Abstract In this article, the writer studies the caste system in India. The writer states that this system has long been a target of criticism and understandably so. The writer claims that by dividing people into desirable and undesirable people and by forbidding, at least in the abstract, intermarriage between various groups, the caste system undermines the essential human equality of all citizens and creates the grounds for ethnic and social tension. Further, the writer notes that for women especially the caste system is destructive, because it renders them little more than an adjunct to their husbands, while simultaneously denying them the freedom to share their lives with whom they wish.
From the Paper "The general status of women is harmed by the caste system in additional ways that go beyond just the potential violence they must confront all-too-frequently. Ultimately, caste determines the type of social mixing permitted, the type of wells at which one can draw water and the types of technology rural inhabitants can use in tending to their lands. In addition, land is almost invariably in the hands of the Brahman elite and underlings are dependent upon their superiors for employment."
Abstract "Shadow of a Doubt" was a box office success and remains an outstanding example of Alfred Hitchcock's ability to craft a mystery film into a something which was more than mere cinema; it was also a serious psychological study. In order to achieve this, Hitchcock had to alter the way in which the viewer expected to see films.
Abstract This paper looks at how the concept of travel is laced throughout the story of Amitav Ghosh's novel, "The Shadow Lines". It discusses how the structure of the novel itself suggests travel, as it is divided into two parts: "Going Away" and "Coming Back". It also examines the nature of travel and what it means to the characters Ghosh portrays. It also briefly examines the concepts of exile and redemption, particularly as it relates to the narrator.
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes 'The Shadow University', by Alan Charles Kors and Harvey Silverglate. The essay discusses the issue of freedom and freedom of speech on the campuses of American universities. Interestingly, the writer points out that the authors of this book make a compelling case that, in fact, the university is one of the least "free" institutions in the United States.
From the Paper "The Shadow University is a disturbing examination of the ways in which freedom is truncated on the campuses of American universities. The United States prides itself on its freedoms, particularly freedom of speech and freedom of the presses. Moreover, popular wisdom suggests that American universities are places where these freedoms are exemplified. The university has developed into a symbol of freedom and freedom of expression in the United States."
Abstract This paper defines the meaning of democracy and explains the formation of a shadow government. The paper questions the feasibility of an American shadow government. The power held by a shadow government is examined. The paper also highlights the expected roles a government should play and the services it should provide for its constituents.
Outline
Introduction
Defining the Shadow Government
The Shadow Government's Invisible Hand
The Power of a Shadow Government
Conclusions of a Shadow Government
Defining the Roles of a Government
Protection
Providing Infrastructures
Homage to United Flight 93
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the event of chaos, the shadow government will have tremendous power in comparison with the President of the United States and the Congress combined. They can "postpone laws, transfer populations, detain citizens without a warrant and hold them without trial" (Martin). They also have the authority to take control of properties, any form of supplies, transportation systems, and have the power to suspend the Constitution (The Shadow Government). Amazingly, "it was not even created under Constitutional law by the Congress. It was a product of a Presidential Executive Order" (Martin). "
Abstract This paper examines how the main character in the short story "The Man Who Killed a Shadow" by Richard Wright is a black man named Saul, a man who has never learned to relate to others in the normal manner but who sees them as shadows. It shows how this began in his childhood and has continued into adulthood and the only way he can see people any other way comes when he drinks alcohol. It analyzes how the story presents this vision as an inversion, for to the rest of the world--at least the white world that holds power--Saul himself stands as no more than a shadow.
From the Paper "Saul lives a relatively simple life, his job never that demanding, his time taken up with fear and drinking to assuage the fear. The portrait painted of the life of a black man in a white world becomes devastating as the story progresses. This builds until it leads to Saul's job as an exterminator, by definition a job associated with death and the elimination of what people often fear. Even that job he loses because of his drinking. His next job entails cleaning different businesses, a demeaning job for a man who has been demeaned many times in his life. When he starts to clean the library, he meets the "strange little shadow woman . . . who stared at him all the time in a most peculiar way" (93). He thinks she may be afraid of him, but clearly he fears her. She begins to challenge his work, as if he had not cleaned under her desk when he clearly had. She says she finds dust there when no dust could survive Saul's cleaning."
Abstract The paper relates that India has a socially ingrained and structured system, the caste system, that inculcates and perpetuates differences and inequality. The paper discusses how those in the higher and more respected castes often receive more social status and recognition while those in the lowest castes are subject to a life of poverty and social denial from which they cannot escape. The paper explains, however, that the problems underlying the inequalities perpetuated by the caste system are closely linked to religious views, which makes them difficult to eradicate.
From the Paper "The term caste refers to "... ranked, named, endogamous (in-marrying) groups, membership in which is achieved by birth. "(India Caste system, ancient India Caste System) There are literarily thousands of different castes and sub-castes in India. They are also extremely complex in their structure and can be kinship based and also interdependent with other groups. Castes are, "...linked in complex ways with networks that stretch across regions and throughout the nation." (India Caste system, ancient India Caste System)"
Abstract In his book, "In The Shadow of FDR," William E. Leuchtenburg follows the presidencies of all of the men who followed Franklin D. Roosevelt and compares their presidential styles to his. He argues that all of these men lived in the shadow of FDR, striving for but never quite achieving what he did in his presidency. This book review critically examines Leuchtenburg's arguments.
From the Paper "The one American President who has most affected his successors and changed the shape of politics is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This view is espoused by William E. Leuchtenburg in his book, In The Shadow of FDR. Leuchtenburg's book covers the presidencies of all the men who have followed Roosevelt (up to the time the book was written, in 1989), from Truman to Reagan, and, while noting the changing times, examines how Roosevelt has influenced them all, regarding their policies and personalities. As the scope of this book is so vast, this paper will deal with a few of these Presidents and the most important ways they were affected by Roosevelt."
Abstract This paper reviews two short works, "The Land of Sad Oranges" by Ghassan Kanafani and "In Praise of Shadows" by Tanizaki Jun?ichiro and discusses how even the simplest, shortest of things can convey the most impact and emotion. It examines how these two works have their differences but are remarkably similar in tone and style. "The Land of Sad Oranges" is a work of fiction and "In Praise of Shadows" is a work of non-fiction, a series of essays exploring the subtleties of Japanese design. It shows how even though both works are quite different in their format and method of delivery, they are similar in that the way that they focus on minute details and use language to plays upon the reader's different senses to bring him or her more fully into the work and thereby truly experience the message the respective authors are attempting to convey.
From the Paper "Such careful attention to these tiny details is what gives these pieces such meaning and weight. What would ordinarily be a small, rather ordinary piece about a family (perhaps more than one) forced to leave their homeland and become refugees is instead an empathetic, evocative piece that draws the reader into the experience. Kanafani accomplishes this by his clever use of language. He deliberately plays upon the reader's senses to make the experience seem more immediate. "
Abstract This paper reviews "Measure for Measure", written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century, and "Shadows and Fog", a movie written and directed by Woody Allen in the late 20th century. It looks at the contrasting portrayal of the female characters and the roles of women by their actions and their qualities. It shows how "Measure for Measure" presents a view where women are pure and not expected to be promiscuous, where women are dependant on men, and where women have few options or choices. In contrast, it shows how "Shadows and Fog" presents a view where women are promiscuous rather than pure, where woman are independent from men, and where women have almost unlimited freedom.
From the Paper "The first difference observed with the role of women is related to whether women are expected to be pure or promiscuous. In Measure for Measure, the major female character is Isabella. She represents a very pure female character. This is first seen at the start of the play by the fact that she is training to become a nun and by the strong Christian values she appears to have. This is then emphasized later when she is told her brother's life will be saved if she agrees to sleep with Angelo. She refuses this offer, placing her chastity and her Christian values above her own life. This illustrates that a woman's purity is highly valued, while a woman being promiscuous is not accepted. Mariana is another female character in the play and she is quite different to Isabella."
Abstract This paper examines how the idea of the shadow in Jungian terminology--those aspects of our selves that we fail to see, hidden aspects that are both positive and negative and aspects of ourselves that are not shown to the world via the persona--is certainly one of the most well-known among the concepts created by Carl Gustav Jung. It attempts to understand the nature of the shadow-what it is, where it comes from and how it is composed in order to understand its basic aspects and the means by which it is such a powerful force in the psyche.
From the Paper "While still working with Freud, Jung developed another idea that links back to the concept of the shadow, that of imago. This term is based on Jung's idea that "children's images of their parents do not simply reflect their actual parents" (Humbert, 1983/1996, 4). The designation of imago reflects "the schema that is most properly the child's and that is least reflective of the child's actual parents" (p. 4). During this time period he also wrote extensively on complexes. Jung's word association tests during his nine years at the Burholzli starting in 1900 led him to formulate his ideas surrounding complexes. "
Abstract This paper examines the concept of "the shadow" and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The paper defines the concept of "the shadow" and how it is used as a means for justification. The paper also look at the motives of President George W. Bush and of the American public who supported the invasion.
Abstract In this article the writer looks at Andrzej Szczypiorski's book "The Shadow Catcher". The writer discusses that this book provides a very revealing and unusually frank insight to history, sexuality and Polish-Jewish relations. The writer describes that "The Shadow Catcher" takes the reader to the cloudless summer of 1939, when Krzys, a sensitive boy of 15, sets off to the countryside for a holiday. The writer maintains that the conversation, the symbols, the imagery and the context of the novel are very clear that this is the story of a young man who is slowly, but surely, growing up. The writer concludes that the provocative musing, whether in the child's mind, dialogue, or situation, provides plenty of evidence that the kid, though still a teenager is fast maturing because of his experiences.
From the Paper "The darkness is a symbol of his aloofness; the freaked out teenagers often try to be aloof and dream of things, cut off from the reality of the world. They build a cocoon of their own as a defense mechanism.
His physical description is also indicative of his being just on the threshold of maturity. He is described as having a rather high forehead topped by a thick, dark shock of hair. "When he was younger he had liked to tangle his ink-stained fingers in it", shows that he is growing up, but the memory of "tangling ink-stained fingers" is too recent to be ignored.
The treatment by parents is always indicative of maturity. Where the parents are too solicitous, and too protective, the children, even if they desire to be, are not independent and naturally do not fully mature. The protagonist's mother almost smothers him with protective attitude."
Abstract The paper describes the history of the caste system in India, depicting the levels and ranks of the system and their interaction with each other. The paper shows how, in modern India, the traditions of caste are different in villages and in urban areas. The paper discusses how there are still many instances of discrimination based on caste, but concludes that the people of India may soon realize that the human rights of its indigenous population are an important part of the balance of a democracy.
Outline:
Introduction
Levels/Ranks
Intercaste Relations
Changes in the System
Village Vs. Urban
Conclusion
From the Paper "India is one of the most fascinating countries in the entire world. It has a culture teeming with attractive fashions, exotic foods, interesting religions, and much more. Some even say that India is becoming the "new Hollywood," as so-called Bollywood movies are becoming more and more popular. India is also one of the largest political democracies in the world. However, behind the glamour of this exotic society lie many things that tourists usually fail to see. Most of the people of India live in conditions of poverty, usually forced on them by their places in religious or class systems. Although India has become independent from the British, and has become a democratic society, it "... is a hierarchical society... in daily life there is little advocacy of or adherence to notions of equality.""
Abstract The paper analyzes and compares three historians' exploration of the distinctive, ancient origins and purposes of the Hindu caste system from the early 19th to the late 20th centuries. The paper looks at Julius Lipner's "Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices", John Hutton's "Caste in India" and James Mill's "The History of British India". The paper shows how each historian approached the subject in different manners, utilizing contrasting sources and historical philosophies, in order to establish their respective viewpoints.
Outline:
Julius Lipner's "Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices" (1994)
John Hutton's "Caste in India" (1946)
James Mill's "The History of British India" (1817)
Conclusion
From the Paper "As human beings, we attempt with varying degrees of success to understand the multiple paradigms of existence that shape our lives in both subtle and profound ways. These paradigms manifest themselves as society, religion, economics, politics, and in other ways that constitute our reality. For the modern historian, it is an impossible yet persistent goal to step back from these various paradigms and describe and interpret events of the past with full objectivity. The impossibility of objectivity, at least in historical scholarship, stems from the inability to completely separate oneself from one's emotions, prejudices, and overall context in time. Indeed, total objectivity implies the unfeasible detachment from the characteristics of our humanness. To believe in the ability to attain full objectivity in historical study and authorship is to imagine human history as a science with clear cause and effect relationships."
