Abstract This paper is an examination of the recent field culturalhistory that Robert Darnton used to examine the study of 18th-century France. The author breaks down Darnton's work, "The Great Cat Massacre," by chapter in order to illustrate how his theory was designed to work. Each chapter is discussed in detail, examining both the strengths and weaknesses of the materials discussed. The author looks at methodology, and the inherent flaws that present themselves to the reader. The author looks at the problem of using narration and biography when looking at culturalhistory, which in their view, contradicts the goal that Darnton set out to accomplish. The author feels that this type of approach is best suited to the investigation of past events in history that are not fresh in our minds.
From the Paper \\\"Understanding a narration poses an entirely distinct set of problems to understanding an event; for one thing, it introduces the problem of reader expectations, which are determined by the previous development of the genre in which the narration is embedded. For this reason, Darnton's analysis seems less compelling than the nature of the bizarre events he would have us believe really took place. Strangely enough, though, his anthropological method is most impressively applied in a chapter, which deals with what would seem to be far more ordinary events.\\\"
Abstract This paper discusses culturalhistory as reflected in Ewen's book. It explores its major ideas. It expands on society's obsession with image and style. The author also mentions the power of the mass media.
From the Paper "In contemporary society the obsession with image and style overrides function and substance. Stuart Ewen in "All Consuming Images: the Politics of Style in Contemporary Culture" examines the preoccupation with image and style and its implications. The book which ..."
Tags: Media, Images, Ewen, Book, Style, Society, Cultural, History
Abstract The writer of this paper defines the term Orientalism, which comes from the Latin word oriens, as the rising sun, which generally implies, 'the East.' This paper focuses on the culture, religion, art and history of Orientalism. This paper explores the European view of Islam throughout history. The writer explains that during the birth of Christianity and Islam there was a distinct difference between European Christian cultures and those of East and North Africa, which are detailed at length in this paper. During the Middle Ages the European Christians denounced the Islamic people as the enemies of Christendom, due to their lack of knowledge of Eastern culture. This paper discusses how the Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century viewed the Eastern culture as being superior to that of the Christian west. This paper illustrates that Islamic societies were praised for their religious tolerance when compared with Christian west. This paper also delves into those who opposed the Orientalist culture, such as James Mill, who believed that Eastern civilizations were stagnant and corrupt and Karl Marx who believed that Eastern methods of production were static. Christian evangelists further maligned Eastern traditions as superstitious nonsense. This paper also examines the rich artistic history of the Oriental culture. Depictions of Islamic Moors were found in Medieval and Renaissance art, but it wasn't until the 19th century that Orientalism became recognized in the arts. This paper also details the outspoken views and opinions of political activist and author Edward Said.
Table of Contents:
Definition of Orientalism
History of Orientalism
Orientalism in the Arts
History of Orientalism in the Arts
Edward Said and Orientalism
References
From the Paper "Photography was still in its infancy and did not allow for the capture of the sunlight, the colors and the mood in which a painter could. With the iconoclastic nature of Islam, and the forbidding of the depiction of the prophet Muhammad, there was little representational art in Islam. Most of their artwork was centered on pattern and design. For this reason, the Muslim world had very little visual record of their history, including the people and the cities that existed prior to modern photography. Today, still, the best visual record of exotic cities like Cairo or Damascus, prior to the advent of modern photography, exists in 19th century paintings by Europeans and Americans. In the mid to late 19th century, painters from every country in Europe and from across the oceans in America, came to the East."
Abstract The paper argues that Terence Brown's work, "A Social and CulturalHistory of Ireland, 1922- 1979" is a seminal example of the strengths and weaknesses of Reconstructionist History. It examines how the data in the book focuses on important and hitherto unexamined cultural roles and history 'from the ground up,' but it also lacks the definition provided by more traditional histories. It shows that Reconstructionist history's greatest weakness, however, is the political debate it provokes but does not resolve.
From the Paper "Ireland: A Social and Cultural History 1922-1979 was written in 1981 by Terence Brown. As the title suggests, the book is a construction of the various groups, beliefs, and moods that characterized and laid the backdrop to the first 57 years of the Irish Free State. It should be understood just as much, however, as a fitting work for a period in which the general Social Sciences gained a more postmodern perspective. As such, the book takes form as an argumentative approach to describing history not just as great moments but also as a mosaic and a result of more encompassing cultural and social means."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the "myth of the cowboy" and the "myth of origins" in American culturalhistory. It specifically focuses on the cultural connection between the two myths. The paper argues that these two mythic narratives may be seen to be fundamentally identical in that their narrative elements and ultimate purpose are to justify the expansion and assertion of Euro-American power in the New World.
From the Paper "In conclusion, it is clear that the "cowboy myth" is a potent cultural construction that - while distinct from the "myths of origin" in terms of time frame - nonetheless may be seen to be intimately related to these myths in how it justifies the extension of European settlement and authority over North America. The myths together effectively displace the Aboriginal First Nations of the continent from their historical role as the first settlers of these lands, and thus achieves on the level of cultural history what European power achieved on the landscape of the continent itself: the displacement and marginalization of Aboriginal culture. In this way, we can see how cultural narratives, while not even historically valid, can possess enormous power to create meanings and determine how we understand our histories and ourselves."
Abstract This paper explains that the Fowler is a museum of culture rather than an art museum, and therefore it concentrates on the way culture is manifested by different peoples around the world. The author points out that the Fowler Museum is in a relatively new building on the north end of the campus of UCLA, but getting to the museum and close-parking areas are problems. This paper explains that the display of the artifacts in this museum differs from that in many museums; the visitor is not so separated from the objects being shown, but rather most objects rest on low platforms no more than a foot or so off the ground. The paper includes details of the "Music in the Life of Africa" exhibition.
From the Paper "Two of the current exhibits emphasize a continuing concern with how a culture makes use of its waste in artistic expression with shows on how certain materials are recycled for use in artworks. A second show has a similar theme but is more particularized as it shows "Muffler Men," or human figures made from discarded mufflers, usually by mechanics who then place these figures outside their businesses as advertising to show passersby what kind of business is conducted inside. Many of these figures are very creative. One service station shown in a photograph has eight or nine such figures outside and on its roof. Some of the figures are playing musical instruments, also made from old mufflers and other automobile parts no longer needed. The figures are usually painted, and they resemble nothing so much as robots in an old science fiction movie."
A paper which discusses the Mexican women who became lovers to the Spaniards during Spain's conquest of Mexico, and how they are portrayed in Mexico's culturalhistory.
Abstract Using as a background Bernal Diaz del Castillo's book "Historia de Conquista de la Nueva Espa?a", written about the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the sixteenth century, the paper discusses the Indian women who were lovers to these Spaniards, the most famous being La Malinche, lover to Hernan Cortes himself. The paper uses the character of Maria - lover of one of Cortes' officers - to show the history of these women and what drove them to so-call betray their people by 'sleeping with the enemy'. The paper shows how La Malinche (and others) have been portrayed in Mexican culturalhistory as mothers of the mestizo - children of mixed Spanish and Indian race. The paper discusses too how public opinion of La Malinche has changed during recent years, mostly due to the influence of feminist movements, who see her as a symbol of the endurance of the Mexican people.
From the Paper "But there is another element to the original and long-enduring disregard and even hatred that has been cast upon La Malinche, and the other women who (like the Maria of our story) shared similar structural positions. Women who produced Mexican ? mestizo ? children have been hated by many Mexicans until the most recent generation not because of their betrayal of the Aztecs but because of their engendering of the entire race of Mexicans. It is because Mexicans have for so long hated themselves, hated their own mixed heritage, that they hate La Malinche and other women like her. It is only when Mexicans come to peace with their own mestizo heritage that they can possibly come to terms with La Malinche and revere her as the founder of the race. It seems fairly certain that she was indeed Cortes's lover ? but also that she was faithful to him. This should hardly brand her as a whore."
Tags: Tabasco, Aztecs, Martin, de, Hernandez, y, Gomez, Tlaxcala, South, American, history
Examines the pattern of ideas in Toni Morrison's "Jazz" and in Louise Erdrich's novel "Tracks" and the issues of gender and social and culturalhistory.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 2002, $ 79.95
Abstract Examines the pattern of idieas in Toni Morrison's JAZZ & in Louise Erdrich's novel TRACKS & issues of gender and social and culturalhistory. Describes plot, characters, and themes of each novel. African-American & Native American experiences & communities. Woman's point of view. Historical implications of each novel.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the treatment of gender and history in Louise Erdrich's novel Tracks and Toni Morrison's novel Jazz. The plan of the research will be to set forth in general terms the pattern of ideas emerging in each of the works, and then to discuss how the specific issues of gender and social and cultural history are articulated and analyzed, as well as the relevance these issues have for a more complete un.derstanding of the relevance of gender and history representa.tions have to positioning the novels as cultural commentary.
In order to appreciate the way gender and history are treated by Morrison and Erdrich in their respective novels, it is useful to note that the fictional design of each novel appears to be ethnographic in character. Tracks, for example, is placed in the context of a dying Native American community at Match ..."
Abstract The writer notes that the faith of the Chinese in the teachings of Chairman Mao was so strong that it permeated every aspect of urban life, both private and public. Schools rang with the teachings of communist ideals and adults both feared and praised the rules imposed on them by their government. This paper examines the effects of the communist ideal on the people of China. The writer of this article states that the movement of China toward communism was a turbulent one, resulting in social disorder. By providing the reader with an often painful inside-view of the turmoil of the classes during the Great Cultural Revolution of China in his book, "Son of the Revolution", Liang Heng reveals the strength of the Chinese people at a time when China's social structure was at its weakest. This article discusses the permeation and effects of Communist ideals in Chinese society.
From the Paper "Additionally, although the peasants did hold some amount of reverence for Mao's ideas, they did not truly understand the purpose of the Revolution; they saw only themselves having to struggle harder to support a movement that made no sense. As a movement to "Attack the Evil Winds of Capitalism" struck the countryside, for example, rural peasants were left wondering about Mao's intent for them. Liang Heng recounts a tale of a peasant who was told to destroy his ducks - a valuable commodity to a peasant and a symbol of capitalism to the Party."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the role that La Malinche played in Mexican history and culture. The author gives the reader an historical overview, including the fact that she was an actual person, whose actions caused her to lose favor in society. This is done through the review and analysis of two pieces of works by historians, one male and one female, Casillo and Paz. The author also points out that La Malinche is not a well-known personality outside of Mexican culture, but her history dates back to the mid-sixteenth century. According to the paper, La Malinche's role in history has been revived by feminists who feel that her tainted past is the result of the chauvinistic nature of Mexican society which has begun to evolve over the years. For many Mexican women she is a symbol of independence and endurance of the Mexican people, and she should be accorded respect and proper recognition in history.
From the Paper "These many complications and elaborations of this essential and essentializing dichotomy about the true nature of woman can be seen to come together in the character of La Malinche, a figure not well known outside of Mexico (except to those whose families originally came from Mexico). This paper explores the figure of La Malinche, a figure who representations have over the years become at least in general more positive as Mexicans have regained a sense of themselves as a people worthy of self-respect ? and as Mexican women have refused to see themselves as meriting only the role of a traitor condemned to silence."
Abstract Although Haitian culture is a unique mix that blends many other cultures to form its own, many of the roots of this cultural representation can be traced to African culture, especially West African. This paper shows that, because most of the inhabitants of Haiti are of African descent, African culture plays a key role in the culture of the island and manifests itself in many ways in a reflection of present and emerged patterns in Haitian culturalhistory. In family structures, gender, religion, and other areas of culture, it is clear that African culture has had a great deal of influence over Haitian culture before and since the existence of Haiti as an independent country.
From the Paper "According to tradition, the spirits of Vodou followed the slaves from Africa to the Caribbean, where Vodou was set up as an inseparable part of Haitian history and culture, and therefore African culture in its
relation to Haitian culture as a continuance and point of influence. Since Vodou was frowned upon by the French during their time ruling the island before the revolution, it had to take on some trappings of Catholicism as a way to disguise the religion. Thus, Vodou continues to have elements that would be familiar to students of Catholicism."
Abstract The paper discusses how the modern history of Vietnam's society and culture is a complex narrative that covers not only the Vietnamese war against the French and later the Americans, but also deep cultural divisions within Vietnam itself and, more recently, between Vietnamese in Southeast Asia and the many Vietnamese immigrants who have settled abroad. The paper examines how the complexity of this history can be seen in the challenge of answering the fundamental question of Vietnamese identity: "What does it mean to be Vietnamese?". The paper analyzes whether Vietnamese identity is limited to those occupying a geographic space at the southeast portion of the Asian continent, or whether it can be considered a broader social and cultural identity.
Abstract This paper explains that the history of multi-cultural children's literature is inextricably tied to the social history of America. This history is examined and the writer points out that the incorporation of multicultural children's literature into the popular American library has been a story of civil rights, historical trends, and individual agency. Some books examined for their contribution to this trend are Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book", the French "Tin Tin" series by Herge Moulinsart among others.
From the Paper "The history of Hispanic-Americans, though not as brutal as that of the African-Americans, is equally grueling in its disregard for native culture. Enslaved in South and Latin America, this demographic faced the same cultural history that the African-Americans did, but without the same causal cry for acknowledgement and involvement into the common knowledge base as witnessed by African-Americans. Many of these groups also have roots in the Native Americans (First Nations' Peoples) of the United States, and as such, have received a historically inaccurate and unflattering history though children's literature in America as the demographic with whom the brave American settler's battled and, later, the heartless killers who ravaged the west of the idolized American Cowboy."
Abstract This paper assesses the issue of political culture and whether its varying nature in different countries affects the establishment and maintenance of democracy. The paper achieves this by first offering a definitional explanation of political culture and how its characteristics alter depending on the country in question. The paper then examines the manner in which democratic processes are affected by national political culture. Two countries ae used as examples in exemplifying the inherent links between the two concepts; Pakistan and Slovakia. The paper contends that political culture is a vital component in the democratic process. Therefore, if a respective political culture fails to either understand or believe in the underlying principles of democratic thought, it becomes very difficult to instil a culture based on democratic principles. The paper further contends that further factors such as; national history; religious beliefs and the role of the military have a large part to play. Indeed, the two example countries provide us with prove of this fact.
From the Paper "Let us look at out first example country, Pakistan. Since independence from Britain in 1947, much of the political culture of Pakistan has been formed on the same theoretical basis as that of the British Raj. When the British left what is know known as Pakistan, the democratic forces they attempted to instil were often contradictory in their nature. On the one hand, democratic representative government was established, but underpinning it lay the same subject based culture that had endured during British rule."
Tags: independence authoritarian, national history, religious beliefs, military role
Abstract This paper examines the attempts of Native-American Tribes to retain their cultural heritage despite many years of repression and attempts by the colonial majority to force its culture on them. The paper looks at the major means whereby Native Americans are trying to preserve and even spread their culture amongst the various groupings and tribes living today in the United State of America. The author then goes on to examine the historical background to the American Indian's cultural repression. He examines, in some depth, the rebirth of Native-American literature and oral history and its impact on the Native-American population and attempts to evaluate its success.
From the Paper "Individual Indians seek to define who they are through culture in varied ways, and are frequently challenged by distance. The revival of culture is centered around reservation life. Reservations schools attempt to transmit the traditions of the past, along with language through native reservation schools that teach language through a bilingual system or through submersion programs and yet many Native Americans live far from home and family, as a result of the pressures of modernization and the fact that economic and higher education opportunities are limited on many reservations. To many Indians it is a challenge to meet the goals of a highly connected social network of family and nation as distance creates change that challenges their ability to meld their historical culture with the white culture they frequently live within. Yet, it is also clear that individual definitions of self are strongly associated with family and cultural connections and traditions. It is for this reason that Native American creativity is expressed in novel ways through many avenues and medias as well as the reason why individual and collective vision become a constant recurring theme in many of these interpretations."
