Abstract This paper argues that the participation of the average German soldier in barbarity in this conflict was because of the acceptance throughout all levels of the German military that they were participating in a crusade.
Tags: action, de, humanization, lebensraum, propaganda, race
Abstract This paper looks at how the true nature of man, one of barbarism, is depicted in three works: Jack London's "To Build a Fire", Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery". More specifically, the paper describes how the traveler challenges nature in Jack London's "To Build a Fire" and how Tom and Huck run of with a group of friends to become a barbarous, bloodthirsty gang of thieves in Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn". The paper also describes the population's barbarous nature with their need for the lottery in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery". The paper shows how these three authors all highlight how the modern world is never far from its barbarous past, no matter how civilized human beings pretend to be.
From the Paper "The path that modern people walk, across the balanced precipice between civilized and barbarous is frequently fictionalized. For many authors and readers alike the need to remind one's self of the precarious nature of the human condition comes as a reminder of older wisdom, that of the barbarian and newer realities, those of the modern world. Modern man, by most accounts is simply balancing the fact that he or she is a barbarous animal living within the confines of modern conveniences."
Abstract The book "Barbarous Mexico" is Kenneth Turner's account of his visits to Mexico from 1908 to 1910. Turner examines many issues, including slavery and poverty, and the negative effects of these issues on the Mexican community during the years that Porifio Diaz ruled. The paper shows that Turner is blunt with his association of the squalid Mexican conditions to Diaz; his book is a successful effort to prove a solid foundation for his claims. The paper explains that it is Turner's contention that no man can rule an unwilling people without taking away the liberties of those people, therefore, it can be very easily understood what sort of government Diaz found necessary to establish in order to secure his power. The paper concludes that "Barbarous Mexico" is an important piece of literature because it represents a perspective from one segment of society that is often neglected.
From the Paper "Perhaps one of the most telling attributes of "Barbarous Mexico" is the close ties the United States had in the Diaz regime. In Turner's opinion, the United States was responsible for the prolonged abuse of slavery. In fact, Turner suggests that the United States was Diaz's largest monetary partners. The support Diaz received from foreign counties made Diaz's government international, according to Turner. Thus, foreign intervention in favor of the people was less likely. That fact alone, says Turner, was one of the most powerful forces that prevented the Mexican people from ever revolting against Diaz. (Turner 137) In addition, Turner illustrates that even though Mexico was becoming more modern under the leadership of Diaz, it still operated backward in regards to other Latin American countries. Turner explains that when it came to progressive moves relating to governments, Diaz was slow to change; however, when it came to opportunities for gaining capitol, he was quick to act."
Abstract The paper presents the theme of religion as a major driving force behind all decisions made by the characters in "Robinson Crusoe". The writer shows how religion is linked with the theme of civilization and its juxtaposition with barbarism. Throughout the novel, Robinson is faced with decisions to make - those his father would approve of and those his heart wishes to follow. The storyline is presented in great detail and examples of these decisions are mentioned and analyzed.
From the Paper "In the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, the theme of religion is linked with the theme of civilization and its juxtaposition with barbarism. Thus the tension introduced in the beginning of the novel is also the major theme throughout. This is the tension between adventure and security. If faced with a choice between the two, the correct choice is security. Adventure is associated with barbarism, while security is one of the characteristics of a middle class, religious lifestyle. The wish for adventure and the hazards that such a wish brings, is demonstrated first through Robinson's two brothers, and then through the mishaps that befall Robinson himself. After both of his brothers disappear, Robinson himself "disappears" from the life and society he knows to face many very uncomfortable misfortunes."
Tags: adventure, barbarism, civilization, middle, class, island, spain, plantation
A comparative analysis of the power struggles that are depicted in William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra", William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies" and the movie "Dr Strangelove".
Abstract This paper examines how William Shakespeare creates the tension between the ideal and the pragmatic in his play "Antony and Cleopatra", but ultimately approves of Antony and Cleopatra's imaginative power over Caesar's practical but corrupted political power. In comparison, it looks at how "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity while the movie "Dr Strangelove", directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a product of its context and depicts the horror of the destructive nature of man, as a result of the power plays that are happening between the most "powerful" men in the world.
From the Paper "The Lord of the Flies (1954) by William Golding is an allegory on true human nature. The text questions the power of civilisation and altruism in the face of barbarity. Golding transforms the novel The Coral Island (1857) by R.M. Ballantyne, changing the optimism in civilized values of English society displayed in the novel, to questioning the ability of civilizations to cope with barbaric impulses, emphasizing this transformation in theme by direct reference to the novel: "Jolly good show. Like the Coral Island", stated by the officer at the end. To create this powerplay between civility and barbarism, Golding symbolizes the respective traits in Ralph and Jack, both characters take from The Coral Island with the same names. Ralph symbolizes the power of civility, democracy and order while Jack symbolizes the power of anarchy, savagery and innate evil."
Abstract This paper examines whether post-apocalyptic landscape in Cormac McCarthy's book, "The Road", departs thematically from his prior works and what message, if any, we should find in the ashes. The paper explains that McCarthy's novels have consistently relied upon the pastoral American South where the isolation of man provides a sense of humanity, morality and community. The paper notes that in "The Road", McCarthy uses a post-apocalyptic wasteland where a man and his son struggle to survive against the barbarism of others. The paper then looks at how the use of a different landscape raises the question of whether or not "The Road" is also different thematically from his other novels, even-though McCarthy still places an emphasis on man's constant struggle for survival and his need for community in "The Road". The paper also points out that some sources cite that McCarthy's choice of landscape comments on the dangerous capabilities of humanity to destroy itself using technology and a legitimate concern for the environment. To conclude, this paper shows that McCarthy's post-apocalyptic landscape does not signify a departure from his consistent themes, instead it further emphasizes and validates his commentary on human nature and society in his prior works.
From the Paper "Of course, it should come as no surprise to those familiar with McCarthy's earlier works that The Road takes place, like the others, against such a backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving terrain surrounded by terrifying isolation, and that that landscape, like McCarthy's novels before it, serves once more to cage his main characters in a "world defined by barbarism and violence," where their struggle for survival will test the hope that "civilized values and actions can endure, despite humanity's capacity for savagery." (Smith 26). In his earlier works, however, such as The Orchard Keeper (1965), Outer Dark (1966), Child of God (1973) and Blood Meridian (1979), the landscape in which McCarthy's characters struggled to survive was a natural one. The Orchard Keeper, for example, was set in a small, isolated community located somewhere in Tennessee between the two World Wars."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that the death penalty is an abhorrent, barbaric practice from the days of kings, queens, and sorcerers and it should be abolished immediately. The writer claims that most Americans today believe in the death penalty because they believe it is a deterrent to violent crime. Statistics, however, show that law enforcement does not agree. The writer points out that most Americans also believe that the death penalty brings some amount of closure to the families of the victims of violent crime, but most family members who are willing to comment on the issue feel that wishing for someone to die does not help them heal. The death of the criminal only causes another family to grieve, instead of helping the family of the victim to stop grieving. Most victims' families would rather work on getting on with their lives and dealing with their pain than wait around to see if the murderer of a loved one is going to be executed. The writer concludes that fighting for an execution is a constant reminder to these people that they have lost someone to senseless and tragic violence.
From the Paper "First of all, allowing the death penalty to continue is allowing human beings to play God. After all, one of the Ten Commandments does say "thou shalt not kill," and while it should definitely apply to the person who committed the crime, it should also apply to our government. Most people who believe in the Christian God believe that before we are born, our whole life, including when we will die, is determined. In the case of violent crime, although it seems extremely tragic and unfair, it was that person's time to die. When the person who committed the crime is executed, he dies before his determined time and the government has taken over the role of God. Even those who argue that predetermination means that the judgment of execution for a violent crime makes it the criminal's time to die still have a hard time explaining why they are going against one of the Ten Commandments. Secondly, the United States prohibits the execution of anyone who was under eighteen when they committed their crime, or who is mentally disabled, or both. There are laws in place that are supposed to prevent those kinds of executions from ever taking place in any state."
An examination of the origins of female genital mutilation and the reasons why mankind has an obligation to ensure that adolescent females are protected from undergoing this barbaric procedure.
Abstract The paper discusses female genital mutilation, or 'circumcision' and states that it is a deeply-rooted cultural and religious practice found in African countries,parts of the Middle East and Asia. The paper states that the custom, although seemingly barbaric to many westernized countries, is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, as making a young woman marriageable, as a means to curb sexual desire among adolescents before marriage, and as a protection for virginity. The paper then gives insights into the medical complications it causes, the ethical considerations nurses face regarding the procedure and argues that nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to ensuring that these young girls and adolescent females are protected from undergoing a procedure that will change their lives forever.
From the Paper "As Muslim women living in a third world country, 90% of northern Sudanese women are subjected to FGM as a cultural and religious rite of passage (Almroth et al., 2005, p.385). Girls may be circumcised at any time from infancy through adolescence, and even occasionally as mature adults. As a result, these women bring with them a unique set of potentially serious medical consequences with regard to obstetric and gynecological care when they enter the healthcare system in the United States. These consequences include not only shock and hemorrhage in the short term, but infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease in the long term. Therefore, these women must be assessed with both medical and cultural sensitivity when they are accessing the health care system."
Tags: female, genital, mutilation, women's, health
Abstract In this article, the writer identifies what risks or benefits exist for African women who undergo female genital cutting in the twenty first century. A review of the history and key terminology establishes a base knowledge on the subject, followed by a discussion of the religious/cultural, social, physical, and political significance. This paper reviews existing literature on female genital cutting, with preference for essays and research conducted after the year 2000. Discussion identifies what perceived risks and benefits exist for women undergoing female genital cutting in the twenty first century according to existing research and accounts. The writer discusses whether current modern conditions make the procedure an acceptable risk to maintain cultural identity and also whether the cultural identity purportedly maintained by the tradition is itself a risk to the well being of girls in Africa. This paper makes conclusions and recommendations for additional research based on the relevance of the discussion.
Outline:
Cultural Identity Versus Barbaric Tradition
Introduction
Background
Literature Review
Conclusions
From the Paper " Research investigating these questions is valuable on many levels. It is easy to accept the existing knowledge and research concerning female genital cutting, as it is easy for those in Western cultures to be horrified by the practice. However, much of the existing research falls short by providing inadequate data or by falling back on assumptions and information collected a decade or more ago. In an age of globalization, a lot can change in a decade. Using only research done in the twenty-first century, it is possible to identify what issues are still factors in the debate over female genital cutting. By doing so it may be possible to identify what physical, psychological, and social risks and implications female genital cutting has on the current population of African girls undergoing the procedure. It is also possible to identify what social and psychological gains may exist for the same women. Can varying conceptions of female genital cutting be reconciled? Is female genital cutting a barbaric tradition or does it play a crucial role in the cultural identity of African women?"
Abstract Hazing has been described as a humiliating act or initiation one must take part in in order to be accepted into a sports group or team. This paper shows how hazing is increasingly becoming problematic for society. Its supporters extol the virtues of the practice by focusing on its ability to build character and a strong bond between team veterans and rookies and opponents of the practice justifiably proclaim the practice's elements of barbarism and sadism. The paper compares the two perspectives regarding the merits of hazing. It discusses, too, the literature which has been written about this practice and examines the different points of view proffered by the many analysts on this particular subject. The author of the paper surmises that only in investigating the pros and cons of these initiation rites can we understand how entrenched this problem has become in the minds of the people who continue to conduct this barbaric practice.
From the Paper "There has been a lot of literature in the past that has addressed the problem of hazing in athletics. Most of the research agrees that there is a consistency in the arguments for hazing. One popular opinion is that older team members haze younger team member potentials in order to assert their leadership. However, hazing does not have to be the vehicle to assert this authority. In fact, the most obvious method of displaying leadership is on the playing field as opposed to shaving a member's hair off. Another common argument for hazing is that it instils fear and respect in the hearts of younger members when interacting with their more esteemed and older teammates. However, isn't it more important to create a bond between teammates and instil that fear and awe in the opposing team? Also, respect should be earned, not demanded."
Abstract The institution of slavery in the United States was a barbaric system. Without doubt, it was an institution that had its element of physical and psychological abuse and degradation. In many respects, however, it cannot be compared to the Jewish Holocaust under the Nazis. Indeed, the enormity of the Holocaust is so great that it is difficult to categorise it with other cases of mass killing or systems of oppression. This is in no way to minimise the barbarity of American slavery, but the Holocaust was, after all, the only case in history where there was the attempted destruction of an entire group of people.
From the Paper "The Lord of the Flies dramatizes a fundamental human struggle: the conflict between the impulse to obey rules, behave morally, and act lawfully; and the impulse to seek brute power over others, act selfishly, behave in a way that will gratify one's desires, scam moral rules, and indulge in violence. The first set of impulses might be thought of as the ?civilizing instinct,? which encourages people to work together toward common goals and behave peacefully; the second set of impulses might be thought of as the ?barbarizing instinct,? or the instinct to savagery, which urges people to rebel against civilization, seeking anarchy, chaos, despotism, and violence."
This paper looks at " Lord of the Flies", and William Golding's introduction of the savage side of human nature through irony as he develops the characters, the discovery of the beast, and the final rescue of the children.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, 1999, $ 55.95
Abstract This essay examines the dark view of human nature in William Golding's novel, "Lord of the Flies". The author discusses Golding's recurrent theme of his fiction, the conflict between humanity's innate barbarism and the civilizing influence of reason. The paper focuses on the ironies in Lord of the Flies through the characters, the discovery of the beast, and the rescue of the boys.
From the Paper "The end of the novel hints that under such circumstances it is possible for humans to follow a course of action that will eventually result in its own destruction. Irony plays an important role in the rescue of the children because they leave one corrupt society to return to another. Against all expectations, the children in Lord of the Flies repress all noble instincts and embrace a life of savagery. Golding uses irony to demonstrate that humans are capable of intense evil as a result of their own natures and not because of any outside factors. His book suggests that civilization is the only thing that restrains mankind from a life of barbarism, but savagery also exists in civilization. After all, the children are stranded on the island as a result of a nuclear war and are rescued by a warship engaged in its own savage manhunt."
Abstract This paper discusses the theory of cultural relativism as it relates to gender and sexuality from an anthropological cross-cultural perspective. It discusses how the "Western" perspective, as the dominant culture, defines the experiences of women who have experienced FGM in certain ways, namely in terms of Western medical discourse. This definition neglects to address the subjective experience of the women and how they define themselves and their own experience, thus giving an incomplete picture of the socio-cultural framework in which FGM takes place. Included also is a discussion of the problems of applying sociological theory to the intricacy of real-world human affairs.
From the paper:
"Cultural relativism states that what is morally good and bad is collectively defined by the people in a culture, and therefore there is no objective way to judge between cultures. Thus, an act in one culture that seems barbaric to an outsider ? such as female circumcision ? cannot be thus judged, because the outsider has his own value system that is not relevant to the culture. In this paper, I will examine the theoretical and ideological underpinnings of this perspective, the problems that arise when it is applied to actual cultural diversity, and alternative ways of looking at the space between cultures. I will specifically investigate the controversial topic of female genital mutilation, and explore the problems involved in approaching the practice from outside the culture it is practiced in."
Tags: constructionist, criticism, deconstructionist, foucault, social
Abstract The essay deals with the themes of civilization and savagery in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and connects the novella to the development of the novel in the Victorian era. The paper presents a symbolic explication and a brief comparison to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
From the Paper "Conrad establishes the two different locales in the story as points in metaphorical opposition to each other. This seemingly clear division of the world into civilization and barbarism is sometimes presented in the book as a clear-cut distinction, sometimes something that is difficult to predict, and sometimes as something that shifts and changes over time. London itself, in the book a symbol of enlightenment, was once "one of the darker places of the earth" before the Romans forced civilization upon them. The implication is that Africa too may become civilized once it is as properly colonized as is Europe by superior civilizations. Running against this interpretation is the fact that Kurtz brings with him no essence of civilizing forces but their reverse, so that even the "primitives" with which Conrad populates the Congo are civilized in comparison."
