Abstract In this paper, the writer looks at how the U.S. Government's decision making and foreign policy in the Bush administration, has alienated the rest of the world. The writer discusses how the war in Iraq is the clearest example of the alienation of the American people in the eyes of the allies and the world.
From the Paper "The George W. Bush administration has pursued a reckless foreign policy which has alienated America's longstanding allies abroad and damaged our global reputation. Among the many shortsighted decisions taken by the Bush administration in the international sphere, were the unilateral withdrawal from the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile treaty with Russia, the failure to sign the Kyoto protocol, to combat global warming and the decision to forgo joining the world court. However, the clearest example of the Bush administration's utter disregard for international diplomacy and willingness to alienate our allies ... "
Abstract The paper first examines the transition from traditionalism and modernism in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and the emergence of capitalism. Both Rousseau and Marx underscored the importance of the individual, free will and the concept of alienation as the important characteristics that defined modern society between the 18th and 19th centuries. This paper takes an in-depth look at "The Origin of Civil Society" and "The Communist Manifesto," and provides a comparative analysis of Rousseau's and Marx's points about modernism, centering the discussion on each author's interpretation of the concept of alienation as the prevalent human condition in capitalist societies.
From the Paper " Eighteenth and nineteenth centuries signified the period wherein a transition from traditionalism and modernism emerged. Within these periods, Western society gave birth to new ideologies, which demonstrated humanity's gradual subsistence to individualism and assertion of one's free will. With the advent of a new socio-economic order--that is, capitalism and inherently, modernism--Western society changed radically. What was once a society dominated by Christian traditions, beliefs, and principles was gradually replaced with the empirical and rational nature of modernism. Social institutions' power and influence gradually weakened, as people became more assertive of their individualism, gaining more recognition of their importance as members of the society than the institutions' influence."
Tags: worker, social, progress, elite, class, alienated, oppression, social, contract, communist, manifesto, man, is, born, free, and, everywhere, he, is, in, chains
Abstract This paper reviews the concept and history of Unidentified Flying Objects, or UFOs, and the influence UFOs have had on the world entertainment, and the influence the world of entertainment has had on our perception of UFOs and alien life.
From the Paper "Unidentified Flying Objects, (UFOs) were once only saucers tied to a string and filmed by an 8mm camera in the 1950s. By the 1970s they became a bit more believable when 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' presented images of technologically advanced UFOs, with images fitting the preconceived idea of aliens driving them through the desert. Yet, by the time 'E.T.', (The Extraterrestrial) was presented in the 1980s society began to take a closer look at the phenomenon of the UFO, and many within it started to relate their personal experiences in sightings, abductions, meetings, and "close encounters". Today there is a vast array of television programming focused on UFOs, and the aliens who build them."
Abstract This paper discusses the philosophies of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx, particularly with respect to their concepts of alienation. It defines each man's conception of alienation and then discusses the respective political projects of each through the eyes of each man's conception of alienation. It discusses how their views affected the society around them.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Marx on Alienation Rousseau on Alienation Marx' Alienation Applied to Project
Rousseau's Alienation Applied to Project
Conclusion
From the Paper "Both Rousseau and Marx developed independent theories of alienation that were compounded into political thought that shaped history and allowed each to be active participants in political and social change. Each had a vision of the alienation of the individual by various means of either force (Marx) or choice (Rousseau) that demonstratively affected the manner in which political and social thought emerged in their various circles. Marx, at the heart of the socialist revolution became a leading figure in Russian Reform, while Rousseau's political ideologies helped grease the wheels of the French revolution, and later reform in Poland. In brief, Marx believed that the individual was alienated as product of being separated from the means of production, by the force of control of the owner. While Rousseau believed that alienation was a choice made by those who chose to live in and build a society based on his form of social contract theory. (Smith, 2006, p. 270)"
Abstract This paper discusses the rights of residents of the United States who are citizens of other countries (aliens). It discusses whether or not the amount of rights that aliens in the United States benefit from is in accordance with the International Law of Human Rights and religious and moral principles. The paper explores whether aliens should be awarded more rights or if they already have too many rights and discusses the implications of providing them with more rights.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Aliens' Rights
Protests
Mexican Immigrants
Working Conditions for Illegal Aliens Prejudice
Benefits for the Illegal Aliens International Human Rights Legislation
Conclusion
From the Paper "During the years, due to social pressure the illegal aliens have been granted a series of temporary benefits. They have been awarded amnesties at times. That is the granting of a legal statute into the country. They have had educational subsidies. In some states they have had drivers' licenses. One such benefit was the illegal alien identification card which was introduced in an effort to legitimize and control illegal migration. Especially the governments of the countries of origin of most of the aliens, like Mexico, were very important supporters of this card. This card is used if the alien is deported according to the laws. These cards have been strongly opposed by the American conservatives as they were thought to be aiding and abetting illegal migration."
Abstract Alienation is often the result of our own behavior. This paper examines three poems that focus on this perspective - "The Book of Thel" and "The Mental Traveller," by William Blake and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The paper shows that in "The Book of Thel," fear becomes the motivating factor for Thel, who chooses to withdraw from the world rather than become involved with it. In "The Mental Traveller," men and women are responsible for the alienation each feels because of their treatment of each other. The paper shows that in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," man alienates himself because of his own selfish behavior. Each poem focuses not only on the theme of alienation, but how mankind gets to that point. In so doing, each poet hopes to convey how we can avoid alienation if we learn from the mistakes of others.
From the Paper "The theme of alienation is reinforced as the mariner begins to understand that there are consequences for his actions. To make matters worse, the mariner suffers because of a very careless act. One of the first things that the mariner learns is that one's actions can have a definite impact on others. The mariner's crew begins to suffer almost immediately after the mariner kills the albatross. We are told that "no sweet bird did follow,/Nor any day for food or play/Came the mariners hallo!" (Coleridge 88-90)."
This paper compares the theme of alienation from society by three novelists: Ernest Hemingway in "The Sun Also Rises", F. Scott Fitzgerald in "The Great Gatsby" and Willa Cather in "The Professor's House".
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 30.95
Abstract This paper explains that in these novels the differences in their alienation and the effects, which this alienation has on their actions, relationships and lives overall, causes the reader to view them as isolated and often unhappy characters. The author points out that Jake Barnes in Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" is alienated from people and from a society, which he regards as inauthentic; whereas, Nick Carroway in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is alienated from the rich by how they live their lives and acquire their money. The paper relates that Godfrey St. Peter in Willa Cather's "The Professor's House" is alienated from his present life by an overwhelming and enveloping memory from his distant past.
From the Paper "F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" tells of a much different, and ultimately more lethal for many of its characters, kind of alienation, springing, this time, from a combination of pursuit of wealth for its own sake, and a seedy, decadent and essentially meaningless lifestyle, as exemplified by that of the title character, jay Gatsby himself. We see, through the eyes of an increasingly alienated narrator, Nick Carroway, the ways and lifestyle of the mysterious, nouveau riche Jay Gatsby, who has earned his wealth dishonorably, through bootlegging and various other criminal activities."
This paper discusses the theme of alienation as seen in three novels: "Notes from Underground" (Dostoevsky), "The Metamorphosis" (Franz Kafka) and "Diary of a Madman" (Lu Xun).
Abstract This paper states that alienation, the feeling of being isolated from communities, friends and family, jobs, and even oneself, is a common theme in modern-day literature, especially in the literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The paper briefly reviews the theme of alienation in each book: "Notes from Underground" (Dostoevsky), "The Metamorphosis" (Franz Kafka) and "Diary of a Madman" (Lu Xun). The author of this paper feels that understanding alienation in literature is important because of the problems of alienation in our contemporary society.
From the Paper "In making the connection between the theme of alienation and pathology, it is significant to point out that in Notes from Underground, the main character is suffering from a liver disease, but refuses to seek medical treatment for it. He knows that this act is only hurting himself, but he does not care. His sense of principle outweighs his sense of self-preservation. He chooses to alienate himself from society at large and in so doing, take some measure of control over his life. However, this control is illusory. The main character may attempt to console himself by believing that he is alienating society rather than the other way around, but the fact remains that the alienation, regardless of its source, is destroying him."
This paper compares the theme of alienation in William Faulkner's story "A Rose for Emily" and T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock".
1,645 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper explains that the characters in William Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily" and T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" experience the condition of alienation differently depending upon the nature of the society from which they are alienated. The author points out that the major motif, which runs through Faulkner's story, is the way in which time shapes people, especially in the South, so that they can be at home only in a certain moment of history; after that moment has moved on, they find themselves fundamentally alienated from this changed world. The paper relates that, in his poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock", T.S. Eliot presents a profound image of alienation by using technical devices, such as meter, content and imagery, which is far more explicit than in Faulkner's story and which allows the reader to understand the desperation that his title character feels.
From the Paper "While the story takes place in the present, and there is some sense that the future is creeping in even to the South, there is always the sense in this story that the past determines the actions of at least the major characters. Emily's father, Mr. Grierson, is the character most responsible for establishing the stranglehold of the past over the present. Grierson grew up in a South in which a man was responsible for the honor of his family, and one of the ways in which Grierson learned to keep untarnished the family name was to keep up the standards of a past era."
Abstract This paper discusess Karl Marx and his theory of alienation. It first discusses the causes of alienation and the process that occurs. The paper then specifically discusses why alienation has become a general phenomenon in the postmodern world. The paper concludes that Marx's theory of alienation is even more valid at present than it was for the contemporary situation that he tried to describe.
From the Paper "Also, through his labor or his employment, man is obviously cut from his own activity. While a man does have a function in the modern system, he does not have direct access to the results of own work. The examples for alienation provided by the modern society are almost inexhaustible: the social and economical system is now more complicated than ever. Any work performed by an individual is now only a small part of a huge system that serves all kinds of interests. Man cannot exist as an individual outside society, since he is compelled to live and work in a certain way. More than the fact that the individual is now subjected to more and more laws, the laws are moreover abstract and impersonal and a man cannot get a personal response to any of his actions."
Abstract This paper will discuss alienation in three works of art. The works analyzed are: Edgar Degas, "The Glass of Absinthe," of 1876, Edward Hopper, "The Nighthawks," of 1942 and George Segal, "Walk, Don't Walk," of 1976. In revealing the essence of loneliness in these paintings, we can see how they tell us of the alienation that these works of art behold. The way they were painted and the objective views of alienation will be discussed in relation to their creation.
Abstract This paper is on the concept of alienation, and in turn, the concept also of liberation. The focus of this discussion will be directed toward first, the 'causes of alienation', and to this end, this essay will begin with an outline and discussion of some of the central ideas of Karl Marx from his work titled "The Communist Manifesto". It will be argued that alienation is caused by the relationship surrounding the means of production - in short, there are those who own their own means of production, and those who have to sell their labor in order to subsist.
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes the books, "Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez", by Richard Rodriguez, and "White Boy Shuffle", by Paul Beatty. Specifically, it discusses the concept of alienation in the two works, as well as in the film, "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines". It relates this theme to the broader theme of contemporary American history and culture. All three of these works have different views of alienation and our American culture, but they all show it exists and that we alienate other cultures by forcing them to conform to our own. The paper discusses racism, differences in language, and nuclear survival.
From the Paper "Rodriguez, on the other hand, used his educational opportunities to change his life, and become a voice of change to his own people. While Gunnar has made a difference with his poetry somewhat, he seems to be floundering and wasting his life, while Rodriguez is trying to help the "minority students" become mainstream students, and help people understand how public alienation can affect a person for life. His story is much more inspiring than Gunnar's, because he has done something meaningful with his life, and attempted to help others."
Abstract "Generation X", by Douglas Coupland, is a fictional account of three strangers brought together by circumstance to the fringes of the desert town of Palm Springs, CA. The paper explains that Andy, Dag and Claire are intelligent, educated twenty-somethings of middle-class backgrounds who have retreated from mainstream society to live creatively in its margins. However, their desire to find happiness in life without losing themselves in the dreary corporate workplace, without becoming obsessed with the value of economic and social success in our culture, leaves them alienated from the major ideals of most of those who comprise the world around them. This paper analyzes the concept of alienation as it pertains to the characters in "Generation X", both psychologically and sociologically. The paper argues that Andy, Dag and Claire are alienated, rather than mentally ill, members of society.
From the Paper "The mass media's bland, recycled version of the past combined with the characters' ambivalence about the future (emphasized by the recurring theme of nuclear warfare in the characters' inner and outer dialogue) leaves them suspended in a state of not knowing which direction to look in. Their dialogue is characterized by "O'Propriation: the inclusion of advertising, packaging, and entertainment jargon from earlier eras in everyday speech for ironic and/or comic effect" (GX 107). This is an example of their ability to subvert the media in an eccentric manner. They have a disturbing form of humor indicative of their fears about and frustration with the world, yet it is apparent within the framework of their humor that they are striving not to be depressed about their situation, and that they identify with each other and find solace in each other's company."
Abstract This paper discusses five ways in which the theme of alienation is explored in "Lord of the Flies," by William Golding. The writer explains that after the initial sense of physical abandonment experienced by the boys when they are stranded on the island, they undergo social alienation. The initiation rites that the boys create, the journeys they undertake on the island, their physical and emotional suffering, and their inability to find reconciliation without outside assistance are all seen as stages of alienation in the novel. The writer concludes that had the boys been left to themselves for much longer, they most likely would have killed each other.
From the Paper "Being stranded and abandoned on the island represents the first step in the theme of alienation that is explored in Golding's novel. The tragedy would be shocking enough if they were not physically isolated from the world of English boarding school. Being on a deserted island in a foreign ecosystem exacerbates the boys' fear and anxiety, compounding their problems. Their environment seems hostile, which is why they imagine monsters to be after them. The proposition of being rescued dwindles with every passing day, which also intensifies the looming sense of alienation that characterizes Lord of the Flies."
