Abstract This paper looks at the realities behind the remarkable success story of the U.S. Welfare Reforms. The statistics show huge gains in employment and standard of living, but this paper shows that many of the improvements are temporary and not always correct in real terms i.e. U.S. median wage same as it was 27 years ago. Also discussed are race issues, how it is easier for whites to move out of welfare, whilst for ethnic minorities it can be seen as punitive. The paper contains many governmental figures and independent statistics showing alternative realities.
From the paper:
?The Welfare Reform Act of 1996 looks like a smashing success: it has successfully reduced welfare rolls by more than half, and cut the number of welfare recipients from 4.6 million to 2.4 million in 1999. Many welfare recipients have left the system. Instead of receiving cash grants, parents had to learn skill sand enter the labor force. They also faced a five-year lifetime limit for welfare assistance.
"But numbers are never simple. The truth is that few are thriving in this new system. The numbers show success, but if one looks beneath the surface to find out if women have truly become self-sufficient, a different story emerges. In many ways, the welfare reform act is a broken promise. Women have not truly received help to access decent jobs, and have not gained economic independence.?
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of teaching solely in English in the United States. The author explains how the advantages convince us that we should adopt instruction in English nationwide in order to live up to our reputation as a land of equality among our residents. The paper also discusses how teaching in languages alienates English speakers from non-English speakers.
From the paper:
"In the United States, we residents are well known for our diversity and ability to accept many different things. The battle over the most effective way to teach our children has resulted in an ongoing debate between teaching in the English language or bilingual education. Not only has bilingual education been a failure in many parts of the country, but also a waste of precious financial resources. The prevailing language in the U.S. is English, and it has worked well to keep the country united. With a high number of diverse cultures cohabitating, the assortment of languages has served to promote ethnic elitism. Those who do not speak English fluently are incessantly among lower social classes."
Tags: bilingual, children, education, spanish, teach, class, melting, pot, u.s.
Abstract This book review gives Azug's historical documentation on America's role during the holocaust. It examines the context precluding the holocaust in European anti-Semitism, and how America sometimes ignored the truth during the holocaust.
From the paper:
"This book allows us to examine what exactly Americans knew about the Holocaust while it was happening and what and when did the United States and Americans know about Hitler's horrific Final Solution? It asks Americans to ask themselves why was there no intervention by linking historical narrative to primary, contemporary sources. Abzug both chronicles the events in Nazi Germany and examines the resurgence of anti-Semitism across the world, linking the tightening of immigration policies in the United States to fears of contamination by lesser races ? a philosophy not that different from Hitler's own."
Abstract This paper describes in detail both polygyny and polyandry all over the world. The topics covered include an in-depth look polygamous practices of African tribes, tribes of New Zealand, Mormon groups of Utah, citizens of Tibet and Nepal, and more. The paper also includes the influence of Catholicism, Christianity, Mormonism, and Islam on the practice of polygamy.
From the paper:
"Polygamy is made up of polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny can be loosely described as a man having more than one wife, and polyandry is a woman having more than one husband. Polygamy is in more individual societies than monogamous relationships, but far more people ascribe to monogamy than polygamy. As Pettitt explains, "Polyandryous marriages or polygynous marriages are found in many parts of the world. In fact, one study discovered that among 475 different societies, 378 were basically polygynous, 31 approved of polyandry, and only 66 were basically monogamous. The most populous countries are monogamous, and this form of marriage is therefore accepted by far the greatest number of people" (64). One reason for polygamy is made clear by Pettitt, "Men accept the idea of sharing a wife, just as a women accept the idea of sharing a husband, provided that this is a socially sanctioned form of marriage contract" (64)."
Abstract This paper examines the dynamics and underlying causes of the Japanese economic revival that has occurred since the end of World War II, looking both at its economic components (such as the shift from agricultural to high-tech sectors) as well as the demographic and cultural elements that are just as important for understanding the Japanese economy.
From the Paper "The Japanese economic miracle is complex and can only be explained by looking to political, cultural, and economic reasons. It rests on the government's taking responsibility for social welfare, vocational training, and education. It rests on the responsibility taken by both consumers and producers for economic prosperity. It rests on the government's decision to concentrate on high-quality and high-technology products designed for domestic and foreign consumption and on the government's building stable, economically advanced trading partners to replace the Asian markets to which inexpensive textiles had been
sent earlier. A number of factors have greatly aided Japan's economic resurgence that began in the 1950s and has continued since then, among them (ironically) the complete destruction of the nation's industrial base by the war. This meant that Japan's new factories, using the latest developments in technology, were often more efficient than those of their foreign competitors. With the addition of a youthful and well-educated workforce, a high domestic savings rate that provided ample capital, and an activist government and bureaucracy that provided guidance, support, and subsidies, the ingredients were in place for rapid and sustained economic growth."
Abstract The paper explains the difference between a Christian wedding and a Pakistani wedding, both in production and in approach. The paper describes the different rituals and customs that take place before and during the wedding, defining key terms and comparing the traditional symbolism of the institution of marriage.
From the Paper "Pakistani Weddings are an elaborate affair that starts weeks before the actual date. Many traditional customs have to be completed and these customs involve the whole family . Grandmothers, uncles, aunts, parents and a hoard of other relatives take part in the wedding from both sides and it is considered an insult if anyone is forgotten. Weddings are a time when past disputes are forgotten and new ones are made! They are a time of happiness and a time when people's nerves stretched to the extreme. The difference between a Catholic wedding and a Pakistani wedding is not only in its presentation but also in its whole way of thinking. The Catholic wedding is the decision of the bride and groom-essentially and the family helping. In the Pakistani wedding the bride and groom become the onlookers while the family takes all the decisions. While the Catholic wedding is relatively simple the Pakistani wedding is an all out affair that is exotic in presentation."
Abstract The writer of this paper claims that the 1994 Rwandan genocide of 800 000 people was preventable. The paper shows how during the affair, the UN appeared disorganized and lacked any initiative and the author recounts chains of events and also the results of the UN's actions (or inaction).
From the Paper "In 1994, from April 6 until June 14, one of worse and deadliest massacres of the 20th century occurred in Rwanda. These bloody two months, triggered by the mysterious assassination of Rwandan President Habyarimana, resulted in the murders of 800,000 people (approximately 6 people per minute). Despite these outrageous figures, the international community reacted in an extremely slow manner. The huge death toll of this genocide could have been prevented if various countries and international organizations had not allowed personal politics hold them back."
Tags: 25, dallaire, decision, directive, genocide, hutu, nations, peacekeeping, presidential, romeo, rwanda, tutsi, un, unamir, united
Abstract This paper attempts to find a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. It covers these areas:
The Issue
Background to the Tensions and the Present State of the Conflict:
Justification for Continued Israeli Occupation
Past US Role in the Israeli Palestine Conflict
Possible Reasons for the American Administration's Current Inaction
Saudi Peace Plan
Recent UN Resolution
A Proposal to Resolve the Problem
From the Paper "As violence escalates in Palestine, the intractable problem becomes even more intractable. Intense fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, the most intense inside the borders of the former Palestine since Israel's creation in 1948, are claiming a daily toll in double digits. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's increasingly tough tactics are exacerbating the conflict. A war of attrition is going on that has the potential to escalate into an all out regional war."
Tags: sharon, arafat, america, arab, intifada, oslo, accord, terrorism, middle, east, peacemaking, un
Abstract The following paper explores the pros and cons of providing amnesty to all Mexican immigrants residing in the U.S. and discusses how this would impact other foreign nationals who are not from Mexico.
From the Paper ?America has always been known as the melting pot of the world. Huddled masses travel here from all over the earth to begin life anew and to seek their fortune in the American dream they grew up hearing about. Whether the dream comes true or not is not as important as the ability to survive once they get here and the nation's government is currently entertaining the idea that amnesty to illegal Mexicans in the US would be a good idea. This has caused quite a controversial stir in the nation as people take sides, either for or against the idea.?
Abstract The paper discusses the theme of the play and various critics? thoughts on the theme and meaning of the work. Luis Valdez writes about Chicano issues. He uses the play to point out the inhumanity of the people who hire Mexicans and how the administration ignores their problems. Critics have called it one of the most important Chicano plays ever to be written.
From the Paper ""Los Vendidos" (the Sellouts) takes place on Honest Sancho's Used Mexican Lot, a "used car lot" that supplies Mexicans to government workers who need token brown-skinned people to fill various roles. Miss JIM-enez is a secretary looking for a Mexican for Governor Regan's office. Someone who will not stand out too much, but will show the Governor has a "brown-skinned" person on his staff. Dark, but not too dark, and suave. "Beige, just the tone" (Valdez). He will be beige in his politics too, a "yes" man to the white politicians who keep him around so they look good."
Abstract This paper analyzes filial piety,which has been one of the most important factors in defining Chinese culture and relationships, throughout Chinese history. The paper discusses the importance of this concept, the way that it is passed down between generations, and its influence on society. The writer claims that study of this concept and its applications allows for a greater understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy.
From the Paper "In Chinese popular folklore, there are numerous examples of ordinary citizens who have made great sacrifices in order to bring aid to their parents. Children are taught the story of the young boy who allowed mosquitoes to feast on his blood at night so that they would not disrupt his parents' sleep, or the story of the child who ran for over a hundred miles with loads of rice and provisions on his back to bring to his ailing parents. (Brians 172-174) Confucian philosophy holds these concepts of deference and obedience to one's parents in the highest regard. In fact, one popular Confucian proverb goes: "Of the hundred excellent things, filial piety is first." (Qt. in Jordan, pg. 267) This concept of filial piety has had much to do with the way in which the Chinese have traditionally followed their leaders with unquestioning obedience. From the day of Confucius up through modern Chinese times, filial piety has been one of the most important factors in defining Chinese culture and relationships. "
Abstract The paper discusses Steven Steinberg's book and shows how the book explores the vexing problem of why certain ethnic groups succeed in America, that is, that members of certain groups tend to realize the American dream of economic and social mobility, and other ethnic groups do not.
From the Paper "The myths of Black inferiority forced him into a necessary pattern of perpetual resistance to the cultural norms he was immersed in. This necessity for constant resistance to overt racism is one of the reasons, according to Steinberg, African-Americans have had such difficulty in assimilating into the American narrative of success. However, Douglass is also intent in showing, despite the myths of inferiority, his essential humanity and striving for enlightenment also shone forth in the depths of despondency and oppression. ?Though conscious of the difficulty of learning without a teacher, I set out with high hope, and a fixed purpose, at whatever cost of trouble, to learn how to read,? Douglass says. (1896)"
Abstract This paper discusses various issues concerning Chinese culture and its place in American society. The papers provides an insight as to why the Chinese immigrate to the U.S., illustrates the differences between the two cultures and explains the impact America has on the Chinese culture.
The writer also poses the question of whether the Chinese lose part of their own culture due to American influences.
From the Paper "Chinese immigrants came to America in the middle of the 19th century searching for a higher quality and economic life. They came to America because of advanced opportunities, not only economicaly, but educational, health, constitutional rights, right to privately own businesses, homes, automobiles, etc. Ambitious Chinese Immigrants saw a better quality life, in the United States that their own country did not provide. The primary reason for Chinese immigration to America is that they were enthusiastic, excited and very eager to capture the opportunities in America."
Abstract The paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Bread Givers" by Yezierska. Specifically, it includes how the author changes her life, and really becomes American. The novel is an account of how the author goes through the process of immigration and absorbtion into American society and how she moves from being a new immigrant to a true American.
From the Paper "Born in Poland, Anzia Yezierska came to the United States in 1890, when she was about eight years old. She grew up in New York in a Jewish ghetto, and then later worked menial jobs in laundries and sweatshops. She was an unusual woman for her time, because she finished school and went on to college. She began to write about her experiences, and became a successful and celebrated author for a time. She wrote "Bread Givers" in 1925. While the book is a novel, there is at least a little piece of the author in every book she wrote, and this one is no exception. The struggles Sara experiences in leaving the ghetto and getting an education are surely some of those the author faced in trying to become a "real" American."
Abstract This paper discusses the types of discriminatory actions that have taken place against the Arab and Muslim communities in America since the events of September 11th. The paper examines why this type of discrimination exists and provides suggestions as to what can be done to remedy the issue.
From the Paper "Since the events of September 11th many Arab Americans have experienced discrimination in their mosques?, on their jobs? and in the communities in which they live. Many have been beaten, robbed and some have even lost their lives because of the ignorance of others. Discrimination against different ethnic group is not a new social issue it has existed for generations. However, for the Arab and Muslim community this issue has been of special concern in lieu of the terrorist attacks."
