Family Preservation Practice refers to the provision of social work services toward the goal of keeping families together and is most often used in cases involving concern over the welfare of children (Peterson, Kohrt, Shadoin & Authier, 1996). Several different values constitute the conceptual foundation of family preservation practice (Berry, 1992). One of these values is empowerment. The purpose of the review of literature presented here is to examine several publications in which the value of empowerment of families is particularly salient. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the relatedness of the value of empowerment to other values underlying family preservation practice.
Family Preservation Practice and Empowerment ..."
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the treatment of gender and sexuality in Albert Hurtado's Indian Survival on the California Frontier. The plan of the research will be to set forth in general terms the pattern of ideas emerging in the work, and then to discuss how the specific issues of social gender and sexual identity in the communal environment covered in the work are articulated and analyzed, as well as the relevance these issues have for a more complete understanding of how the shape and structure of the California Indian population shifted as the characteristics of the far western frontier were defined in the nineteenth century.
The transformation of California from an unsettled frontier to a beacon of migration and social organization was in significant part a response to the famous Gold Rush. Hurtado's book ..."
Historical background, reasons for and significance of their involvement as combatants, scouts, targets and refugees, experiences and treatment, and the impact on culture.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 1999, $ 79.95
Abstract This research paper discusses various aspects of the involvement of American Indian tribes in the Civil War, including their reasons for becoming enmeshed in that conflict, their experiences and treatment during the war and the significance of their involvement on their subsequent history.
From the Paper "INVOLVEMENT OF AMERICAN INDIANS IN THE CIVIL WAR
This research paper discusses various aspects of the involvement of American Indian tribes in the Civil War, including their reasons for becoming enmeshed in that conflict, their experiences and treatment during the war and the significance of their involvement on their subsequent history. Indians did not play an important role in the outcome of the war; however, the war served to further weaken their position and hastened their virtual extermination and decline. Thousands of Indians became engulfed in the war as combatants and many thousands more as innocent targets and refugees, especially in the conflict which raged west of the Mississippi in and around the Indian Territory now known as the State of Oklahoma. The War intensified internecine struggles within and among a number of Indian tribes."
Origins of the first people in America, threats from Europeans, successful and unsuccessful adaptation and evolution, culture, language, assimilation, focusing on Southern California.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 1999, $ 47.95
Abstract The first people to come to the New World probably came to the Americas across the Bering Land Bridge or the land mass that is sometimes called Beringia. The archaeological record is still somewhat confusing on this point, and researchers continue to sift through the physical clues to the earliest human presence in this hemisphere
From the Paper "The first people to come to the New World probably came to the Americas across the Bering Land Bridge or the land mass that is sometimes called Beringia. The archaeological record is still somewhat confusing on this point, and researchers continue to sift through the physical clues to the earliest human presence in this hemisphere, trying to determine (for example) whether there was a sufficient density of prey animals in the Bering area to have afforded enough food for humans to sustain themselves during the long journey between continents (Dixon, 1993, p. 28).
Other researchers examine the connections among the languages of the New World to try to uncover relationships among the first peoples of this place. Linguists now believe that the languages spoken by American Indians could never have belonged ..."
Examines the accuracy and biases of European travelers' reports and their impact on Old World and New World perceptions. Discusses exploration, politics, economics, settlements, American-Indians, melting pot and institutions.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 11 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract This research will examine the value of accounts of North America produced by Old World visitors from 1610 to 1835. The research will set forth the context in which European travelers produced such accounts and then discuss the impact that the writing had in shaping Old World perceptions of America as well as New World views of the emerging American culture.
From the Paper "This research will examine the value of accounts of North America produced by Old World visitors from 1610 to 1835. The research will set forth the context in which European travelers produced such accounts and then discuss the impact that the writing had in shaping Old World perceptions of America as well as New World views of the emerging American culture.
Any discussion of Old World visitors' accounts of North America that predates the American Revolution must begin with the observation that until the successful completion of the Revolution the measure taken of the new land was not necessarily the measure of America but rather of Europe in America. The priorities of European geopolitics, culture, and economics, specifically Europe's needs that the New World could fill and Europe's values that the New World could receive, were almost ..."
Examines honest and dishonest portrayals of Europeans' treatment of American-Indians, focusing on Washington Irving's "Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 1999, $ 55.95
Abstract Examines honest and dishonest portrayals of Europeans' treatment of American-Indians.
From the Paper "In Washington Irving's The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, some of the crimes committed by Columbus and his fellow Europeans against the native population are portrayed. This study will focus on those crimes against Native Americans, as portrayed by Irving and other authors, and on the impact of the crimes on the size of the native population.
The provided selections from Irving's book do not give a complete picture of the crimes committed by Columbus and other Spaniards in the New World. Irving is largely sympathetic to Columbus and has clearly chosen not to cover at length or in detail the crimes committed by the Spaniards, as depicted more objectively in other works. Instead, Irving glosses over the crimes or minimizes and excuses them as necessary. In the section on Columbus' appearance in court in Spain to answer charges ..."
A comparison of the cultural and institutional change among the two Indian groups from pre-colonial structures and encounters with Europeans, focusing on the theory of cultural differentiation and identity.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 2000, $ 63.95
Abstract This research paper will compare and analyze the cultural and institutional change among the Powhatans and the Southeastern Nation Indians during the 19th century. In this paper, the pre-colonial cultural and institutional structures will be explored to determine their potential change. Then a brief description of the changes of the two groups of Indians will be examined and compared.
From the Paper "This research paper will compare and analyze the cultural and institutional change among the Powhatans and the Southeastern Nation Indians during the 19th century. In this paper, the pre-colonial cultural and institutional structures will be explored to determine their potential change. Then a brief description of the changes of the two groups of Indians will be examined and compared.
The Powhatans were a farming people who lived a stable lifestyle, governed by an orderly government. Women were responsible for the cultivation of the fields, while the men hunted and fished (Rountree 5). They prided themselves on their possessions by wearing deer hides that were decorated with different ornaments (Rountree 7). External clothing and decorations were also used to delineate the social hierarchy on..."
A critique of the article on the fundamental traits of American-Indian culture which differ from white culture, focusing on resulting educational issues.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, 2000, $ 55.95
Abstract Carol Locust's article, "Wounding the spirit: Discrimination and traditional American Indian belief systems," offers an enlightening perspective of the American Indian culture from an insider's point of view.1 By highlighting the fundamental characteristics of American Indian culture, which deviate from those of non-Indians, she illustrates the difficulties encountered by American Indian students in public schools. Teachers and administrators in the schools fail to recognize the sanctity of the cultural beliefs and practices of American Indians. Therefore, the American Indian students are wrongly punished when they violate school rules in order to adhere to the customs of their tribes.
From the Paper "Carol Locust's article, "Wounding the spirit: Discrimination and traditional American Indian belief systems," offers an enlightening perspective of the American Indian culture from an insider's point of view.1 By highlighting the fundamental characteristics of American Indian culture, which deviate from those of non-Indians, she illustrates the difficulties encountered by American Indian students in public schools. Teachers and administrators in the schools fail to recognize the sanctity of the cultural beliefs and practices of American Indians. Therefore, the American Indian students are wrongly punished when they violate school rules in order to adhere to the customs of their tribes.
Educators need to broaden their learning on American Indian beliefs and customs. Without acquiring an understanding and..."
An examination of the reasons why indentured servants, Native Americans and slaves did not unite and rebel in the British colonies, while oppressed groups in Latin America did rebel.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, 2000, $ 31.95
Abstract "Indentured servants, Native Americans, and African slaves did not join together to overthrow the oligarchy that ruled over the thirteen British colonies in the seventeenth century even though there were large numbers of people in each group and they seemed to hold many goals in common
From the Paper "Indentured servants, Native Americans, and African slaves did not join together to overthrow the oligarchy that ruled over the thirteen British colonies in the seventeenth century even though there were large numbers of people in each group and they seemed to hold many goals in common. There were many reasons why such a large-scale revolt never took place: the three groups did not often have a language in common; the government of the colonies (and the government of Britain) were well-organized and armed; there was nowhere for people in revolt against the system to flee if they could not seize control; there was relatively little contact among the groups in many areas; and, if successful, these groups would have had to defend themselves against outside forces while engaged in the very difficult struggle to feed, house, and cloth themselves in an alien..."
Tags: HISTORY: U.S. (Before 1865), AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
Abstract By using the chief of the Sioux tribe as narrator, the paper traces the history of the tribe. The paper begins with a description of life on the plains around Lake Superior, wars with the rival Ojibwa tribe and then carries the reader until the time when the tribe is forced to seek unification with other tribes in order to fight a new enemy, the white man.
From the Paper "The white men's approach shows their nature of treachery that leaves them unfit for any pact from our end. In spite of the reality that the white men are better equipped in arms than us, forget not my men that the white man is not well equipped in his will. If we can win them, we can win by our will; by our determination; by our unity for our mother. We know the land as none other, for we have roamed therein years together for buffalo hunting and the big game.
These white men cannot overpower us if we resist their intrusion wisely. I have known that they come from different lands from far. Some are different from the others. If we can use these differences to make them fight among themselves for the land, we can win half of the battle. Then, the white men shall have the taste of their own medicine."
Abstract This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes three stories, Native American trickster tales "Coyote, Skunk and the Prairie Dogs," and "Owlwoman and Coyote" and "Walden," by Henry David Thoreau. Specifically it looks at the depiction of the interactions of humans and nature, their similarities and differences, and what relevance the depictions have for Americans today.
From the Paper "His time there was serene, and he said, "Both place and time were changed, and I dwelt nearer to those parts of the universe and to those eras in history which had most attracted me. Where I lived was as far off as many a region viewed nightly by astronomers. We are wont to imagine rare and delectable places in some remote and more celestial corner of the system, behind the constellation of Cassiopeia's Chair, far from noise and disturbance. I discovered that my house actually had its site in such a withdrawn, but forever new and unprofaned, part of the universe" (Thoreau 79). He spent his time listening to the natural sounds, gazing on their wonders, and thinking about the lifestyle that allowed him such peace and pleasure, literally living as one with nature."
Tags: coyote, skunk, walden, thoreau, owlwoman, america
Abstract A discussion and analysis of "The Life and Adventures of Joanquin Murieta, the Celebrated California Bandit", written by Native American Cherokee, John Rollin Ridge, in 1854. The paper discusses the uniqueness of the novel, not only because it was the first book published by a Native American author, but also because it provides a clear picture of what life was like for the "foreigners" during the California Gold Rush. The paper analyzes the book which tells the story of a Mexican-American, Joaquin Murieta, who turns to crime and banditry after being treated badly by the local Californian community.
From the Paper "Stylistically, the book is certainly full of flowery and romantic language, which was the common writing style at the time. Ridge paints a vivid portrait of Murieta, and life at the time in the gold fields of California. It was a violent time. It was a time when the oppressed needed heroes and Joaqu"n fit the bill perfectly. While Ridge's account can never be called a true history, it is certainly filled with the day-to-day life in the mining camps at the time. If Joaqu"n Murieta ever existed, he certainly existed in the mind of John Rollin Ridge, whose novel brought him vividly to life. While the novel may have its problems, it is an interesting look at California's past, and a worthwhile read for anyone interested in learning more about folklore, and how it gets started."
Comparing two books telling the story of George Caitlin, an American writer and painter, in two completely different ways -"Paintbrush & Peacepipe: The Story of George Catlin", by Anne Rockwell and "George Catlin and the Old Frontier", by Harold McCracken
Abstract This paper shows that even though the two books tell the same life story of Caitlin, each one differs most significantly in tone and style according to the vastly different audiences to which each is directed. Rockwell's book was intended for children - less pages and more illustration, whereas McCracken's book presents itself as a very authoritive piece on Caitlin's life in an artbook format.
From the Paper "The first book, Paintbrush and Peacepipe, 86 small pages in length, with 8 brief chapters and 15 illustrations, is written for children. By comparison, the second book, George Catlin and the Old Frontier, with its 209 oversized pages might seem a vastly superior presentation of George Catlin's biography. The artbook format of McCracken's work, with its 36 color and 118 black and white illustrations, is far more authoritative and detailed in its representation of the scope of Catlin's art. Yet, Paintbrush & Peacepipe, in it's minimalist manner is a highly educational and effective piece of work."
Abstract This paper traces the fascinating history of the third largest Native American tribe in America, the Sioux. It shows the way the Sioux have fared socially, culturally and economically as a tribe living among a white majority in the United States. he paper also examines the book, "Land of the Spotted Eagle", by Luther Standing Bear in which he offers an analysis of his people, the Lakota Sioux, including their relations with the white government. Finally, the paper examines the means in which the Sioux, as well as other Native American tribes, are struggling to maintain their cultural identity in America today.
From the Paper "Various Native American groups have been pressing for greater respect through legal and other efforts to remove Native American symbols and names from schools, sports teams, and even geographical features. The issue was raised recently with reference to the University of North Dakota, whose mascot and team are known as the Fighting Sioux (Brownstein 46). The issue is not always clear-cut. One term that has been given much attention recently is "squaw," a word once used by white settlers to refer to Indian wives and that is found on hundreds of place names in the country, from rivers to valleys to mountain peaks to town names. An example is Squaw Peak, a familiar Phoenix landmark targeted for change by Native American groups. They claim that the word "squaw" is derogatory to tribal members and all other women, pointing out that the word is derived from an Indian word for female genitalia."
Abstract This essay describes and defines the genre that has come to be known as Southwestern American Literature. Four novels, Tony Hillerman's "Dance Hall of the Dead", Edward Abbey's "Fire on the Mountain", Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses" and Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me, Ultima" are analyzed to reveal how they contribute to this genre. Distinct landscapes and distinct characters inhabit these books, offering a panoply of cactus, desert, mountains, cowboys, cattlemen, Native Americans and Chicanos, all possessing a sense of alienation from the rest of the world. Southwestern literature, in summary, as this essay shows is about an appreciation of the wilderness and humans with a frontier mentality who are always seeking another open vista.
From the Paper "Southwestern American literature forms a distinct genre with a sharp flavor that includes land and geography and attitudes and people. The landscape was there before a diversity of peoples sank their spiritual and physical roots into soil as varied as their voices. This literature is the empty land of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, of the four corners area, stretching even down through Texas into old Mexico. This land of cactus, desert, and mountains, and it's inhabitants, cowboys, Indians, and Chicanos, possess a sense of separation or alienation from the rest of the world. Southwestern literature is about an appreciation of the wilderness and humans with a frontier mentality who are always seeking another open vista. It is wide open spaces and emptiness, a barren but beautiful paradise, and the very real humans who live there. Offering what Rudolfo Anaya calls " the spirit of the place" (Dunaway ix-xvi), Southwestern literature is about character, men who are men, tough, stubborn humans who face hard facts with spirit. It is about cactus and desert and mountains and the folklore of native Americans, Chicano, and cowboys. Southwest Literature offers a picante taste that lingers on the inner tongue, a flavor of place and people, it includes both "surface" and "soul"(Dunaway ix), becoming a uniquely American "magical realism" (Dunaway 31)."
