Abstract
In this paper, the basis of social activism and the society of spectacle have been analyzed within the public art project "Pillow Fight at Union Square." The paper examines how a critical outlook on production, direct human interaction and communication and social activism were the main themes of the event. In many ways, modern communication technology and the modern media often distort the way that human interact, as well as how they perceive one another.

From the Paper
"The aim of this exhibition evaluation is to understand the basis of art within Debord's Situationist theory of the "Society of the Spectacle." Through a modern critical point of view of the Situationist Movement, the social activist art at New Mind Space entitled "Pillow Fight at Union Square" offers a contrary point of art interaction. By analyzing the various aspects of art as the secondary imaging or spectacle in abstract human relationships, the "Pillow Fight at Union Square" is a unique and important socially activist style of art in the 21st century."

Tags:art, pillow, fight

Abstract
"Grass-roots activism in the United States has generally been directed at correcting problems, abuses, and issues that a large number of people believe are not being addressed by the powers that be.

From the Paper
"Grass-roots activism in the United States has generally been directed at correcting problems, abuses, and issues that a large number of people believe are not being addressed by the powers that be. The American democratic system encourages such activism even if at times there are forces at work to discourage it as well, notably those who do not want change or who see a specific change as a threat. Different movements have used different strategies, and some have been successful while others have not. Among these movements have been Populism, labor activism in the 1930s, and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s. Such movements have had a major effect on the course of American history: 1) they raise issues that otherwise might not be raised; 2) they educate the public about those issues; 3) they mobilize much of the public to get something done; and 4) ..."

Abstract
While some may view the beliefs of animal activists as extreme, it does seem possible that as a result of pressure from such groups, zoos have become more sensitive to the true needs of the animals they hold and protect. This paper explains that, while critics maintain that zoos cannot teach anything useful or accurate about wild animals, others argue that, for the great majority of people, they will come across wild animals only in zoos or in books. It discusses how those who support zoos believe that by seeing these animals upfront people become more aware of the need to preserve the animals' natural habitats, to end poaching, and to take the other measures that will ensure the animals' long-term survival in the wild.

From the Paper
"Zoos have come a long way in the last 150 years, moving from small, cramped cages to natural habitats. Zoos make sure that social animals live in groups, and they try to make the habitats as natural and comfortable for the animals as possible. However, animal activists argue persuasively that these settings are artificial and that visitors don't actually learn a lot about the animals in their natural environment from seeing them in a zoo (Staff writers, 1997)."

Tags:poaching, survival, habitat

Abstract
Connie Panzarino's "The Me in the Mirror", an autobiographical account of her life as a writer and activist born with a rare disease known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is an inspiring story of one woman's struggle for survival and achievement. However, from the point of view of women's and disability studies, inspirational studies are not by themselves particularly significant. This paper will argue that what renders Panzarino's work noteworthy to students and professionals in this field is her repeated transgressing of societal taboos surrounding women and disability. As will be seen, Panzarino's focus on her body as a site of resistance - in particular, her assertion of her sexuality as a disabled woman - informs her theoretical critique of the associated constructs of patriarchy, ableism, racism and homophobia.

Abstract
A short study of autobiographer, poet, and activist Maya Angelou's work, and how it is a reflection of her life. Includes critical description of the subject matter of her poems, and an analysis of how her autobiographies function compared to fictional accounts of similar lives.

Abstract
This essay considers two sides of Sarah Josepha Hale. On the one hand, Hale is regarded as widely influential in her work as an editor and social activist, and is recognized nationally for her work in the advancement of women's access to a higher education. On the other hand, Hale's poetry reveals a more complicated perspective where Hale seems to attempt to work through gender and class contradictions in the contexts of verse. Hale emerges as a woman who was constrained by class ideologies, and a conservative political agenda. At the same time, she succeeded in establishing important changes for women in relation to education, and she acted directly in producing recognition of women as domestic participants in the social and political realms of 19th century New England.

Tags:sara, josepha

Abstract
The career of Paul Robeson, an extraordinary scholar, entertainer, and activist, was destroyed by the U.S. government. Robeson was persecuted because he was an idealist, a man of principle. He envisioned an American society in which people of all classes and colors had equal status, and believed that socialism was a promising step toward achieving this ideal.

From the Paper
"The career of Paul Robeson, an extraordinary scholar, entertainer, and activist, was destroyed by the U.S. government. Robeson was persecuted because he was an idealist, a man of principle. He envisioned an American society in which people of all classes and colors had equal status, and believed that socialism was a promising step toward achieving this ideal. Unfortunately, U.S. government officials believed that any criticism of the American system was subversive. The government subsequently mounted a vicious campaign aimed at rendering Robeson's career virtually nonexistent.
During the 1890s, when Paul Robeson was born, the majority of African Americans lived in the South, an environment charged with racial bitterness and contention. Lynch mobs murdered scores of blacks each year. Although blacks had the right to ..."

Abstract
This paper looks at the life of Tillie Olsen who was born into a working class family and who overcame her disadvantaged upbringing to become a famous author and political activist. Her devotion to her literary work, to her family and to her politics were inextricable from one another and from the larger entity of Tillie herself. This paper also reviews some of her works and evaluates how they are based on lifetime experiences.

From the Paper
"Due to her exposure to many politicos and intellectuals, as well as a natural endowment of intellectual capabilities, Tillie was able to transcend the limitations of her socio-economic status, if only for a brief time, to attend an academic high school where she was presented with greater opportunity and a richer education. And though financial needs would force her to drop out a year before she could graduate, she would be fast to point out in later interviews that she was blessed with far more education than most women in her peer group, particularly those born of working class families. But more often than not, her writing was guided heavily by political influences, as opposed to academic ones."

Tags:economic, sexual, equality, communists, capitalism, domestic, demands

Abstract
Importance of education in Douglass' evolvement from slave to respected writer and activist. Cites injustices of slavery. Root of evil behavior of white slave owners including using Christianity to justify their actions. Changes Douglass underwent when he learned to read and gain knowledge. His growing sense of empowerment.

From the Paper
"Frederick Douglass


Learning and knowledge make all the difference in the world, as Frederick Douglass proves by changing himself from another man s slave to a widely respected writer. A person is not necessarily what others label him. The self is completely independent, and through learning can move proverbial mountains.


The Narrative of Frederick Douglass shows the evolution of Frederick Douglass becoming the self-made man. Douglass observes the injustices and discrepancies that were prevalent during slavery. He then tries to understand the root of the evil behavior of white slave holders in an effort to abolish slavery. Through his exploration of the Christian religion in America, he is able to come to many realizations that strengthen his persuading narrative..."

Abstract
This paper examines the life of the black writer and activist born as LeRoi Jones but commonly known as Amiri Baraka. It looks at how due to his membership in and experience with a plurality of different black nationalist movements, his works are significantly more charged in their treatment of racism than most other black poets and playwrights. It analyzes how Baraka's work shows an unflinching willingness to deal with racism in an open and stark way that other writers seem to shy away from.

From the Paper
"In his play, Dutchman, from 1964, Amiri Baraka demonstrates his willingness to deal with racism in a fairly overt and open fashion. The harshness of his depiction of racism is notably stronger than his contemporaries among African-American writers. Dutchman principally concerns two characters, Lula, who is a young white woman, and Clay, a well-educated young black man in the early sixties. The two meet on a train, and Lula, perhaps for sport or due to some intense erotic attraction to Clay's "otherness," begins to toy with his emotions by flirting and flaunting her own sexuality. Within this dialogue, however, her racism is unflinchingly depicted in a series of terrible comments that she makes to Clay. Looking at the well-dressed Clay, she asks him, "What right do you have to be wearing a three-button suit and stripped tie? Your grandfather was a slave, he didn't go to Harvard" (Baraka, Dutchman p.87)."

Tags:dutchman, racism, nationalist, movements