Abstract The following assignment is for a third year sociology course. The topic discussed is collective social behaviour. The collective social behavior examined in this assignment is anti-war demonstrations. The writer uses social contagion theory and emergent norm theory in order to examine the nature of anti-war demonstrations.
From the Paper "Collective behavior is a very broad area of study. For example, in Collective Behavior Erich Goode states, 'Rumors and legends, fads, and collective protest- these and other social phenomena make up the subject matter of the field of collective Behavior'. Collective behavior is the relatively spontaneous, unstructured, extra institutional behavior of a fairly large number of individuals. The fact that collective behavior is such a diverse area of study means that many activities can be used to examine it. For this paper, demonstrations against the war in Iraq or anti-war demonstrations as they are commonly called will be used to examine many of the theories about collective behavior."
Abstract This paper questions whether the anti-war sentiment in the US shortened the Vietnam War. The author contends that protesters succeeded in creating a certain consciousness of war activities within the American public. It is argued that the public had only begun to question the war once it was apparent that it had continued for many years, and that there was some feeling that once committed, America could not withdraw without achieving victory. By analyzing the government's reaction to several anti-war incidences in US, the paper argues the government did not have a deep understanding of the anti-war sentiment. Therefore, the anti-war movement could not have impacted the war to such an extent as to shorten it.
From the Paper "Vietnam was a situation that seemed to develop slowly in the consciousness of the American public so that much of the country seemed to discover rather suddenly that the nation was enmeshed in a growing war to which there seemed no end. In truth, America had been involved in Vietnam for many years before the issue became the catalyst for social protest and political reprisals in the U.S., and for much of that time the public ignored what was taking place. American involvement actually started in 1954, and at that time it was the French who had been caught in the Vietnamese quagmire (Chafe 259). Full American involvement was contemplated prior to 1954 and rejected, in part because Eisenhower did not believe that a military victory was possible because of the political situation in the region, since the people supported the Viet Minh and identified Ho Chi Minh as the leader of their independence movement (Scheer 274-275)."
This paper compares two anti-war authors: German playwright Bertolt Brecht in "Mother Courage and Her Children" and English poet Wilfred Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth".
Abstract This paper explains that German playwright Bertolt Brecht and English poet Wilfred Owen were both deeply personally impacted by war and both felt the need to express their anti-war sentiments and beliefs in their work. The author points out that, in Owen's anti-war poetry, war has destroyed an age of innocence; he express frustration about (1) innocent soldiers hardened by war and eventually killed in many cases, (2) the attitudes of civilians back home and (3) the way many simply ignored the tragic nightmare of the war. The paper relates that Brecht's perspective on war is similar to Owen's in that he is very anti-war; however, his perspective differs because he does not view civilians as ignorant but rather as interested in prolonging the war for their profit.
From the Paper "Owen's poem appears to be inspired by the many deaths of soldiers he saw each day in the trenches of war. He starts the poem off, describing innocent young men being sent to war like cattle are sent to slaughter. He abandons his original views of war as heroic and glorious, and describes it as one large funeral where young soldiers are not given a proper goodbye. Instead of the typical church bells that are sounded when someone dies under ordinary circumstances, there are only the sounds of gunshots when a soldier dies, he writes."
Abstract This paper will select five case that have to do with anti-war protest in the American Supreme Court. By undertanding the rulings of these cases, we can see limitations on First Amendment rights in these rulings.
Abstract This paper likens Mark Twain's anti-imperialist stance in the latter part of the nineteenth century to the protesters of the sixties in response to Vietnam, or the anti-war demonstrators of today. It shows that the sentiments are eerily familiar; the arguments stand the test of time. The paper introduces Mark Twain through a biography and then covers his anti-imperialistic theories. It examines his critics and then shows how his views are relevant today.
Table of Contents:
Mark Twain on War and Imperialism
Introduction
Biography
Twain's Anti-Imperialist Theories
Criticisms of Twain
Relevance to Current Events
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Newspapers and magazines responded to "To the Person Sitting in Darkness" for a solid month. For nearly half of the remainder of the year, satirical cartoons and editorials appeared randomly throughout the country. Twain's reputation was altered during the twilight of his life. From humorist and novelist, Twain was transformed into a political reformer and outspoken critic. The critic then became the recipient of criticism. Twain's "Defense of General Funston" denounced the capture of Filipino General Aguinaldo by deceptive practices under the leadership of General Funston. This essay was featured in the North American Review in May of 1902. When the U.S. Philippine's Commission established the treason act in the same year, Twain had said he?d rather be labeled a traitor than to be labeled as a Patriot and classified with the Funstons. Just weeks before, Funston had delivered a speech in New York City in which he called for anti-imperialist writers to be "hanged for treason"."
Tags: Samuel, Langhorne, Clemens, Civil, War, Anti-Imperialist, League, Spanish-American, War
Abstract This paper begins with an analysis of an on-line article that refers to the American "attack" on terrorism. The article assumes an anti-war stance and this essay examines the social movements of anti-war sentiments in relation to this particular article, as well as in relation to other anti-war movements in America. It is a sociological analysis of social collectives, and describes both American and Canadian anti-war movements, with direct reference to U.S. military and politics.
Abstract This paper describes the beginnings, the leaders and the motivations behind the anti-Vietnam War movement of the 1960s. The paper also takes a look at how much the anti-war movement actually affected U.S. action in the Vietnam War and what lessons were learned from the protest.
From the Paper "The beginning of the Anti-War Movement can be found in the Free Speech Movement that had already taken hold at universities across the nation. At Berkeley, Mario Savio, having taught lessons on freedom in McComb, Mississippi in what was to become known as Freedom Summer, began the movement. Involved in the Civil Rights Movement, Savio saw a correlation of the oppression of blacks in the South, the war in Vietnam, and free dissemination of information on university campuses. Savio believed that students were entitled, under the First Amendment, to practice Free Speech on their campuses."
Tags: john, f., kennedy, youth, country, america, involved, students, adults, change, united, states
Abstract This paper discusses the standpoint of Homer's "Iliad" with particular reference to war and whether it was meant as a piece of pro-war propaganda, or anti-war, or possibly neither. It examines how Homer describes with great skill and art, both the glory of war and the horror of war, each to a varying degree at different stages throughout the poem.
From the Paper "One could make a strong argument that The Iliad itself goes beyond favouring a war, and actually celebrates the phenomena that is war. Throughout the poem, different characters prove their worth, or lack of it, on the battle field (or as the case may be, not) characters emerge as worthy, or in some cases despicable, based upon their degree of competence and bravery in battle. Paris prefers not to fight, and is characterised as 'the playboy prince' and when he does emerge to fight Menelaus he is dressed in ridiculous leopard skin fatigues. Correspondingly, he receives the scorn of both his family and his lover. Adversely, Achilles wins eternal glory "his name shall live on for a thousand years" by expressly rejecting the option of a long, comfortable yet uneventful life at home."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Joseph Heller's anti-war novel, "Catch-22". It begins with a look at the character of the anti-hero Yossarian. Characters are looked at in relation to the novel's themes of power and greed, as well as profit. The use of satire is examined. The paper concludes with the writer's view of what Heller was trying to say in his novel.
From the Paper "Catch-22 is a novel that entirely takes place at war. Even though the book is filled with comedy, it describes the physical and emotional pain of war. The novel shows us how people are changed by war and how their focuses are changed through different experiences. Catch ? 22 breaks the rules of a standard anti ? war novel, which shocks this statement into the reader. Through different and sudden time changes, the reader is almost tricked to laugh at certain situations that later are revealed to be quite serious and emotional. The reader doesn?t realize what they are laughing at until the novel is completed and Heller's true vision is revealed. Catch ? 22 is an ?alternative, requiring not only a high order of poetic vision but also a willingness to shock, to challenge, to spit in your audience's eye, is what goes currently under the label of the Absurd. This encompasses farce, gibberish, surrealism and even that sub-branch of show-business called "sick humour".? There are many themes in the novel, which frame the anti-war theme. Greed for power and money and the corruption of soldiers in the novel all tell us how evil war really is. Heller uses satire in order to get the point across from a rather comedic standpoint."
Abstract This paper examines the radical anti-Vietnam war, social justice movement, The Weather Underground. The movement is described in terms of its own history and the political climate of the times. The movement's ideology is described, as well as some of their activities. Finally, the paper concludes with the legacy of the movement and where its leaders are today.
From the Paper "Of all the groups that evolved from the SDS, the Weather Underground was the most notorious. This was due to the fact that even early in the history of the organization there were violent clashes with the police and authorities. An infamous example of the organizations penchant for violence protest was the "Four Days of rage". This refers to the violence in Chicago perpetrated by the Weathermen in 1969. Violence during this period included the destruction of property and buildings and attacks on the police. During these four days a total of seventy-three policemen were injured and about three hundred members of the organization arrested - some of them on charges of attempted murder. (George & Wilcox, 1996, p. 135)"
Abstract This paper presents "The Red Badge of Courage" as a classic anti-war literature because it illustrates the carnage and violence of war. The author explains that by following one particular soldier though combat, the book vividly illustrates the monotony and sporadic fighting making up a soldier's life. The paper points out that the soldier ultimately wonders just why he risks his life while, nonetheless, continuing to fight.
From the Paper "Crane perfectly captures the tedium of war, the unending waiting, and the questioning of leadership: What the war is about, and what is so wrong with the other side. Henry meets and speaks with a Southern soldier, and begins to question war and its meaning. "'Yank,' the other had informed him, 'yer a right dum good feller.' This sentiment, floating to him upon the still air, had made him temporarily regret war" (Crane 10). Thus, Crane introduces the theme of the irrationality of war early on in the story. Here are two men who might have been friends had they had the opportunity, and they instead are fighting each other. Does either of them really understand what they are fighting for? This question seems to linger long after the chance meeting, and adds to the poignancy of the moment. This thread continues throughout the book, as Crane's characters alternately ebb and flow with the tide of battle. Sometimes they are gloriously brave, and sometimes they are tired, dejected, and angry at the circumstances that placed them there. During one dark time in battle, they seem to blame the officers who led them there, "And from this consciousness that they had attempted to conquer an unconquerable thing there seemed to arise a feeling that they had been betrayed" (Crane 131). In the middle of battle, war does not make any sense, and the men who are fighting are intensely aware of this as they struggle to stay alive."
Abstract The paper provides a brief overview of the movement against the Iraq War as it has manifested itself in the U.S. since 2003. The paper looks at mainstream media coverage of public rallies, focusing on a report in the Los Angeles Times and a report from Reuters. The paper discusses the ANSWER media savvy organizing group that is rarely noted in mainstream media coverage of public rallies but which has a large role in sponsoring them. The paper thus shows how a mainstream news source omits small pieces of information that can have a significant effect on the interpretation of the news story.
From the Paper "The first protests against the Iraq War actually began just prior to the onset of the war itself, at a time when it was becoming clear that the military preparations and intensified propaganda leading up to the invasion had passed a point of no return. In March of 2003, mass protests in both the United States and Britain, denominated the "World Says No to War" protests, attracted approximately 500,000 marchers nationwide. Since then the movement has had its ups and downs, but generally been able to sponsor large turnouts near the anniversary dates of the invasion (March of each year.) Many have commentated that this level of organization and turnout is remarkable given the lack of a military draft, which in past times (notably the Vietnam war) has substantially enlivened anti-war movements (Garfinkle.)"
Tags: ANSWER, mainstream, alternative, resources, information
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the books "The Great War 1914-1918", by Cyril Falls, and "The Pity of War: Explaining World War I", by Niall Ferguson. The paper discusses how these two books, written 40 years apart, look at the war from different stages in history and from different perspectives. The paper analyzes how the authors graphically illustrate the First World War and what this war meant to the participants, the world, and to history in general. The paper examines how the books discuss emotional and personal themes, which makes them quite important for detailed research that adds another dimension to The Great War.
From the Paper "Ferguson, on the other hand, uses a different type of literary technique. He consistently relates events to works of literature that covered the war, from classics such as All Quiet on the Western Front and For Whom the Bell Tolls to lesser knows works, he consistently compares the actual events of the war to how their authors portrayed (and sometimes dramatized) them in literary works. For some readers, this might be more difficult to follow and identify with and understand. However, both books are extremely well written. They belong in any serious World War I library or historian's reference shelf."
Tags: Francis, Ferdinand, Lloyd, George, World, War, Allies, anti-war, activists
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the portrayal of the Trojan War in Homer's epic "The Iliad," and Shakespeare's version of the Trojan War in his drama ?Troilus and Cressida." The author discusses the different lessons that both authors felt could be drawn from this war. In Shakespeare's case, his distaste for war is reflected in his opinion that the war was fought for no reason at all and as a result of his views has always campaigned against the "myth," as he sees it, of the Trojan War. Homer on the other hand feel felt that the War was fought for justifiable reasons and its outcome is important. These two opposing views are discussed throughout the paper.
From the Paper "At the end of Shakespeare's play, a character not present in Homer's text named Pandarus, who has helped the young lovers of the title have an illicit tryst, leers at the audience that he will bequeath to the audience his diseases, presumably of the flesh. War does not elevate the morals of men and women; it only corrupts them and rots at them. Unlike Homer, Shakespeare stresses that rather than nobility, the reasons for even supposedly the greatest of all wars was in lust and human irrationality. Rather than praising Odysseus (or Ulysses, as Shakespeare calls him in the text), Shakespeare makes the character's statement that the heavens are ordered and ?observe degree, priority, and place,? in war become absurd. (1.3.86)"
Abstract This paper examines the disastrous consequences of war, with an emphasis on its effect on the family. In particular, the author explores the reactions and lasting impact of loss on children. The author's viewpoint is very clearly anti-war. The paper sees war as a vicious cycle which continuously promotes further armed conflicts, such as terrorism. The paper concludes by citing the traumas and deficiencies of war, and their unpredictable and disastrous effects on the entire family, most especially the children.
From the Paper "War occurs for a number of reasons and perspectives as the number of people involved in a conflict (Bargo 2005). A peace treaty may officially end a war and military operations may cease, but the effects of a war cannot be erased from the soldiers' and civilians' consciousness. The impacts of a war reach far and wide and expand outward indefinitely. The impress can and is often indelible and haunting. The true victims of a war are the very real and very fragile men, women and children, whose wounds cannot be healed by ensuing peace treaties or truces. The raw emotions from the effects of war are difficult to process and linger through life even after peace has been established. These effects should be considered just as much as the dollars or other motivations, which inspire the declaration of a war (Bargo)."
