Abstract This paper discusses how "Thelma and Louise" strayed from the typical "road movie" formula in terms of casting, theme and storyline. It shows how the film not only helped to redefine gender stereotypes but also paved the way for other women, as well as gays, people of color and other traditionally underrepresented groups, to become "road movie heroes" as well.
From the Paper "The conventional road movie twosome, which is usually comprised of either two young males or a male and female with a romantic connection, has permeated the genre since its inception. Thelma and Louise broke that tradition by not only using two female protagonists, but by portraying men in a consistently negative light; essentially as either "rapists", "bullies" or "boy toys"."
Tags: action, adventure, film, gender, roles, theme, gay, color
Abstract This paper is an argumentative essay promoting the legalization of same-sex marriages. The author focuses on the legal aspects of same sex marriages arguing for the legal rights such as insurance and parental status that need to be enforced.
From the Paper "The proposed legalization of same-sex marriages is one of the most significant, yet controversial issues facing America today. Same-sex marriages, also known as Civil Unions, should be legalalized in every state in the United States. Right now, in the United States, same-sex couples do not receive the same benefits and legal rights that married couples take for granted. These benefits include cheaper health insurance rates, life insurance benefits, funeral leave of absence from work, legal parental status with a partner's child, and significant tax reductions."
Tags: civil, gay, homosexual, marriages, rights, unions, sex
Abstract This paper is about the role of nature and nurture in gender development. The author examines aspects such as socialization and biological traits that impact on a child's gender development.
From the Paper "Gender is defined as the differences in traits and behaviors that males and females are presumed to have. In childhood years, gender is a large part of life. At a young age, children begin to establish their gender identity, or perceptions of themselves as masculine or feminine. They begin to establish roles that coincide with their gender. A girl for example may learn to cook and clean. On the other hand, a boy may learn to fight or play sports. The gender development children go through during the young ages is a discerning factor in the rest of their life. Both nature and nurture contribute to this development."
From the Paper "Playwright David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly is based on a true story. In 1964, a French diplomat stationed in China fell in love with a native Chinese opera singer, lived with her for twenty years, and believed he had fathered a child by her, and then discovered she was a man. One would expect Hwang's play to be a farce -- and yet it is not a farce at all. It is a deeply riveting study of not only the psychology of two individuals but of the way the West stereotypes the East and prefers its fantasies to the reality of a changing Orient."
Abstract This essay serves to examine the wage inequalities between men and women in the modern day workforce. It references two specific examples of gender discrimination; Ann Hopkins? suit against Price Waterhouse in 1982 and Muriel Kraszewski's suit against State Farm. The author also explains in detail the ramifications of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which attempts to protect the rights of women who work in the same jobs as men.
From the Paper "In order to fully gain equal employment and fairness, traditionally male positions must be opened to females. This is the only way to shatter the glass walls and ceilings that are so prevalent in today's society. Many women have fought discrimination and improved their own lives and the lives of countless other women over the span of several generations. The first step in creating equality in the workplace is to inform women of their rights. The next step is for these women to exercise their rights. Women can no longer allow themselves to be excluded from the workforce. Individuals concerned about equality should press for the continuation and strengthening of better paying jobs for women, and this support must not come from women alone. In order for our society to foster this change, we must understand why these changes are necessary. Society requires that men and women work together and this is not likely to change. What must change is the way that we work together. "
Abstract This paper looks at the taboo subject of sexual harassment in the work place. It discusses laws and legislation which were made in order to define what exactly sexual harassment is, but at the same time shows the difficulty which is often accounted in telling the difference between "friendliness" and harassment.
From the paper:
"For anyone who has ever been the victim of it, sexual harassment is pretty simple to understand, and when unwanted sexual contact (whether verbal or physical) occurs in the workplace, it is especially unwelcoming because it threatens a person's ability to earn a living without being subjected to deeply personal invasions.Sexual harassment can end a career, ruin a family beyond repair and force victims into extensive psychotherapy and medication. It is entirely unacceptable in a nation whose public policy emphasizes equal employment opportunities for women and men. Sexual harassment in the workplaces compromises the victim's ability to function as a economic agent and so threatens (usually) her ability to live as an independent, autonomous member of society. When harassment is widespread in the workplace, a worker has no way to escape from its painful consequences except to drop out of the arena of paid work."
Abstract This paper offers a brief discussion about the rights of gays and lesbians to be allowed to marry in a legal and official manner. It mentions some previous civil suit court hearings in which this matter was raised and also social and ethical ramifications of this debate.
From the Paper "An issue much argued in recent years is whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry one another. Arguments have been offered on both sides, with those in the gay community arguing why they should be allowed to marry, and with opposing forces arguing why they should not. One reason offered by gays is fairness, notably that they want access to the various social and economic benefits currently denied to gay people because they cannot marry. Society for the most part has so far deemed marriage to mean more than this and to have at least the possibility of procreating children is used as an argument to deny gays the right to marry one another. Only Hawaii has taken a contrary position, while a few other states have offered a form of rights to benefits for couples without including marriage."
Abstract This paper discusses causes, including media and peers, and some effects, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. It explains that teenagers who practice unsafe sex are playing with a time bomb that could go off at any time. It concludes that, with the advent of easily accessible birth control and condoms, there are no more excuses for practicing unsafe sex, which can cause an unwanted pregnancy or even death by disease.
From the Paper "Having unsafe sex with a partner is not only brainless; it can be deadly. There are many reasons teens choose to have unsafe sex, from peer pressure, to the passion of the moment, to the media, which often portrays sex as an act with no negative results. For example, sex in film and television rarely ends up in the character dieing a lingering death from AIDS, or giving birth to an unwanted baby, but in real life, these are just some of the effects that can occur quite easily from just one unprotected sex act (Arons 1093). Many young women find it difficult to visit a birth control clinic, even though they may be readily accessible in their area."
Abstract This paper first studies the history of gender roles with regard to communication and how in the past decades with the openness of society and globalization, it has become more "acceptable" for women to take leading roles in public speaking. The writer also looks at studies which examined the different way school children communicated in co-ed and non co-ed schools. Finally gender differences in the workplace are analyzed.
From the Paper "In the past, men and women's roles were strictly enforced by society. Men were expected to behave in a certain way and women were expected to in another way. No one would dare to violate these unwritten rules, or face extreme humiliation. In the case of women acting in a way that was traditionally a man's behavior, in some cultures, she could face physical punishment for her transgressions. When men violated social graces, often these transgressions were ignored. As women gained more status, these roles began to change, but the differences still existed. They were only expressed in a more subtle way. "
Abstract This paper discusses the Florida ban on gay adoption, as well as other legal and ethical aspects of same sex parenting. The paper explores the question of whether children brought up by gay parents are at a disadvantage in any way and uses professional research to back up the findings.
From the Paper "Despite the number of laws passed or the numerous movies or television shows that support gay rights, the negative conations associated with same-sex parent adoption continue to taint both attitudes and laws. Society is still laden with negative biases against homosexual adoption, and against gays in general (Johnson, et al., 1995) which severely limits their rights as people and as parents."
From the Paper "Some things about fairy tales we know to be true. They begin with "once upon a time." They end with "happily ever after." And somewhere in between the prince rescues the damsel in distress.
Of course, this is not actually the case. Many fairytales omit these essential words. But few fairytales in the Western tradition indeed fail to have a beautiful, passive maiden rescued by a vibrant man, usually her superior in either social rank or in moral standing. Indeed, it is precisely the passivity of the women in fairy tales that has led so many progressive parents to wonder whether their children should be exposed to them. Can any girl ever really believe that she can grow up to be president or CEO or an astronaut after five viewings of Disney's "Snow White"?"
Bacchilega (1997, chapter 2) chooses "Snow White" as a nearl
Abstract This paper examines the ways in which communication between the genders differs, and how these styles contribute to widespread stereotypes. In addition, language is used to challenge stereotypes, as depicted. Areas investigated include verbal approaches, language usage, interruptions and silence, talkativeness and topics of conversation, harmony and competitiveness, assertiveness and compliments, dominance and egalitarianism, body language, and behavior.
From the Paper "The differences that exist between the verbal interaction patterns of men and women are not absolute. However, the communication approaches that are recognized between males and females have frequently been described as "report versus rapport?, "debate versus relate", or "competitive versus cooperative". Men seek practical advice and straightforward solutions to problems, whereas women tend to establish intimacy by sharing personal difficulties and exhibiting empathy to reinforce relationships. (Monroe, 1999) In one study that involved men-only and women-only discussion groups, it was discovered that when women converse with one another, they tend to reveal a vast amount of information regarding their personal lives. They also examine a particular issue extensively, allow others speakers to conclude their thoughts, and encourage participation among all members. Conversely, men rarely discussed their personal relationships and emotions. Instead, they competed to prove themselves better informed about such issues as current affairs, travel, and sports. The topics varied quite often within a short time span, and over time, a stable hierarchy was established, with some men dominating conversation, while others meagrely contributed. (Coates, 1993)"
Abstract This paper describes the various aspects of gender equality in the classroom. The writer acknowledges that while a great deal of progress has been made in the educational system to remove blatant discrimination from schools, true equality has yet to be reached.
From the Paper "As boys and girls enter high school, gender equity becomes increasingly important. The courses and accomplishment of this age are often key principles in establishing their career paths for life. While the government and educational alliances across the country have vastly improved the problem of gender inequality in the high school system, there is still a great deal of inequality amongst males and females."
Abstract This paper examines the under representation of women in the law enforcement occupations as compared to women in many traditionally male jobs. The paper states that despite laws such as affirmative action, the presence of women is uncommon in higher-ranking offices such as sergeant or commissioner. It describes that women officers are often sexually harassed, receive lower pay in relation to men in their position and are often passed over for advancement for a male even if they are equally or better qualified. The paper offers methods to help reduce disparities if implemented correctly, such as enacting diversity education and training, actively recruiting, retaining and promoting female employees as well as providing a means of support for female officers will result in increased efficiency and employee satisfaction for the department as a whole.
From the Paper "Occupations in law have traditionally been reserved for men. It was considered too dangerous, too risky and too difficult for women, women who did enter law enforcement were often times given desk jobs. Even during the 1960's when women began to enter the job market with a vengeance, women were still persuaded from pursuing law enforcement occupations. Even today, there remains a disproportionate amount of females in such occupations. Additionally, the few women that are in these fields face various obstacles that include discrimination and harassment on the job. The plight of women in law enforcement can be compared to the plight of women in the corporate world, as both face similar obstacles and circumstances."
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to explore how women in the modern work force have advanced themselves, and what is known about the leadership styles used by women when they are given positions of responsibility. How leadership styles interact with gender is a question that requires investigation. Things have changed for women at work. Their increasing numbers in today's work force mean that there are more of them competing for higher salaries, more power, and more responsibilities. But how do their increasing numbers interact with their leadership skills and their ability to be placed in positions of leadership?
Perhaps we can begin to answer this question by examining how leadership styles are affected by gender, and how women are increasingly perceived as being capable of leadership."
