Abstract The paper analyzes how the grandmother in both stories "Everything that Rises Must Converge" and "A Good Man is Hard to Find" represents the aged perspective of racism and bigotry. The paper also illustrates how the next generation recognized the true bigotry of the grandmothers' personalities, hidden behind the facade of dignity. The paper discusses, however, how the next generation did not combat the racism whole-heartedly, and then shows how this tolerance ultimately leads to destruction within both stories.
From the Paper "The main driving force behind the morals of each story is the character of the elderly woman, mother and grandmother, unnamed in both short stories. In "Everything that Rises Must Converge", the elder mother is a poor woman of an aged American family. At first, her character seems to be one of positivity, through her assertion "If you know who you are, you can go most anywhere." This follows by her recounting of her past, her grandfather having been a plantation owner with many slaves, then goes on to reveal her true nature. She hops on a bus with her son, and upon assessing the situation, realizing there are only white individuals on the bus, she states loud enough for the others to hear, "I see we have the bus to ourselves." Eliciting a response from a fellow passenger in agreement, "...thick as fleas - up front and all through.", indicative of the times."
Abstract The paper explores the issues of racism, feminism, religious bigotry, and hypocrisy in Maryse Cond?'s novel ", Tituba, Black Witch of Salem". The author includes many quotes from the actual text.
From the Paper "In her novel, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, Maryse Cond? skillfully intertwines historical fact with colorfully imagined invention to tell the tale of black slave Tituba's brutal journey from Barbados to New England and her eventual return to her native land. Through this narration, Cond?'s purpose is not simply to recount the story of a long-forgotten historical figure; indeed, by incorporating extensive fanciful devices, she distances herself from the factual and focuses instead on broader and more powerful underlying themes such as religious bigotry and hypocrisy, racism, feminism, and the power of sexuality. Through the usage of postmodern irony and a compelling storytelling style, she imparts a refreshing new perspective on the Salem witch trials and several fundamental issues with which we continue to struggle today."
Abstract The author of this paper finds that the novel is built around a thesis that states there is an inability of both whites and blacks to let go of age old prejudice and bigotry. It then expands to include a vision of life as it might be if humans could learn to live beyond limited color perceptions and allow every individual to reach out for and embrace their own sense of acceptance, purpose and love in the world. Many quotes are used as evidence to support the thesis.
From the Paper "It's Maxwell, Georgia and the whites treat the blacks like sub-human beings and the blacks only show respect for the whites out of fear. Tracy Deen, who always disappoints his self-sacrificing mother, returns home from World War I. It is obvious that he loves Nonnie Anderson and she loves him, but he is white and she is colored. Tracy, a product of the old south, is as much a victim of it's ways as is Nonnie. Because Nonnie is black he cannot for more than a brief second dream of living out his love. When after a moment of passion, Tracy uses the word "we" in regard to a future with Nonni,e he sees something happen to her face "as if he had lighted ten thousand candles with one small half-thought-out word" (38). He has uttered the unthinkable, the possibility of a real life together."
Abstract This paper discusses how stereotyping is a reality of society and how it tends to go hand in hand with ethnic diversity. It shows that because stereotyping most often exaggerates differences in an unflattering profile, it may lead to bigotry and prejudice. In particular it looks at the Asian American community and examines how it copes with being known as the "model minority" stereotype.
From the Paper "A 1996 study reported that high and low achieving Asian students experienced anxiety to uphold the expectations of the model minority stereotypes. Students who could not perform well academically became depressed and were too embarrassed to seek help. Asian American students are stereotyped as overachievers, geniuses, nerdy, competitive, and obedient. Stereotyping has led to neglect of student services and support for the many Asian American students who are undereducated and have low socioeconomic status (http://ericcass.uncg.edu/virtuallib/diversity/1077.html)."
Abstract This paper shows how Stephen Oates explores the life and times of one of the greatest civil rights leaders. It explains how the book looks deeply into Martin Luther King's life and the results of his endless struggle to rid the United States of bigotry. Furthermore, the book examines the forces and people that shaped Dr. King's life, leading him on his pathway to destiny.
From the Paper "Throughout the book, Oates takes a highly favorable look at what Dr. King did for the movement. He writes the words of his story with a great deal of passion. At many points in the book, Oates zealous style places King on a pedestal for all others to look up to. This style is very powerful, influencing the reader to absorb King's message. In order for the reader to find truth in King's philosophies however, Oates needed to thoroughly demonstrate the need for change in America."
Abstract This paper examines how, with the growing diversity in the United States population, it is becoming increasingly important that children receive an education that is multi-cultural in approach. It explores how a curriculum specializing in diversity provides alternative points of view relative to information already taught in most educational systems and how it gives ethnic minorities inclusiveness in history, science, etc., as well as decreasing stereotypes, prejudice, bigotry, and racism. It shows how, as a result, teachers are now developing different ways to incorporate ethnically-rich material into the classroom setting.
From the Paper "Mathematics as well as English and literature can be the springboard for conversations on multiculturalism. Bosnick and Adeeb (2001) discuss a math lesson that evolved into a talk about race and gender equity. Using basketball goals to reinforce the use of fractions, students discuss the racial makeup of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and compare the status of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to male teams. To reinforce the idea of equity and reaffirm that the game should have no boundaries with respect to color or gender, the emphasis was put on a person's skill level, knowledge of the game, and commitment to play."
Abstract This paper looks at the tendency in the U.S. educational system to force non-mainstream cultures to conform to the established mainstream culture and how this is the primary means by which education contributes to the development and preservation of bigotry and prejudice. The paper also looks at how, if done properly, education can instead be used to help overcome racist, bigoted, and hate-inducing ideas in society and, actually, honor multiculturalism and diversity.
From the Paper "The education system in the United States has a long history of ethnic segregation, both formal (adjudicated by law) and informal. It has been argued that segregated programs are based on the idea of de-culturizing the student, rather than incorporating the culture in question into the learning experience. This is done through a program designed to eliminate the native language and culture. For instance, there have been times when the education system has eliminated or simply ignored the laws concerning attendance, especially in the case of Mexican American farm workers? children who were needed to work in agriculture during planting and harvest seasons (Spring, 2003)."
Abstract This paper explains that "racist" or "racism" are highly misused and misunderstood terms; merely race consciousness does not constitute a racist mindset. The author points out that a "racist" is a person who adopts blatantly discriminatory behavior or metes out ill treatment to people of other races because of biased mindset. The paper states that race is as much a part of one's identity as family names and country of origin; therefore, to refer to someone as "black" or "Hispanic" doesn?t really make one a racist, but claiming people of color are deficient or inferior in some respect does constitute racial bigotry.
From the Paper "If you see a black person with slightly odd eating habits and you comment on the same, does that make you a racist? Well if yes, why? Why can"t it be seen in the same light as commenting on odd behavior of some white person" What makes you a racist? Who is a racist? Is racist a person who "hates" people of other races or is he someone who believes his race is superior to all other races? If you think that "hatred" and "superior" are synonymous, then you are one of those many misguided souls who have heard all about racism but are not certain as to what really constitutes racist attitude."
Abstract The paper examines Jan Carew's videotaped presentation, "From Columbus to Castro - 500 Years of Race, Class and Culture Conflict in Our Americas" where he argues that Columbus' relentless drive for riches created a situation where innocent people were brutally exploited. The paper agrees with Carew that the legacy of European discovery was one of human greed, racial intolerance and bigotry. The paper concludes that the ancestors of American whites who sought to diminish others left behind the seeds for racial convolution and unrest today.
From the Paper "To begin with, Mr. Carew rightly notes that Columbus did everything he did to aggrandize himself and the country of Spain - partly, it may be presumed, out of patriotism, but surely mostly out of a desire to satiate his own ambitions and to validate the support of powerful individuals in the upper reaches of Spanish society who had reposed their trust - and treasure - in him. In any case, it is known that Columbus was under great pressure to "deliver the goods" by returning to Spain with riches; to wit, his patrons - Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand - eagerly sought to spread Christianity to distant parts of the world, and the royal couple also were very much interested in finding a means by which Spain could compete with its bitter rival, Portugal, for spoils ("Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Empire," para.2)."
Abstract This paper examines how W.E.B. Du Bois' "The Souls of Black Folk" and Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" are two novels written at the turn of the twentieth century in the U.S. that strive to undermine the whole ideology of racial and social bigotry through writing that emphasizes empathy and humanization. It looks at how both books try to orient the reader firmly in the perspective of a supposed "lesser" class of people - revealing their relatable qualities as human beings as a means of connecting the reader on a personal level.
From the Paper "Upton Sinclair's muckraking breakthrough piece of literature The Jungle was written chiefly to expose the horrible conditions of immigrant labor in Chicago's meatpacking industry and to demand accountability for the atrocious infractions against basic human decency therein. Similar to Du Bois, Sinclair wanted to illustrate how prejudice - in this case to foreign migrants - leads to a total domination of one "class" of people over another; it is a domination that reinforces stereotypes of inferiority and prolongs ignorant, classist, and racist beliefs. Du Bois focused specifically on the plight of African Americans, especially in the South, while Sinclair exposited on Eastern immigrant Chicago meatpacking workers. "
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of civil rights in America. Specifically it discusses gay/lesbian rights and how gays are treated like second-class citizens in the United States. The paper argues that gays and lesbians face social stigma and bigotry and face many of the same civil rights issues that Blacks faced four decades ago.
From the Paper "Because America will not accept gay marriage, there are many other avenues that are not open to gays that are open to other Americans. For example, adoption laws favor heterosexual couples over gay couples, and three states, Florida, Mississippi, and Utah, will not allow gay or same-sex couples to adopt at all (Editors, 2008). Gays who want to serve in the military have to hide their sexual orientation or face discharge, and many gays face hate crimes and other violence from a misunderstanding and critical society. Being gay in America is difficult, much more difficult than it needs to be, and there are numerous social and personal issues that gays face every day that most Americans would never put up with. Gays are where blacks were 40 years or more ago in this country, and they are discriminated against just as badly as blacks were at that time. It is not fair, and as Americans, we should stand up and speak out against these injustices, because we are supposed to be a free and democratic society, and this issue clearly shows we are not."
Abstract This paper explains that the majority of immigrants before and during the Civil War (1861 to 1865), mostly poor and uneducated Catholics, having suffered terribly from discrimination and bigotry in their countries of origin, faced again in the United States extreme prejudice, bigotry, and religious discrimination, which highly affected their overall social, political, and economic lives. The author states that, in the U.S., anti-Catholic bigotry rose with the increased immigration because the English-speaking Protestant majority was afraid that the Catholics would take their jobs. The paper relates that the Catholic Church responded to the crucial needs of immigrant Catholics by creating social reform and support organizations. Mother Frances Cabrini, an Italian immigrant, founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to teach Italians in the parochial schools, to care for the thousands of homeless children who lived in the streets because of the deaths of their parents, and to place nurses in hospitals.
From the Paper "During the period in American history just before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the United States was experiencing great change in its social, political and economic arenas, due mostly to the continuing expansion westward beyond the Mississippi River. This new territory was already inhabited by thousands of Catholics, mainly of Mexican descent, but much of the territory was completely unsettled and wild and was peopled by Native American Indian tribes. With new immigrants coming into the United States "at a rate of some two million every ten years from countries such as Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and Central Europe, the Catholic population exploded and was to serve as the basis for much social and political trouble in the future.""
Abstract This paper discusses the famous Sacco-Venzetti case, and the bigotry inherent in the court system at the time. The author presents a balanced account of the facts of the case. He/she includes remarks made by the ruling judge in order to make the case that the trial was a miscarriage of justice.
From the Paper "The United States was celebrating its victory in World War I, and a rampant anti-Communist sentiment was building within the country, culminating in the "Red Scare" of 1919 and 1920. The American government began a campaign of repression against all elements it deemed subversive to democracy- anarchists, Communists, and any other radical groups (Ehrmann 34). J. Edgar Hoover's career as director of General Intelligence in the Justice Department was begun during this time; his first test and responsibility was the case of Sacco and Vanzetti (44). Nicola Sacco, a shoe factory worker, and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, a fish peddler, were arrested, convicted, and executed in a miscarriage of justice; the actions of the state government were motivated by inherent prejudices of their heritage and political affiliations."
Abstract This paper looks at the book "Warriors Don't Cry" which is the story of a young African American child who was one of the first who forced racial integration into the Little Rock school system. The writer analyzes how the book, which is written through the eyes of a child, helps people realize the stupidity of their bigotry.
From the paper:
"?We are not these bodies, we are spirits, God's ideas,? Grandma India explained to Melba Pattillo Beals one afternoon as they tended Grandma's garden of four-o?clocks. "You don"t want to be white, what you really want is to be free, and freedom is a state of mind? (6). It was perhaps those words of wisdom spoken to a child only six years of age that helped create the courage that would one day be needed by Melba to fulfill her destiny. Melba Pattillo would, ten years later, be among the first Black children to attend and help integrate Little Rock's previously all-White Central High School."
Abstract This is a study of French writer Voltaire - his life, works, ideas and thoughts. He is described as one of the most important writers in the French and Modern worlds. It provides an explanation of the historical context in which Voltaire lived and how this influenced the way he thought and wrote. Examples of his work are analyzed.
From the paper:
"Voltaire ? the nom de plume that Francois-Marie Arouet ? is one of the most important writers both of the French language and of the modern world, for in his works he helped to define the progressive humanism that is an essential underpinning of modern life. He was in his time known for his principled and courageous stands against tyranny, bigotry, and cruelty of those who held power in society, and he wrapped these liberal ideals in writing that was eloquent, intelligent and often funny. This ability to be both fiercely progressive and charming at the same time have ensured his enduring place in the history of the West. He demonstrated both to those of his own time and to all of us who have come after him a sense of grace under pressure and the conviction that we can each better not only the conditions of our own lives but the lives of others as well."
