Abstract This paper looks at Hispanic culture and how it has helped shape and mold American culture. The great extent to which Latin American dance, music, and food have become an intrinsic part of the overall American culture is cited as an example of this influence. The paper concludes by suggesting that American culture truly is a blend of cultures from all over the world.
From the Paper "America has often been referred to as the great melting pot, a smorgasbord of people with various racial, cultural and ethnic identities and traditions. Tied to this view is the idea that the culture of the American people should be defined as a cornucopia of different cultures melded into one to form a new, hybrid culture. Many different cultures have influenced the overall culture within the United States particularly that of the Latin American people with whom I associate."
Tags: melting, pot, ethnic, cultural, identities, traditions, united, states
Abstract Every country has its own particular way of doing things and its own social and cultural etiquette, and Mexico is no exception. This paper examines certain aspects of the Mexican business world. For example, in Mexico, relationships are extremely important. Therefore, a successful businessperson must understand the importance of forging a warm working relationship. Little things, such as shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, can make a huge difference when conducting business in this culture. In addition, foreigners must understand that the government has a large influence in private business, as a permit is required for most business transactions. Due to this control, many business practices in Mexico are corrupt. Many people who attempt to do business in Mexico find themselves vulnerable to shady deals if they do not take the time to learn about proper business etiquette and standards beforehand. This paper focuses on Mexico's culture, business etiquette, manners, habits, customs, forms, norms, and religion, in an attempt to provide a clear and concise report on doing business in Mexico.
From the Paper "When making an appointment to do business in Mexico, one may often need to schedule extra time, as Mexicans often schedule business appointments during siesta time (between 2 and 5 pm), when they will be off-duty (Abagados, 2001). In addition, they tend to schedule several appointments simultaneously, as they expect some cancellations. If everyone shows up, there will be a delay. In Mexico, it is a sign of power to make others wait."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough definition of NAFTA and proceeds to examine the impact that this agreement has had on the United States. It deals with personal issues such as claims of heightened unemployment as well as national issues such as tax benefits and improved trade.
From the paper:
"On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This treaty drops most tariffs by 50% immediately, and dropped to zero by 2009. It is a unique trading agreement between two developed countries and a developing nation on a single continent. After eight years since NAFTA commenced, there are mixed analysis and opinions on whether this treaty is a success. It was designed to provide a free-flow of goods between countries without imputative measures and tariffs being enforced; it was promoted as a means to improve productivity and create jobs in the three countries; and, it was touted as model for further free-trade blocs to be created in the Americas and in other regional markets. After eights, no other free-trade blocs exists, nor has any other free-trade treaties been pursued and/or implemented by the NAFTA partners; and, with a world in a recession, there are two points of views on whether NAFTA has been more damaging than good during at this time, or if NAFTA has prevented further harm through its free-flow of goods."
Abstract This paper discusses the NAFTA trade agreement which removed most barriers to investment in between Canada, the United States and Mexico. It studies the positive and negative effects of this agreement from the point of view of each of the three countries involved. It analyzes several sources on this issue including excerpts of speeches by world leaders. The author concludes that the verdict on this agreement, if it is good or bad for the region, has yet to be seen.
From the Paper "The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect January 1, 1994. The North American Free Trade Agreement allows US companies to sell their goods in Mexico tariff-free. It also allows Mexicans to set up low-wage factories to produce their goods to sell in the United States duty free. [Dowling, 1996]. This agreement removed most barriers to investment in between Canada, the United States and Mexico. Its intention was to boost the economies of all three countries by expanding their potential markets and allowing them to take advantage of what each of the other two countries had to offer. Since its adoption, its effects have been debatable, especially concerning safety and environmental issues in the United States and the effect on the Mexican Peso."
The communication between leaders during the Cuban missile crisis with special attention to JFK's decisions on how to determine the best approach to handling the outbreak of nuclear war are examined in this paper.
Abstract A detailed summary of the motivation causing Cuba and Russia to provoke this situation; including a day by day summarized narration of President John F. Kennedy's actions as well as Khrushchev's plans. This paper presents exclusive quotes of men on both sides of this potential nuclear war.
From the Paper "The start of the first nuclear war seemed inevitable as the interactions between the United States, Russia, and Cuba became hostile. The cold war had been going on for a few years before the missile crisis in October of 1962. After WWII America's relationship with the communist Russia was deteriorating, and problems with Cuba's dictatorship, lead by Fidel Castro, were becoming worst. The race for nuclear weapons was as important as ever, and because Russia feared the United States were too far ahead, they altered their strategy and made a bold move to construct offensive missiles in Cuba, 90 miles off the Florida shore, without telling anyone. Nikita Khrushchev was the current Premier of the Soviet Union and presented his plan to Castro who couldn?t turn down the offer. Castro knew that the USA were still attempting to override his dictatorship and had already been threatened by the "Bay of Pigs" unsuccessful invasion that happened less then 2 years previously. The Soviet Union began to ship missiles and equipment along with troops to Cuba, and in October of 1962, the "Cuban Missile Crisis" would begin."
Tags: castro, fidel, john, kennedy, khrushchev, missile, nuclear, war, cuba
Abstract The following paper discusses issues of foreign direct investment, primary exports and trade agreements, among other issues, to present a holistic view of the situation
From the Paper "In light of increasingly international business practices such as the global sourcing of production and of governmental initiatives such as international agreements on trade and investment, it is easy to predict that foreign direct investment will continue to grow. Costa Rica demonstrates how democratic institutions and transnational market integration can drive and invite that type of investment, and it can be expected that their economy and standard of living will rise correspondingly. The lesson for developing countries is that democracy and regional integration provide the kind of institutional structures that foster economically productive results."
Abstract The paper discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 which is widely regarded as the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. The paper shows that the successful resolution of the crisis led to an immediate improvement in relationship between the superpowers, and focused the world's attention on the issues surrounding nuclear capability and deterrence, as well as led to the development of a new method of "crisis management" known as brinkmanship - a diplomatic theory, which involves using the threat of war in order to coerce an opponent into backing down.
From the Paper "In a wider sense, however, the overriding legacy of the crisis was to alert the world to the ever-present, and immediate, threat of nuclear war. This realization led the superpowers, and other nations, to reevaluate their policies of nuclear deterrence in the hope of learning how to avoid such a potentially disastrous situation happening again. The significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis is perhaps best highlighted in the words of President Kennedy's national security advisor, McGeorge Bundy, who declared that, "having come so close to the edge we must make it our business not to pass this way again" (462)".
Abstract The paper discusses how many people feel that Mexican immigration laws should be eliminated because much of the land in the U.S. was "stolen" from the Mexicans. Yet strict immigration laws and violation penalties apply to Mexicans, and those who come to the U.S. are often mistreated and taken advantage of. The paper discusses the history of the Mexican-American War and the social problems faced by immigrants and Americans today.
From the Paper "In the United States, the English-speaking founders of our nation largely killed off most native inhabitants, while the Spanish-speaking conquerors of Mexico merely defeated and enslaved them. The Native Americans of Latin America, despite the tragic loss of their own cultural traditions, at least survived as they were assimilated into the Hispanic culture. As a result, the Hispanic-American peoples not only represent the Spanish-European culture in America, but they are also the largest body of surviving Native Americans. The Latinos are the only surviving Native Americans."
Tags: Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Latin, America, mestizo, authorities, California
From the Paper "Bernal Diaz, in The Conquest of New Spain, tells the story of the conquering of Mexico by the Spaniards under Hernan Cortes. The book is more than merely about Cortes, although he is certainly the center of the book. Diaz accompanied Cortes on his exploits and offers a thoroughly positive view of the Spanish conqueror and of the entire Spanish enterprise in the Mexico. As translator J.M. Cohen writes in his Introduction, Diaz's book is a report on the overthrow of a great empire by a company of adventurers, inspired partly by a sense of mission and partly by a crude greed for gold. Their success, even their survival, could in his belief be accounted for only by the miraculous intervention of God and the Saints, who wished New Spain to be added to the realm of Christ and the Emperor ..."
Abstract This paper examines Salvador Minuchin and his structural method of family therapy. The paper presents a brief history of Minuchin's life, his peers and influences. The paper includes a clear description of this particular type of therapy, outlining the five basic concepts of the therapy and the different strategies used. The paper also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of this modality. Finally examples of a family session are provided.
From the Paper "Salvador Minuchin was born in Argentina in 1921 to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. (Doorey) Minuchin was the oldest of three children and the son of a successful businessman. When the Great Depression came into fruition his family's business deteriorated and the family was thrown into a life of poverty. (Doorey) Salvador's fascination with helping people through psychology began when he was in High School and he sought to help juvenile delinquents. (Doorey) He became enthralled with the works of the philosopher Rousseau. When he was 18 he entered medical school and was involved with the political movement that sought to overthrow the dictator Juan Peron. Minuchin's protest landed him in jail for three months. Salvador graduated in 1946 and began his residency in pediatric psychology."
This paper discusses the deforestation of the Amazon: Social and geographic background, impact on people and resources, causes and technology's effects.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, 1990, $ 47.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to discuss the deforestation of the Amazon. This discussion emphasizes the social and geographic
background, the impact of deforestation on the Amazon's people and resources, and the causes as well as some proposed solutions to the problem.
In an editorial statement, ... noted that the Amazon rain forest in Brazil contains . . . nearly one third of all the world's tropical forest--and a greater variety of plants than any other country. The Amazon has more types of fish than in all the rivers of Europe; the trees are home to more species of bird than in all the forests of North America."
Abstract This paper discusses how Starbucks' local market has become saturated and how the company is exploring new international market options. It discusses the economic and market positions in India and Brazil and examines whether the company can successfully enter these global markets.
From the Paper "India is one of the largest economies in the world with a large and rapidly growing consumer market of approximately 300 million people (Doing Business in India). India welcomes foreign investment. Although approval is required, it is automatic for most industries. The country currently has a stable parliamentary democracy. The country has experienced political stability in the past, but economic liberalization has been accepted as a necessity by all political parties in India."
Abstract This paper will discuss the pros and cons of the Cuban embargo in Cuba set against Cuba by the United States, by analyzing the different economic results of this conflict, we will find out whom benefits from the embargo and who does not. The many different problems that both countries face, as a result of the boycott, will be explained in this paper and revealed.
Abstract It is the contention of this paper that the standardized SATs, intended as a tool to help predict a student's collegiate potential, fail to meet this objective. Instead, the exams often misrepresent or portray a potential student in a negative light because of the cultural bias of the test. The paper asserts that this is especially true for the African-American and Latino American population. Experts in the fields of education and social sciences are quoted, and data is presented that supports the author's contention. Other problems that are considered intrinsic to the SAT are also covered in this paper.
From the Paper "Today's educational system supports tests such as the SAT?s, which are often biased against minority students. The SAT's were developed by the Educational Testing Service as a means to predict successful collegiate performance. However, the tests in actuality seldom accurately predict the potential for a student's success. The SAT's have statistically in fact, been shown to have little value in predicting a student's future performance. They also negatively impact admissions representative's perceptions of a student's potential for academic success. The SAT's have also been shown to negatively impact minority groups, specifically African Americans, Hispanics and even low-income white students. The tests more accurately are a predictor of socioeconomic influences than a student's potential, and unwittingly favor middle and upper class students, who often have the opportunity to prepare and memorize for such tests, placing them at a disadvantage over their peers."
Abstract This is the life story of Che Guevara, a legendary guerrilla fighter and revolutionary leader who represented third world countries. He served under Fidel Castro's government in Mexico, and planned to form a major guerilla army to revolutionize Bolivia. This essay marks his impact on the world as a fighter against higher power.
From the Paper "Che Guevara was a Latin American Guerrilla leader and revolutionary theorist who became a hero to the new left radicals. He was convinced that the violent overthrow of the government was the only remedy for the backwardness of third world countries. He joined the revolutionists under Fidel Castro in Mexico and when Fidel came to power he served as prime minister. He then went to revolt in Bolivia. There he was captured and shot near Vallegrand."
