A review of the BoyScouts of America et al V. Dale, and the Supreme Court opinion focusing upon the employment practices of a major Not-for-Profit organization.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper reviews the BoyScouts of America et al. v. Dale (99 699 530 U S 640 2000) case in which the High Court held that the constitutional rights of the non-profit BoyScouts Organization of New Jersey were violated by the New Jersey state Supreme Court, when the latter insisted that the organization erred in dismissing former employee, James Dale, upon discovery of the fact that he was homosexual.The paper further discusses how the organization also refused Dale subsequent application for an adult leadership position with the BoyScouts.
From the Paper "Focusing upon the Employment Practices of a Major Not-for-Profit Organization In recent years, the United States Supreme Court has rendered a number of decisions which have forced not-for-profit organizations to re-evaluate how they go about their business. Perhaps the most contentious of all has been Boy Scouts of America et al V. Dale (99-699) 530 U.S. 640 (2000) in which the hiring practices of one of America's most cherished non-profit organizations was held up to critical scrutiny by the United States Supreme Court. "
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of exclusion of Homosexuals from Boyscouts association membership with reference to Jeffrey Jordan's article, "Is it wrong to Discriminate on the Basis of Homosexuality?" The arguments presented in the article are applied to this case to find out if discrimination is justified in this particular area.
Abstract This paper chronicles the famous Scottsboro Boys trial. It's a story of racism in the 1930's that describes the events leading to the trial, the trial itself and the outcome. The paper describes what happened to the boys while they were in jail and the events and outcome of their second trial. Racism appears and reappears throughout the story of the Scottsboro Boys, as they were sentenced to death on several different occasions, despite obvious inconclusive or debatable evidence. Finally, the paper briefly describes the fate of all people involved in the case.
From the Paper ?When the train that they were riding on stopped in Stevenson, Alabama, the small group of black boys decided to walk along the tracks. A short while later they met up with some more black boys from another car. The boys decided that they would get back at the white boys who had been throwing rocks at them earlier. Once the train started again, the same group of white boys started throwing rocks at the blacks from a lower car. The now rather large group of blacks got in the car that the whites were riding in and started fighting them."
Review of the article "The Other Difference Between Boys and Girls" and its premise that social equality of the sexes can only be achieved through recognition of gender differences.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract Richard M Restak in his article "The Other Difference Between Boys and Girls" examines some of those stereotypes and demonstrates that differences in behavioral performance of boys and girls are determined by brain functioning. He intends to reverse conventional wisdom about discrimination based on sex, and pursues his analysis with the assumption that "social equality for men and women really depends on recognizing these differences in brain behavior"
Abstract This paper analyzes the film "Boys Don't Cry" created in 1999, which explores how we identify gender and differentiate between the masculine and the feminine. The paper describes the story of the female Teena Brandon who masquerades herself as the male Brandon Teena. It illustrates visually that identity as male and female actually involves only a relative few visual and aural cues. The author writes that society does not tolerate that much freedom and that those who step too far outside the gender boundaries society has set are destroyed. The paper demonstrates how gender is not the only issue being tested in this film, for ideas about small towns, tolerance, and the threat of the outsider are also examined.
From the Paper "The film Boys Don't Cry (1999, Kimberly Peirce) is based on a true story and raises numerous real-world issues in its story of a murder case in middle America in which the victim was a girl who successfully passed herself off as a boy. The film delves into gender issues, questions of identity, and the ethics of interpersonal relationships. First, the viewer asks why so many people were fooled for such a long time by this masquerade."
Abstract This paper interprets the movie "Boys Don't Cry" using the personality theory of Erik Erikson. The author presents a brief synopsis of the movie and an analysis of its main character, Teena Brandon. The paper concludes that, based on Erikson's conceptual framework of personality and psychosocial development, Teena has an issue of identity diffusion.
Abstract This paper examines Richard Wright's novel "Black Boy" in the larger context of racism in America. The paper describes Wright's view of racism as existing in the very fabric of society. The reviewer further describes Wright as believing it would be virtually impossible to characterize American society in the absence of racism. According to the paper, Wright is quite pessimistic about the future of American society. The reviewer concludes that Wright feels the concrete dreadfulness of racism cannot be overcome on a social level at once, but can be overcome through the individual mindset and self-release.
From the Paper "The portrait Wright paints of America is a truly bleak one. Escape from the trials of life as a black boy seems almost altogether non-existent. Wright attempts to escape the South only find himself more fearful in the North; he escapes to Chicago only to encounter the same social barriers to success. In the end, Wright's escape is only truly possible through the act of writing--it becomes his one link to an ideal world. Even at a very young age, Wright seems to possess a clue that life, for a black man, may never truly be fulfilling in any tangible way: "At the age of twelve I had . . . a conviction that the meaning of living came only when one was struggling to wring a meaning out of meaningless suffering," (Wright 100). Clearly, the act of writing becomes this struggle for Wright. Unfortunately, writing and literature are the two facets of the world that his own black culture seek to deny him throughout his entire childhood. So in this way, Wright is attempting to critique both black and white culture. Although the dominant, oppressive culture of white America aggressively places limits upon what is attainable for a black man, the oppressed black culture methodically limits the modes of escape for a black man out of the community's need for self-preservation."
Abstract This paper surveys the history of the founding of the Kentuckiana Girls Scouts and their role in the community today. It explains some of the ceremonies and functions that the group participates in, the charities it assists and the good work it does. It also provides a look at the type of girl which is accepted into the group and how the Scouts help shape her development.
From the Paper "Girl Scouts is an organization that is dedicated in the growth and wellbeing of girls from age 5 to adulthood. This organization helps build character, self-esteem and skills for success. Girl Scouts also helps girls have a more understanding for nature and how to approach issues in their lives in a more responsible manner and achieve their full potential. "
Abstract The paper analyzes the connection between Girl Scouts and the eight dimensions of quality: performance, features, reliability, conformance, durability, serviceability, aesthetics and perceived quality. The paper explains that these eight dimensions of quality stand for the primary goals of achieving girls' intellectual development, social integration and successful life through aiding the communities and respecting all standards and regulations.
From the Paper "Scout movements were first organized exclusively for boys, but eventually a scout movement for girls was initiated as well. In their beginnings, the Girl Scouts divided the members based on race, religion and other social criteria. Today however, all participants are treated equally and work together, the organization being present in about 150 countries. The primary aim of the Girl Scouts programs is to assist the youth in their social and intellectual developments, to aid them integrate within the society and become worthy individuals."
Abstract This paper examines the book "Boys Will be Boys" by Myriam Miedzian which discusses why boys in contemporary America society turn to violence so often. It looks at how Miedzian finds that what we call male behavior is accepted in society as the norm, as if males were violent by nature and so had to act out certain rituals as part of their genetic heritage. It examines how, although Miedzian believes that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior, external factors such as better parenting and education do have an effect. It compares the views of Miedzian to that of other biological theorists on the evolution of traits in mankind.
From the Paper "The author finds that this all derives from a view that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior. As a group, males are more prone to violent behavior, but those who actually exhibit violent behavior seem to be suffering form one or more disabilities, such as learning disabilities, brain injury at birth, maternal alcoholism, and so on. Some see a domineering mother as a cause of violent behavior in the next generation, but the author believes the absentee father is another cause, whether that father be physically absent or merely uninvolved in the raising of his children. Many also believe that males make poor child-nurturers and that if they did involve themselves more in the raising of children, those children would come out much worse off than they do at present. The author argues with this conclusion as well."
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys" written by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson. The paper contends that the book is an important and a fascinating read to all boys and their families. Both authors have been convincing in their argument that for boys it would be good if they become more 'emotionally literate' in order to comprehend their own feelings as well as others. The valuable and insightful proposal given by these writers would be welcomed by parents and teachers alike to learn how to stay tuned in to a boy and at the same time respect his autonomy. The paper claims that the book gives its readers a much-needed glimpse into the hidden or 'inner' lives of boys.
From the Paper "The book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys reveals a realm of boys who are hurting sad, quiet, frightened and annoyed. According to the statistics in the book it is alarming that quite a number of young boys are at high risk for suicide, loneliness, drinking, drug abuse and violence. In light of those statistics the authors set out to answer this basic, vital question: What do boys need that they're not getting? In answering this, here, Kindlon and Thompson have shed light on the destructive emotional training boys receive which is basically in other words is called as the emotional mis-education of boys."
Abstract This paper details the rise, fall and rise again of the Beach Boys, one of the most influential rock bands in the U.S. This paper delves into the birth of the Beach Boys which took place in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The original members were brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are known for having invented "California Rock," a style that celebrated and idealized California teen life, which was comprised of surfing, driving and dating. This writer of this paper cites many of the band's musical hits, including "Surfin' Safari," released in 1962, "I Get Around," "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Help Me, Rhonda." In 1968, the Beach Boys became the first American rock band to perform in Russia. This paper also delves into the personal lives of the band members, including Brian Wilson's mental state. During the band's rise to fame, Wilson's ambitions, neuroses and drug intake were on the rise and negatively affecting the band. This paper examines the various reasons behind the band's five year hiatus which began in 1970 and its eventual re-grouping in the 1980s. Despite the positive reviews surrounding the comeback of the Beach Boys, the 1980s would prove to be anything but positive for the band. This paper also touches on the various internal conflicts between the band members. The writer contends and explains why the essence of the band is still popular today.
From the Paper "Despite the positive comeback, the eighties would be a decade that would prove to be anything but easy and musical. Carl Wilson quit the band to work on his solo career. According to Romanowski, he was the one band member that opposed how the band was reverting to a nostalgic sound instead of moving forward. Romanowski maintains that the band was indeed an "oldies-but-goodies act, albeit an extraordinarily successful one." In 1983, Wilson joined the band again but the year was marked with tragedy as brother Carl drowned. After a short while, Brian left the group again and the band enjoyed another success with the single "Kokomo" without him. In the meantime, Wilson's solo effort did not sell well and in 1994, he was touring with the band again. More troubles lay ahead, however, as Love sued Wilson for defamation of character in 1994."
Tags: music, carl, brian, mike, love, wilson, california
Abstract This paper provides a chapter by chapter review of Homer Hickman's book "Rocket Boys." It begins with chapters six to seven and takes the reader through the book, up until chapter fourteen. In each section, the paper describes the events of each set of chapters and briefly explains the theme and message that can be taken from that section of the book.
Table of Contents:
Rocket Boys: Chapters 6-7
Rocket Boys Ch.8-9
Rocket Boys Ch. 10-11
Rocket Boys Ch.12-14
From the Paper "One of the most interesting aspects of this scene is how it echoes many other scenes in Rocket Boys where women help Homer succeed, even while less forward-thinking, jealous, or brutish men do not. Homer's father wants him to work for the mines; Homer's mother wants him to become a scientist. Homer's principal makes the curriculum more difficult only when the school's future football seasons are threatened, Homer's teacher encourages him to shoot for the stars. Even the girls protect the Rocket Club members from the football players at the school and the school even has a female librarian who helps Homer and Miss Riley get the important book on rocket design. "Sonny, it may take awhile, but I believe you can learn the things that are in that book," says Miss Riley, and urges him to enter the science fair (207). Admiration (and perhaps a bit of a schoolboy crush) for Miss Riley acts as a powerful motivational force that drives the young Homer's ambition. "'Miss Riley,' I said, 'if you want me to enter I'll do it'" (207)."
Abstract This paper discusses the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. The essay provides a critical exploration of the issues in the debate, and argues the thesis that the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls is a consequence of systemic gender stereotyping in our society as a whole.
Outline:
Introduction
Boys and Reading: The Critical Context
Boys and Reading: The Stereotype
Boys and Reading: What Can Educators Do?
Analysis
From the Paper "Among contemporary teaching professionals, one of the most compelling issues of our time is that of the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. This is a particularly controversial issue, as it follows upon a very similar concern in the discipline some years before regarding the underperformance of girls in particular subjects. Moreover, as any review of the literature on the subject will reveal, the complex and controversial issues of gender stereotyping, and how we as a society understand, construct and/or shape masculinity, lie at the core of the debate."
Abstract This paper introduces the book "The War against Boys: How Misguided Feminism is Harming our Young Men," by Christina Hoff Sommers, an engaging book about modern feminist values and how they are affecting young people. It looks at how Christina Hoff Sommers believes society is emasculating boys with feminine values, while supporting girls in the classroom and beyond. It shows how in a world where men seem to dominate, Sommers' thoughts are a breath of fresh and much-needed air and how skewing the moral and mental values of boys and girls seems to be far more damaging than we realize. It examines how Sommers shows how "feminizing" boys could forever change the way men see the world and themselves and could be far more damaging than most people realize.
From the Paper "One reason Sommers cites as evidence for her beliefs and findings are the education statistics for young men in America today. She notes, "Boys, on average, are a year and a half behind girls in reading and writing; they are less committed to school and less likely to go to college" (Sommers 14). The author includes a myriad of statistics and tables, which bear out her findings, especially in the learning patterns of boys versus girls. Boys simply do not hold up in most of the studies done. For example, Sommers states, "Girls read more books. They outperform males of tests of artistic and musical ability. More girls than boys study abroad. More join the Peace Corps. Conversely, more boys than girls are suspended from school. More are held back and drop out" (Sommers 25). Her volume is filled with statistics such as these, illustrating not only her research abilities, but also the idea that our educational systems are failing today's boys ? and failing them badly."
