Abstract This paper looks at Mariama Ba's "Scarlet Song" from the perspective of attitudes towards women in the Muslim religion. It focuses on inter-religious marriages and bigamy using the characters Ousmane and Mareille as examples.
From the Paper "When reading Mariama Ba's "Scarlet Song", one particular scene has caught my eye. It was an argument between two friends, Ousmane and Ali. Ousmane was involved in a serious relationship with the woman of an opposite race. While he was in a relationship with Marielle, he cheated on her with another woman. In an argument between those two friends Ousmane tried to make sense by saying that it as O.K. for him to stay with both women. Ali tired to stop him from cheating on his wife and forget about the other woman. In my paper I will be supporting Ali and his argument on why should Ousmane dump Oleymatu and stay only with Marielle. "
Tags: marriage, faithfulness, religion, love, Muslim, convert, family
Abstract The writer of this paper claims that men are scared off by sexually assertive females of the 1990's. Drawing on articles written in 'Time' and 'Mademoiselle' which criticize and analyze the TV series "Sex in the City", the writer uses scenes from the series to demonstrate this sexual independence and men's fears.
From the Paper "The thesis of the article is that men are afraid of women who are as sexually assertive as the women of HBO's Sex & the City. Rather than being frigid and anxious about their fertility, a la Ally McBeal, women of the 90's are more likely to be interested in immediate sexual satisfaction. Recalling a conversation with her girlfriend "Patty," age 25 and a production assistant at VH1, Picket recalls:
…Anyway, we were half undressed, and things had progressed to a point where I reached down to my purse on the floor for a condom. And then he said, "I don't think we should do that."
Recalling the moment, her eyes are wide with shock and not a little indignation "I was interested in a one-night stand," Patty tells me. "Use me, it's okay!" she says, laughing. She looks at me over her Caesar salad and says in a less confident voice, "What do you think happened?" (Picket 65)"
The following paper explores the woman's role and status and the way in which they have changed considerably during the last period that extended from the last decade of the 19th century until the years when World War swept across the earth.
Abstract This paper examines how a woman's status has changed along at least three major axes ? political rights, employment and health care, and cultural perceptions of the female body. It also explores how all of these changes were taken up by artists and writers as well as those holding power (and opinion in) the realms of politics, economics, and religion. The author makes reference to four plays that show some of this progress made by women? Oscar Wilde's "Salome", August Strindberg's "The Father" and "A Dream Play" and Andre Gide's "The Immoralist".
From the Paper ?While women's status remained secondary to men throughout this time (and remains secondary to men through the present) in terms of such generally accepted markers of social standing as political power, economic independence and cultural importance, women during this period in many ways ceased to be regarded as only mothers, daughters or wives and became simply human beings with their own identities independent from the men to whom they were related.?
Abstract This paper examines the struggle to change the accepted division of labor in Japan, and how women have struggled for social and economic choice and equality within the context of the country's culture and infrastructure. The paper explains women's current situation with regard to work, the cultural perspective on women working, and what women have done to change the situation.
From the Paper "In a recent article in the women's magazine Mademoiselle, entitled ?Gucci Geisha,? the anthropologist Liza Dalby stated, "If I had to chose between being a typical Japanese wife or a geisha, no question, I"d be a geisha.? (Mademoiselle, March 2001, 76) Dalby is hardly making an uninformed choice. She spent nine months working in the Pontocho district, near Gion, while studying the life of geisha. Her view of the circumscribed nature of the life of a typical Japanese wife is a common one, as is stated even more explicitly in chapter five of the reader Gender, Race, and Ethnicity, 'Some Interesting Differences in Subjective Culture': 'Americans are often impressed by the fact that Japanese wives generally do not participate in the social activities of their husbands, which the Americans consider a clear sign of inferiority. But Japanese wives see it differently: "I have to be on my best behavior in front of my husband's colleagues, and make a good impression on his superiors which is very humiliating for a woman of pride who feels that having to be ingratiating with other people she does not instinctively like is degrading and can be left to professionals like bar hostesses or geisha?""
This paper discusses Kate Chopin's character Mrs. Mallard in "The Story of an Hour" as a model for women who are unsatisfied with their stations in life.
Abstract This paper analyzes the personality of Mrs. Mallard in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour". The author discusses the reasons that Mrs. Mallard reacted the way she did and then died. In addition the era is discussed in regards to the way women reacted to bad marriages.
From the Paper "Chopin's story used an undercurrent of accepted societal norms and came in through the back door to reveal the shocking truth of Mrs. Mallard's desire to be without marriage. Mrs. Mallard was a woman of her time. She was raised to obey certain things and her marriage was one of those things that she was to accept without question. Only when she thought he was dead was she able to face and accept her true desires in life. This is representative of the time and something that probably caused many women to sink into a depression lasting a lifetime."
Abstract This paper studies Jane Addams the woman and her accomplishments. At her time, she was probably the most beloved woman in America. It details all her areas of progress including: founding a settlement house, educating, writing, labor advocate, and suffragist. She left a legacy of democratic values behind her and American democracy was at a loss. She had paved the path for women that are holding very high positions in corporations, as general counsels, vice-presidents and presidents.
From the Paper "The world certainly did lose something with the death of Jane Addams, with her passing the world lost her fighting spirit and brutal loyalty to American democracy and social justice. But what she left behind was a paved road for women to follow her footsteps. She left a set of ideals in people's minds, she left a role model for little girls who wanted to grow up and change the world. Today and in our history, we have some of those women who fight for some of those same democratic values. Women who are both powerful and influential and make good use of their positions just as Jane did. Women like Eleanor Roosevelt who fought for some of the very same things Jane Addams did, such as democracy, women's rights, and children's education. Oprah Winfrey is another example of an influential role model for women today. She uses her talk show to reach millions and to pass on a message of peace and equality for everyone. Laura Bush continues to crusade for causes both political and social such as literacy, equality, and world hunger. Jane Addams created the foundation for these women to be able to do what they?re doing; she showed us all how it's supposed to be done. "
Abstract This paper is a literary analysis of William Dean Howells' novel regarding the rapid change in the women's movement at the end of the 19th century in "A Hazard of New Fortunes". The author discusses and contrasts women of the future, like character Alma Leighton, with the very traditional woman, like Mrs. March. The paper also expresses the view that Howells preferred Mrs. March to the more radical Alma.
From the Paper "In "A Hazard of New Fortunes", William Dean Howells explores a number of themes through the interaction of the major characters in the novel. Much of his focus revolves around the women in the book and the interaction of these women with each other and with men. Howells writes about issues contemporary to the time of the book's publication in 1890. Not coincidentally the 1880s marked the beginning of a significant upsurge in the women's movement. "A Hazard of New Fortunes" presents women who abide by the old values in contrast to women who have begun to adopt the values that eventually lead to full suffrage for women, more education opportunities for women, and more career choices for women."
Abstract This paper discusses how abortion came about and how it is perceived today. It includes an historical overview of abortion since the 18th century. It takes a look at the life of Margaret Sanger, one of the founders of the first abortion clinics and moves to more recent events such as the death of Dr. Barnett Slepian, who was murdered for simply doing his job. It concludes with a look to the future of abortion which is not expected to be much different from the present situation.
From the Paper "Abortion is the deliberate termination of pregnancy by removing the fetus from the womb. There are four standard procedures of abortion suction , dilation , hysterectomy , and saline. The first-trimester abortions are simple and safe. It is unknown why spontaneous abortions happen. 25% of all human pregnancies terminate by themselves. Spontaneous abortion can result in expulsion in part or all of the uterus. Induced abortion is the deliberate termination of pregnancy by removing the fetus from the womb (Tietze). Abortion was legal in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was only illegal after the 4th month of pregnancy. When a lady use to get an abortion people would say your pregnancy "slipped" away( Regan 8). Another women can stop a pregnancy is with birth control pills. 3 out of every 4 women use birth control pills. People believe though that birth control pills can cause substantial health risks. It is also the most poplar form of contraception (Shapiro 14). In 1965 the Supreme Court decision for Griswold vs. Connecticut made birth control legal for married couples only (Katz). Margaret Sanger was the founder of the birth control pill and of safe abortions in 1915. Another goal of Margaret's was, she wanted to teach wives to insist on there own rights during sex (Katz). Dr. Slepain was an abortion doctor who was shot in front of his wife and four sons while he warmed some soup in 1998."
An examination of the novel "Dessa Rose", by Sherley Anne Williams which explores the complexity of a white woman's relationship with a black slave woman.
Abstract The paper focuses on the experience of motherhood as felt by a white and a black woman in Antebellum South of 1830s. The two women develop a bond as they begin to understand each other's views on different things including motherhood. These women are able to connect to each other when they become mothers and realize that no matter how different was the color of their skin, they feel the same way about their children.
From the Paper "The novel is based on two real events that took place in 1829 South. Since slavery had still been a norm and the Civil War had not taken place, the novel relates the experiences of one pregnant slave woman who was sentenced to death for starting an uprising. Dessa Rose whose real name 3was Odessa but since she was a slave woman, the real name was of no consequence and everyone called her Dessa. She was certainly a strong bold woman who was courageous enough to stand for the rights of other slaves. Elizabeth Ruth on the other hand is a white female who is abandoned by her husband and lives on a farm in North Carolina. The significance of this character also finds its roots in actual history as she was known for providing sanctuary to slaves."
Abstract This paper discusses the long term benefits of a single sex education in high school. Measured in terms of academic performance, attitude towards academics, discipline while in school, aspiration of students, attraction to non-stereotypical coursework and career success after schooling, single sex schools provide a better education - particularly for girls in high school.
From the Paper "The education system in America is failing. American students test below most industrialized countries in standardized tests of math and science. More frightening than this however, are the various studies, which indicate that female American students are falling behind their fellow male classmates particularly in the areas of math and science. Despite the thirteen billion dollars Congress pored in into education programs in 2000, it is obvious the entire system needs to be transformed. Girls and boys are fundamentally different, and, therefore, it would serve to reason, that they would have fundamentally different learning styles. It would stand to reason that since obviously the world is not segregated by sex, neither should a high school education. Yet the long term benefits of a single sex education in high school, far out way those of a coed education. Measured in terms of academic performance, attitude towards academics, discipline while in school, aspiration of students, attraction to non-stereotypical coursework and career success after schooling, single sex schools provide a better education - particularly for girls in high school."
Tags: adolescence, america, coed, education, high, school, schools, sex, single
Abstract This paper shows a complete view of the life of early women in Roman and Greek cultures. First the life of Greek women and Roman women are discussed and then they are compared to a man's life.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of our knowledge of classical antiquity, women have had many different social statuses. From goddesses to slaves and everything in between; women have been it all. The status of women generally improved in time as women gained power over their own lives. This is true of two comparable societies; that of the women of Hellenistic Greek culture and women of the early Roman Empire. Both had many similarities while they also had some very important differences. Men on the other hand, have had a relatively powerful and dominate role over women in this period of time."
Abstract An examination of the the new era of globalization, focusing on Egypt, and its many effects on a distinctive Islamic society. The paper looks at Egypt during the 19th century, the era of colonialism, the cold war, and nowadays -- the age of U.S. dominated globalization. A major theme of the paper is the effect of the interaction of 'East' and 'West' on the development of radical Islam, as well as on the growth of feminism in Egypt.
From the Paper "The processes of globalization can viewed as a process, in which "the world is rapidly being moulded into a shared social space by economic and technological forces…" (Held, McGrew, Goldblatt & Perraton) As the economies and cultures of the world become integrated into the whole of the global information age, the concept and reality of globalization becomes more complex and far-reaching. The consequences of this increased sense of interconnectedness is that events in one community will inevitably affect all societies. And due to imbalance of power, the most forceful, dynamic and potent culture is likely to dominate others, thereby inducing much resentment in many indigenous cultures. Thus many argue that globalization, in this sense, is similar to colonialism. Encapsulating this sentiment about interaction with the dominant Western culture, indigenous leaders recently held a convention in which they argued that tension is created since "people have to defend themselves against that kind of attack". (Lucas) Globalization is therefore challenging existing social identities across the planet in many important ways. Many have forgotten the positive aspects of globalization because they are more concerned about preservation of their own distinctive identity. Ever-increasing cultural interactions, it is said, "break down human-scale structures, destroy bonds of reciprocity and mutual dependence, and pressure the young to substitute their own culture and values with the artificial values of advertising and the media." Like many others, Helena Norberg-Hodge goes on to argue that much of the discontents and conflicts that exist in various parts of the world is a result of increasing exposure to foreign cultures. Both domestic and international conflicts nowadays, it is therefore argued, are to a large extent a result of this interaction of cultures."
Tags: arab, colonialism, conflict, cultural, east, egypt, feminism, gender, globalization, imperialism, islam, israeli, middle, radicalism, religion, socialism, terrorism, west
Abstract In 1848 an abolitionist convention was held in Seneca Falls. This paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the Seneca Falls convention's final product: The Declaration of Sentiments - a document which contains a comprehensive listing of gender based injustices all of which the women in the convention vowed to abolish. The author of the paper draws a comparison between the Declaration of Sentiments and the American Declaration of Independence and touches on how the document related to African-Americans.
From the Paper "Every great social movement has a beginning. Very often, it is a great challenge to determine these exact origins. The women's rights or feminist movement is not different in this respect. It is not surprising that many ongoing discussions continue about this exact topic. The "Declaration of Sentiments" is probably not the very first piece of feminist writing, but it did signify that feminists would ac-cept nothing but a major change in the way that society treated women. The same was true for the Decla-ration of Independence. It was not the first pro-independence work created, but it did finalize the Continental Congress? decision to leave English rule. The Seneca Falls Convention is a significant event in the history of the abolitionist movement thus it is worthwhile to consider it closely."
Abstract This paper discusses the influence of the 1960s on American culture. The writer touches on many of the reform actions of the era and discusses their strategies as opposed to the strategies that had passed before it. Some of the topics discussed in this paper are the women's movement, the sexual revolution, the protest movements, the Vietnam War and how they affect the shape of our lives today.
From the Paper "One of the most important things to come of the 1960's
was the explosion known as the women's movement. Until the 1960?s, women had quietly put up with having their work treated as less important than a man's work, being paid less money for the same work that men were doing, and being treated as if they were less intelligent than their male counterparts(Evans, 1980). The 1960's changed all of that and changed it in the biggest leap in American history. The women of the nation discovered they not only had a voice and a right to use it, but they were actually quite adept at becoming political activists for the cause of sisterhood (Evans, 1980)."
Tags: rights civil sexual homosexual movements beliefs equal lawsuits love free partners terrorist violent protest voice power nixon political arrest government blacks kennedy self discovery nation women sexual revolution, protest movement Vietnam War
Abstract The paper argues that although woman's suffrage seems that it has come a long way since Kate Chopin wrote "The Awakening" almost two centuries ago, in fact nothing has really changed for women and they are still seen as subordinate to men in society. The paper examines the character of Edna in Chopin's book and uses her to show that in the workplace, society, politics and education, women's subordination to men has remained despite superficial changes through the ages.
From the Paper "As a matter of fact, clothing shows how men manipulate women to their entertainment. Shorts, plunging necklines, tights, bikinis are all viewing delights to the male libido. Women may feel wanted when men express admiration, but that is all it is: a using. Women are a utility in and outside of the home and what is deplorable is that it even serves a deep need in women for adulation, not knowing that the adulation is skin-deep and passing. That is why clothing induces much frustration in women and they also refuse to confront this reality of subservience.
Edna Pontellier feels this kind of bondage in her clothes too and so she removes them as a sign of her breaking out of woman's bondage to clothes. She makes no excuses for what she really is, hidden behind thick and ornamented garments, and pursues her heart's desire."
