rights to be taken away from people. This could mean, for example, that if martial law were called out in America then Americans would no longer be able to be tried by a jury if they were accused of a crime (Inada 149). This is almost what happened to Japanese-Americans."
Abstract This paper is written in first person and describes how after conversations with some Muslim men, the writer came to the conclusion that Islam's attitude to women is wrong and that their aim is to embarrass and control women.
From the Paper "When one experiences a religion that manipulates its fundamental beliefs to accommodate personal discrimination, it invalidates its purpose. It has always been my understanding that the belief in peace, faith, and conscientiousness is fundamental to any religion. As an example, the religion of Islam teaches the faithful how to live in harmony among the different races on the earth, as well as demonstrate to us how to differentiate between what is good and what is bad. In other words, to be Muslim is predicated on the concept that what one does not want for oneself, should not be wished for the fellow human being. As a result of my conversations with young Muslim men at Chapman College, I learned that this basic doctrine is being modified to frustrate and control women. Due to men's selfishness, and the pervasive desire to exercise superiority and control over females, current interpretations of the Islamic religion have made it a torture and misfortune for members of the female gender, and this cruel reality is best exemplified by its unfair concept of the role of women in Muslim society. "
Abstract This paper studies the political impact of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and examines the political climate in the country at the time it which it was written. The life of Harper Lee is also detailed and it is shown how his upbringing influenced his work.
From the Paper "Harper Lee is the American writer, famous for her race relations novel TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, which became a runaway success due to the timing of the novel which was published at the height of Civil rights movement and also because behind its apparent simplicity and down-to-earth style it touched the heart of people from all walks of life. . In To Kill a Mockingbird, a black man (Tom Robinson) is accused of raping a white woman. There are strong undercurrents of racism running deep in the novel as the plot revolves around a community living in a small southern town. In the book, the narrator is a small girl (Scout), and the story has many themes running through it, as it is mainly a coming of age. "
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes demographic trends and indicators of the ever increasing Hispanic community in the United States. The assessment is that the community will be as large as the African-American community in the near future.
From the Paper "Researchers in demographics have persistently foretold that the rapidly growing Hispanic population would inevitably develop into the leading minority group in the United States. Updated data released from the 2000 census reveal that this belief is fast approaching actualisation. The data indicates that America's Hispanic population grew by 58% during the 1990s, putting Hispanics practically equal with African Americans as the country's biggest minority group. Most demographers predicted that the Hispanic population would equal or exceed African Americans by 2005. But that may occur sooner than initially anticipated. (Travierso, Maria., 2001, 1) How has this approaching dominance among minorities occurred and what does this mean to the U.S. population at large?"
