Abstract This paper reviews the novel "BlueWindsDancing" by Tom Whitecloud, about a young Native American man struggling to decide if he belongs in the white world or the Indian one. The paper describes the cultural conflicts the main character encounters when he leaves his reservation to attend university, and the impact of those conflicts on his journey to find his true voice. While about a particular person from a specific tribe, the novel's theme of identity struggle is universal -- a point which earns Whitecloud high praise from the author of this paper.
From the Paper "There are important conflicts within "Blue Winds Dancing that come about as a consequence of culture. The narrator of the story is struggling to find where he belongs and who he really is, a basic pursuit in any persons life. He also goes in search of wisdom, an inner wisdom that all people must search for in their lives to give it meaning. He journeys from his home in Wisconsin to attend a college that is predominantly attended by white people. We, the readers, travel deeply into the inner mind, thoughts and emotions of this young man's strife."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that symbolic words, phrases, acts, objects and the characters in this story are part of the power that is generated in Tom Whitecloud's narrative. The writer points out that Whitecloud's use of metaphor also is part of what captures a reader's attention to detail. By painting such a lush picture of all the wonderful seasonal changes that are part of fall, by mentioning bears, loons, the tracks in the snow that indicate deer and rabbits have passed through, Whitecloud builds up the drama about the white man and how his "civilization" or "society" has taken over the reins of power. The writer concludes that the author shows that just a nod of the head and a sparking eye are all the communication that is necessary to show that the natural world is alive and well.
From the Paper "By painting such a lush picture of all the wonderful seasonal changes that are part of fall, by mentioning bear, loons, the tracks in the snow that indicate deer and rabbits have passed through, the chipmunks and squirrels - this all builds up the drama for the fact that the white man and his "civilization" or "society" has taken over the reins of power. White men want Indians to be like "them" - and they are "always dissatisfied" because if you give them a hill they want a mountain. Native Americans just want the world in its lovely simplicity, they want the natural world that has brought them so much peace and happiness."
Abstract This paper examines how, although the development of wind energy is increasing at about 40% annually with supporting legislation in several major countries, there are two main questions to be answered---cost and the amount of land needed. The author points out that almost every region of the U.S. has some areas of good wind energy and states, lying on the Great Plains from Texas to North Dakota, have a huge wind electricity-generating potential, which far exceeds its current electricity consumption. The paper points out that environmentalists have found that wind energy can create problems of noise, land erosion, visual clutter and the killing of birds who fly into the rotating blades.
From the Paper "One needs to look into the future for the real impact that wind energy can make in the U.S. There are models already in place which give some indication, up to the year 2006, what might develop in these next years. It would add some 10,000 MW of new wind energy generating capacity. There would be a regular schedule for installation, which was begun in 1997 with 100KW of additional availability, and culminating by the year 2006 in the addition of 2000 MW annually. There is a reason for accelerating installation year by year. First, while it will take time to organize installation activity, they cannot be negotiated and erected overnight. It will also require a stepped-up production, whether in the U.S. or overseas (Denmark, as was mentioned earlier, is not the major manufacturer and distributor of wind-energy turbines.)."
Abstract The paper is an in-depth study of the history of hip hop dance, from before and after the 1970s, and its effects on society. It explores how this type of dance is unlike other dance forms and the elements that make it up. There are no fixed forms to dance, but only styles. The rest is up to the dancer. It is a style of dance for all society giving the freedom to all to dance according to their desires. The paper also shows how hip hop is very much an American product. The hip hop trend enables the path for several dancers, and at the same time it also fosters and promotes more suggestive dance moves. The paper provides clear indications of the effects on culture; some hip hop is racist in theme, while others are sexist. Many hip hop musicians concentrate on such issues like social inequity and the dangers of heroin use. The conclusion is that hip hop is more than just music. It is becoming the soul of pop culture as never before, and steadily moving from the street corners and music videos towards usage in the fitness centers, dance studios as well as television shows.
From the Paper "Hip hop may be viewed as a culture and is often used to refer to commercial rap music, but hip-hop is not only music. It is loved by the American ghetto youth who claim that it is their method of self-expression and use hip hop to rise over their physical situations. The culture of hip hop has its roots based on truth, self-determination, courage and pride. This is the reason why it has grown to have its impact on almost every part of the world. (Hip-hop History) Some hip hop is racist in their themes, while others are sexist. At the same time, there are also many hip hop musicians who concentrate on such issues like social inequity and the dangers of heroin use. From its early days in the US, the music is being played in projects and some underground clubs, but, now it has achieved a profile that has led to include it in the 1992 presidential debates over Sister Soljah. In the 20th Century Fox movie, Bulworth, there is Warren Beatty playing a Senator who berates his opponents using rap. Hip hop, it would seem, has become a part of our lives. (Classified Hip-Hop or I wanna blow up like Marilyn Monroe's skirt) At the same time, hip hop is not only music. This form of dancing has become very popular and this is clear from the opinions of some experts. "There's a definite surge in the white neighborhood that wouldn't necessarily be exposed to hip-hop in their everyday life," says Keith Pinto, who is an MC and hip-hop dance teacher at the Dance Attack in Los Gatos, California. "They watch MTV, see other kids doing it and want to be a part of it. You can pretty much go to any dance studio in the Bay area and they'll have a hip-hop class." (Hip-hop dance fever)"
Abstract This paper discusses the issues of should the Nantucket Sound wind farm be allowed to proceed and do the apparent benefits outweigh the risks that opponents have outlined? In a word: yes. According to the paper, the Nantucket Sound wind farm proposal should move forward in its development. It represents a renewable source of clean electricity that has minimal impact upon the region--both environmentally and economically. The coming years will see ever-increasing costs for nonrenewable sources of electricity such as coal and natural gas. The Nantucket Sound region has the ability to produce much of its own electricity, cheaply and efficiently. The region should take advantage of that resource.
Abstract This paper examines historically social dancing in the 20th century, also called couple dancing. The paper describes the five different types: Modern Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep, all of which are presently danced the world over both socially as well as in dance sport competitions.
From the Paper "Social dancing was derived from the concept of dancing by a couple, usually a man and a lady, in a closed hand. Coming from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, these dances gained popularity from the standard ballroom dances with diverse rhythms, tempos, and aesthetics. Although all these aspects changed with the change in the social attitudes, the one thing, which remained common through out the history of dancing, is that of the couple dance or the social dances. (Evans 2001)"
Abstract This paper analyzes Douglas Sirk's 1956 social melodrama "Written on the Wind". It discusses how the film reflects the ideology of its period. The paper also explores issues of sexuality, gender and materialism. The author includes a discussion on the relationships between the main characters, the plot line and main themes of the film.
From the Paper "Director Douglas Sirk's social melodrama, "Written on the Wind" reflects the ideology of its period but the film may also be seen as a criticism of American dream of materialism. Film critic, Roger Ebert called Sirk a sly subverter of American postwar materialism ..."
Abstract This paper addresses a number of issues concerning the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." The paper looks at the social and cultural issues depicted in the film, the social injustice that allowed slavery to exist and the concept of ignorance. The paper also provides analyses of the main characters and the sociological themes in the movie.
From the Paper "One of the central social and cultural issues that this film presents is the role of slavery in the plantation system of the South. The film presents a romanticized view of slavery in the antebellum South. Consider the fact that almost all of the slaves presented in the movie are household servants including Mammy. Mammy is Scarlett's personal maid confidant and governess. Despite her status as a slave, Mammy remains unafraid to firmly chastise Scarlett for her inappropriate and unseemly behavior. Mammy is..."
Abstract This paper explains that many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. The author points out that important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. The paper relates that this dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrate the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them.
From the Paper "Many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. Important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. This dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrates the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them. In terms of specific details of Bharata Natyam, it emerged in southern India and developed over the centuries as a living tradition as generation after generation handed it down from parents to children, and gained ascendancy when the Devadasi system emerged in India."
Abstract In this paper, it is shown that the historical relevancy of Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind" depicts the behaviors and attitudes associated with defeated upper class southerners after the Civil War. The war had not only devastated the country in ruins, but furthermore, had reconstructed the economic and racial hierarchy of the southern states. The paper shows that the perspectives of Scarlet O'Hara, Ashley, and Rhett depict these bitterness and anger at the idea of quality amongst men through the banishment of slavery.
From the Paper "This historical analysis of the literary novel Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell presents varied, yet historically accurate depictions of slave life during the Reconstruction. The Civil War is largely romanticized through Mitchell's descriptions and portrayals of the conflict, but the historical relevancy of Reconstruction formulates a realistic view in the treatment of slaves through race issues. Summary: Gone with the Wind is a novel that depicts the romantic relationships between various characters of the Civil War era. The main character, Scarlet O'Hara, must endure the various problems with the soldiering Confederate men in her life, especially through that changes that occurred in Georgia during the war."
Abstract This paper is about dance movement therapy as a form of expressive art therapies. The paper focuses on how dance therapy is about the release of emotional trauma or beliefs as well as feelings that have been suppressed, through appropriate movement. There is a brief history of development of dance therapy as well as a personal story about how fears can limit the ability to dance.
From the Paper "The expressive arts offer a multitude of opportunities for the human spirit to achieve balance, freedom, relief and potentially self-actualization. While great emphasis in class has been placed on the spirit of the human condition and spirit of the soul, after a brief discussion about the spirit, this paper will focus on what movement and dance therapy are about, the use of dance therapy as a way of unleashing burdensome emotions and psychological pathology in combinations of the arts and solely using dance and movement as the expressive medium. This paper will also include comments on the generally fear and shame based reasons why individuals might initially shy away from dance and movement therapy."
Abstract This paper describes the Ghost Dance religion and how it spread to Native American tribes. The paper discusses the history of the Native Americans from the time of Andrew Jackson until the Wounded Knee massacre, and demonstrates how the Native Americans were pushed farther and farther westward, and eventually limited to a very small area. The paper explains how the United States army and government's fear of the Ghost Dance religion led to the Wounded Knee massacre, describing the events of the massacre, and the political issues surrounding the massacre and the Ghost Dance religion.
From the Paper "James Mooney writes in The Ghost-Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890 that the essential part of the teaching of the Ghost Dance is the doctrine that the world is old and worn and the time is near for its renewal (Mooney 661). The Ghost Dance was an American Indian religious revivalist movement that spread through the Plains Indians and other ethnic groups during the 1890's and due to a culmination of events is forever linked to the Wounded Knee massacre of 1890 (Ghost pp)."
Abstract This paper takes a look at Islam's view on dance and music. According to the paper, although there are many groups within Islam that profess that music and dancing are forbidden, it is clear that the Qu'ran itself does not explicitly prohibit these activities. The paper goes on to say that several avenues of worship within Islam have developed into the practice of reaching God through dance or music. The paper focuses specifically on the Quwalli and the Mevelevi Order, also known as The Whirling Dervishes.
From the Paper "More intentionally musical is the Sufic tradition of the Quwalli. Quwali means "word," and can be thought of as the physical and auditory manifestation of the divine voice. As with the Quri, the Quwallis use their voice as a tool of worship, but they move into the world of interpretation and individual expression of the words themselves. They can be likened to the Gospel singers of the Western world in this respect, though this may be a misleading comparison since the Sufi practice, from which the Quwalli find their beginnings and roots, is far more steeped in history and tradition and could be considered a more "serious" endeavor. Quwallis use the music of their voices to worship foremost, and to communicate and encourage their listeners to worship with them is a secondary concern."
Abstract This paper examines the film, "Blue Velvet," directed by David Lynch. Specifically, it discusses mise-en-scene and cinematography in the film. It looks at how David Lynch is a master of the film noir, dark and brooding types of films that disturb, disquiet, and titillate, all at the same time, and how "Blue Velvet" is no exception. It discusses how the film is part blue porn flick, part girl-next-door love story, and part sadistic kidnapping, and how the elements all blend together to form a cohesive whole because of Lynch's masterful use of mise-en-scene staging and cinematography. "Blue Velvet," even with its happy ending, leaves the viewer wanting more, somehow and that, too, seems to be just what Lynch intended.
From the Paper "Mise-en-scene is a French term describing the "director's text" or staging of a film, and in "Blue Velvet," David Lynch's intricate and often surreal staging is an integral part of the film. He arranges space and time in the film with such dark and dreamlike qualities that the film can be nothing more than memorable and yet quite disturbing at the same time ? a true mark of Lynch's film and a tribute to his mise-en-scene. The most compelling visual motif in the film is of course the color blue. Lynch stages action around the color to keep it always in the memory of the viewers. The film opens with a sensuous scene of blue velvet fabric undulating on the screen, the theme continues from the background music to the clearly blue cigarette smoke issuing from the cigarettes of the characters, and in fact, Dorothy, the nightclub singer and sado-masochist, is known as "The Blue Lady" in her act."
Abstract This paper discusses the film "Dances With Wolves" in relation to man's inhumanity to man, culture, our attitudes towards other cultures, and the media's portrayal of other cultures through the medium of film.
From the paper:
"The film ?Dances With Wolves? (Costner) looks in detail at the way strangers get to know each other. It is seen from the point of view of John Dunbar, a lieutenant fighting during the American Civil War. We meet the wounded hero in a field hospital just as he is about to have his leg amputated. However, when the doctors leave, he decides to rejoin his regiment, and invites death by riding his horse in a suicidal charge at the enemy lines."
