Abstract This paper discusses how Marie Clements' two plays, "BurningVision" and "The Unnatural and AccidentalWomen", both feature primarily Aboriginal characters, and foreground Aboriginal issues. The paper examines how the two plays approach these subject matters in very different ways and how Clements situates Aboriginals as people who have been oppressed by colonizers from over the seas. The paper also looks at how Clements depicts urban Aboriginals as living in poor socio-economic conditions, vulnerable to white psychopaths, and how she seems to imply that Aboriginal people belong where they were before the colonizers came - if not physically, then at least psychically.
From the Paper "Burning Vision is set in many different locations, as it is about colonialism and the atomic bomb. However, with regard to Aboriginals, it features the Dene people who mined pitchblende near Great Bear Lake in the North West Territory in the 1930s. The Unnatural and Accidental Women focuses on an entirely different group of Aboriginals, i.e. poor women living in Vancouver's Eastside in the 1980s. The two plays thus feature geographically and chronologically different people. However, certain commonalities can be detected, primarily related to the fact that both groups are the victims of colonization in one way or another."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the play 'BurningVision' raises questions about race, nation, identity and belonging, particularly through the metaphor of mixing. The writer notes that "BurningVision" is a complex play, in which many story-lines mix together simultaneously. This reflects the complexity of the subject matter, as the play deals with profoundly important issues, such as war, death, colonialism, grieving, loss, hope, racism and exploitation, etc. The writer maintains that the play highlights the interconnectedness of all of these geographically, racially and nationally divided people, in a huge cycle of death of destruction. In so doing, it highlights Canada's limited ability to be inclusive, and finally offers a possibility for overcoming those limitations. This essay examines what the play has to suggest about the nation's ability to be inclusive, and what it offers as a possibility for overcoming those limitations. The writer concludes that the play ends on an upbeat note of mixing in a positive sense.
From the Paper "This is chilling in many ways. First of all, LITTLE BOY is a lost and lonely, pathetic character in the play. Second, LITTLE BOY was also the name of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, so the character is associated with death and murder. Third, LITTLE BOY implied that identities are stolen when colonialists lay claim to a people - which, as we know, is very much the Canadian reality, with horrors such as the residential schools, which were explicitly designed to steal Aboriginal identity. Thus, the play speaks to the key theme of colonialism - the foundation upon which modern Canada was built - in a very negative way. It speaks not of mixing, but of smothering. It thus shows us the potentially catastrophic implications of people mixing in a way that is not inclusive, but rather divisive, exploitative and repressive."
A review of First Nations Literature including two plays by Marie Clements: "BurningVision" and "The Unnatural and AccidentalWomen", and a poetry book "Exercises in Lip Pointing" by Annharte.
Abstract This paper discusses of some of the ways in which First Nations literature makes a criticism of North American society and culture. the paper explains that in "BurningVision", Clements makes it clear that the First World is pathologically sick in terms of its attitude to the world and its people and resources. The paper then examines the theme of resistance and struggle and decolonization in three of the texts. The writer believes that if First Nations' existence is defined by their status as having been colonized by people of a different race, then their salvation lies in resistance and struggle. The writer concludes that if First Nations cannot decolonize their countries, they can at least decolonize their minds, and that is what many of the best First Nations writers strive to do, which accounts for the central importance of this theme in much of their literature.
From the Paper "Clements also seems to imply that the ultimate expression of this rape is nuclear destruction - the ultimate assertion of power, delivered in phallic-shaped bombs by phallic-shaped jets. In this regard, it is important to remember that FAT MAN was the name of one of the atomic bombs. Moreover, the other atomic bomb was code named LITTLE BOY. This was unintentional irony, given that it is Western male aggression that propelled colonization, as well as the kind of destruction meted out by the atomic bombs. In The Unnatural and Accidental Women, Clements seems to be on a totally different track, focusing on poor women living in Vancouver's Eastside in the 1980s."
Abstract This paper reviews a court case involving flag burning and free speech as examined by author Robert Goldstein, who frames the issue of flag burning as a symbolic fight over a symbol. The author points out the positions of Justices William Brennan and Antonin Scalia and Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The paper includes several analyses of the significance and implications of the case.
From the Paper In the case of Texas v Johnson, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the state of Texas could not prosecute Gregory Lee Johnson for burning the flag without violating the First Amendment."
Abstract The paper presents a review of the movie "Mississippi Burning" that focuses on the 1964 brutal murder of three civil rights workers, and the terrorist actions of the Ku Klux Klan and the FBI.
From the Paper The movie Mississippi Burning presents a fictional account of the very real tragedy that occurred in Philadelphia Mississippi in June of when three civil rights advocates were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan KKK..."
Abstract This book review describes the theme shared by both "Barn Burning" and "Araby" about the conflict between a protagonists' inner conceptions of what the external world should be like, and the actual reality of their respective circumstances. The review includes a plot summary of both novels, with a focus on the theme of inner conflict. The reviewer concludes that each of these stories tells the tale of a young boy being introduced to adulthood by having his innermost conceptions of truth coming into conflict with the very real circumstances of his life.
From the Paper " In "Araby," the narrator becomes increasingly consumed by idealistic and romantic thoughts of Mangan's sister as the story progresses. There is a tumultuous mingling of the realities in the narrator's life, and the imaginary and exotic dreams that come to dominate his thoughts. Of course, this dangerous combination centers upon Mangan's sister; she represents both the exciting and the mundane. This is fundamentally because although she is a part of the ordinary atmosphere of northern Dublin, she remains something strange and somehow unattainable for the main character."
Compares and contrasts Ousmane Sembene's and Nelson Mandela's visions of a postcolonial Africa and argues that Mandela's vision is more realistic and realizable.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 26.95
Abstract Ousmane Sembene and Nelson Mandela offer two visions of postcolonial Africa. Mandela envisions the future as promising and sees the possibility of cooperation between former oppressors and victims. He sees the struggle through the lens of the individual and envisions humanity as frail and yet filled with courage. He is optimistic and forgiving. Sembene is not as forgiving and his vision is one more of protest. He does not see the possibility of cooperation and envisions the struggle through the lens of the collective, rather than through the individual. Overall, Mandela has the more realizable vision, because it is more tuned into the real world and understanding of human nature. There cannot be perfection and a society must ultimately try to reconcile its differences.
Abstract This is a paper about vision loss strategies and interventions for students with visual loss in dealing with reading and writing.The paper looks at strategies aimed at both students with low vision and students with total vision loss.
Tags:vision loss strategies and interventions, students with visual loss, reading and writing
Abstract This clearly written paper presents an understanding into the basic physiology of the eye and how it responds to light which in effect begins the visual process. The writer of this paper delves into the anatomy of the eye as well as the brain's association to the concept of light. The writer contends and explains why the human eye is basically a fully functioning, self contained camera with a never ending supply of power. The eye functions mainly by permitting light to pass through the cornea which acts in the same manner as a camera's aperture. The writer delves into the field of evolution by contending that sight and vision are a crucial aspect in mankind's evolutionary progress. This paper also contains three illustrative graphics relevant to this particular topic.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Light and the Sun
Human Eye Anatomy
Vision Function
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Our planet is as it is because of the main function of the sun. The sun is the center and most likely the most critical part of our solar system because of the light it offers to feed our planet and drive all life. There is little doubt from a scientific perspective that our planet would be greatly altered without the sun and most likely would have no life. For living creatures to evolve, expand and thrive, they have had to learn to function on the ideas or concepts of sensing light in some way.
This notion applies to all living creature on our planet and therefore could be considered to be an almost universal law. Consider that all plants utilize light through the concept of photosynthesis to feed themselves and mammals and other life forms utilize light to hunt, mate and preserve themselves through the cycles of light that are present."
Abstract One of the most important rites in the Lakota religion is the vision quest. This paper goes on to elaborate on this area of the Lakota religion.
Abstract This paper is about representations of women and celebrities in the media and their effects on average American women. Some of the topics discussed in this paper are the media's portrayal of actresses and celebrities and their affects on teenagers and women, the differences and changes in images of celebrities through the past few decades, the "Culture of slimming" , the objectification and subjectification of women, the psychological, social, physical, and mental effects on the average women, and the power of the entertainment industry.
From the Paper "Over the past few decades, the so-called "norm" for a female figure has drastically changed from voluptuous and curvy to waif-like thin. Many female celebrities have been known for their figures. Historically, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield were two women who each wore a size 12 and were glorified by men all around the world. Today, celebrities from the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Calista Flockhart are admired for their abilities to become and stay so thin, almost appearing sick. As celebrities come and go, women compare themselves to whoever is "popular" at the time."
Abstract This paper describes some of the women who participated in the American Revolution - their lives, their stories and their motives. It examines how these significant women were examples of an undercurrent already present in the American society and how, due to the necessity of war, these women were able to be given the chance to make an impact on the society.
I. Introduction ? Social Status of Women in the Revolution
II. Molly Pitcher ? the real story
A. Evidence supporting her existence
B. Evidence denying her existence
C. An American Icon
D. Other Women who took up Arms
III. Women as Spies
A. Ann Bates
B. Miss Jenny
IV. Life as a Camp Follower
A. Women in Supporting Roles
B. The winds of Equality
C. Abigail Adams
D. Patriotism
V. Men's views on Women in the Revolution
A. Women as a Symbol of the Comforts of Home
From the Paper "Women in the American Revolution played a deciding factor in the success of the colonists in winning their freedom from the Tyranny of England. Traditional roles of men and women had been heavily influenced by the teachings of Christianity in which men were above women and God was above men. The interpretation of this idea was taken rather literally during this time period and many men regarded women as lower beings. During the Revolutionary war women were not considered fit for battle and this was strictly a man's realm. Women were responsible for cooking, mending, sewing, soap making, and other forms of domestic tasks. The onset of the war forced some of these ideas to be loosened due to necessity. The war played a major role in re-defining women's roles in the late 18th century. These ideas began a long series of reforms, which later led to the suffrage movement."
Tags:women, war, america, american, revolution, britain, colonist, equality, feminism
Abstract This paper reviews the book "In the Company of Women: Voices from the Women's Movement," and its discussion of women's feelings, beliefs, and convictions toward feminism. Included in this paper is a discussion of Gloria Steinam's foreword to the book, the women profiled in the book, and the author's purpose for writing the book.
From the Paper "This section of the book looks at some of the most powerful women in the women's movement, and shows what they have done with that power. It also shows how these women have banded together and tried to make things different in the professional world, where women were not any more welcome than they were in the blue-collar world. Ellen Dresselhuis, a lawyer, sums up this section perfectly when she says; "It makes a tremendous difference now to have women on the bench. It means that when we go into the courtroom, when my partners and I go into the courtroom, we're not in a foreign world" (Watkins and Rothchild 1996, 273)."
Tags: feminism, women's, movement, feminist, ideal, movement, of, individual, women
This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 97.95
Abstract This literature essay compares two stories written by Caribbean women authors, and discusses these in relation to women's oral histories and traditions in Caribbean cultural contexts. Referring to the post-colonial and feminist theory, the author of this paper analyzes women's writing as a reflection of traditions with story-telling, women's "voice," and histories that are particular to women and Caribbean culture.
This paper reviews and discusses the historic oppression of black women as well as the existing gap between white and black women as detailed in Bell Hooks' "Ain't I A Woman? Black Women and Feminism."
Abstract This paper explores author Bell Hooks' theoretical perspective on blacks and feminism. Hooks claims that the major cause of oppression to black women came from many sources including white women interested in their own personal gain at the expense of black women and the black men interested in keeping them as second class citizens. This paper discusses the exploitation of women during the slave trade as one of the pioneering ways in the continuing devaluation of black women. The writer contends that Hooks' novel contains relevant research and subsequent evidence that clearly details why a gap still exists between black and white women. The writer of this paper stresses Hooks' desire for all women to bond together and for the struggle for equality to end.
From the Paper "In her research of the exploitation of slaves, Hooks' expertly does not focus on the sexual atrocities committed upon black women. She in fact details the effect brutalizing black women has on the black man, white man, and the white woman. Hooks explores the possibilities of the potential personal gain from dehumanizing black women, some of which include stereotypes/jealousy of the sexuality of a black woman, and "demasculating" the black man (psychological removal of his masculinity) in relation to exploiting 'his' woman. Bell Hooks' research into the hypocrisy of the feminist movement as it relates to white woman is the principal reason why many African American women, myself included, do not want any active participation with the women's movement."
Tags: racism, slavery, women, gender, equality, literature, review, rights
