Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Rosa Lee and her daughter, Patty as described in Leon Dash's ""Rosa Lee: a Mother and Her Family in Urban America." Like her mother, Patty is a heroin user as well as a prostitute. The paper traces the reasons for these choices that Patty made and how her relationship with her mother shaped her path. The paper additionally cites research articles which support the belief that the dynamics of family life may significantly contribute to addictive behavior. The reviewer concurs with author Dash by stating the only treatment that will lead to any success with Patty will involve both the use of medication--methadone, most likely--and the establishment of relationships with individuals who do not partake in the use of heroin and do not tolerate its use in her.
From the Paper " In many cases, and certainly in Patty's case, the dynamics of family life contribute most significantly to the subject's addictive behavior: "Even though its values are largely shaped by the surrounding subculture, the family plays an integral role in shaping the attitudes of its members toward drug abuse," (Schlaadt 12). Typically, family settings within which drug abuse is common or accepted facilitate the spread of that practice to other family members. This was clearly the case in Patty's introduction to heroin. Patty was first exposed to the drug by watching her brother and his girlfriend while hiding in his closet: "After Ronnie pushed the liquid into his vein, she watcher her brother's worried frown change into a look of pleasure. . . . Ronnie refused to inject her that day. But, Patty told me, 'I knew then, "Well, I'm gonna try that one day,"'" (Dash 186). One of the major problems with being introduced to such a serious drug at a young age is that the pain and suffering associated with growing-up in a drug abusing household does not simply end with childhood: "If these children survive, it follows them, particularly if they are girls, into their own adulthood. For example, many of these girls will, themselves, resort to substance abuse in adulthood," (Pagliaro 94). Depression is another major result of such a childhood. This effect can manifest itself in further drug use, or even in attempted suicide. "
Tags: Leon, Dash, Rosa, Lee, poverty, drug, addiction
Abstract This paper looks at two specific films and their subsequent comments upon society. Firstly, it describes "Lucia" by Solas, to analyze the director's comments upon social constructs and identity. Secondly, it examines Dash's "Daughters of the Dust" in comparison to "Lucia" to address similarities in issues between these two directors. "
From the Paper "Humberto Solas' Lucia is multiple narrative film, detailing the lives of three separate women during revolutions, who all are named Lucia. Solas' commentary regarding social class is clearly evident through his selection of the women in each vignette, as one has an upper-class standing, another middle-class, and finally a working class representative. Clips from each of the three Lucia's highlight various aspects of this director's style, commenting upon the constructs of culture, identity, and belief systems formed by social concepts. In the end of the first scene, there is an unmistakable indication of how society's social construction leads to individual identity. In its close, Lucia stabs Rafael to death, and as her personal self has been conquered by these events, is lost to her madness. Taylor eloquently writes "Lucia's madness at the end symbolizes further the powerful and ..."
Abstract Damon Dash rose from the streets of Harlem, New York to head one of the most diversified companies ever founded in the Unites States. This paper traces how Dash took a took the Roc-A-Fella brand from small time to the spotlight while branching out into the clothing and beverage industries. It also covers Dash's contribution to social issues such as inner-city education.
From the Paper "Aside from the music, Dash's most profound business decision was the creation of Roc-A-Wear, a clothing line that began by catering to the urban Hip Hop culture. Since then Roc-A-Wear has branched out to more casual and formal lines and expanded to include shoes, accessories, and even baby clothing. The clothing line has since reached epic proportions and in 2003, after only 4 years of existence, grossed over $500million. Not even Tommy Hilfiger, Sean Combs, or Ralph Lauren could take those bragging rights."
Investigative report on effects of racism & poverty on Rosa Lee & her family, of Washington D.C. Focus is on Rosa Lee's impact, positive & negative, on her children, & factors that turned family to a life of crime & drugs. Discusses each chapter.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 1 source, 2001, $ 71.95
From the Paper " "Rosa Lee" written by Leon Dash, investigative reporter for The Washington Post, chronicles four years in the life of Rosa Lee Cunningham's poverty stricken family in Washington, D.C. It is, in essence, a list of events that occurred between the years of 1991 and 1994 to Rose Lee, the 52-year-old link between a rural generation of sharecroppers and the growing urban under-underclass who survive through their "street smarts." Rosa Lee exemplifies the fact that in America the cycle of abject poverty and violence is an endless and continual spiral downward.
Dash describes his chronicle as a "close-up look at the interrelationships among racism, poverty, illiteracy, drug use, and crime, and why these problems sometimes persist from generation to generation (Dash, 1997, p. 7)."
The book is a stark, frightening example of crime and drugs as a.."
Abstract Aimie and Jaguar reconstructs in extensive detail the story of one passionate relationship, between a dashing Jewish lesbian and a German housewife and mother in Berlin during 1943-44. Inge eventually introduces her own lively friends to socialize in Lilly's large apartment. With Felice it was just totally different. I felt I was both myself and Felice. By the time Felice met Lilly in late 1942 the twenty-year-old woman's situation had grown critical. Lilly and her children experienced daily bombings and lack of food, fuel, telephone and electricity. 5 pgs. .
Abstract This paper looks at the landmark case of Plessy vs. Ferguson, which upheld a railroad segregation law, thereby approving mandated racial division. The paper explores the way this case not only legalized racial segregation, but dashed the hope of achieving civil rights for African-Americans. It discusses the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling in the case with particular attention to the "separate but equal" standard established because of the ruling. The paper explores the social, political, and psychological impact of the ruling on the African American community and American society in general.
From the Paper "The Supreme Court case Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896) marked a major turning point in American history because it legalized segregation and created an impenetrable rift between blacks and whites. The 7-1 vote by the Supreme Court upheld a Louisiana railroad segregation law, thus approving mandated racial division. However, the ruling on Plessy v. Ferguson did more than just legalize segregation; it destroyed African American hopes for civil rights, ?legitimized a caste system under constitutional law,? and allowed southern white supremacist governments to keep blacks from moving up in society through legislation."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to look at aerobic and anaerobic conditioning and exercise. Female soccer players are used for this study and the results of how well they do on specific tests are measured. The study also examines whether those that perform better on these tests are also better soccer players and concludes whether this type of training and exercise has an effect on the performance of female high school soccer players.
Introduction
Demographics
Background of the Study
Who am I as a Teacher?
How did I get to be that Way?
How did I get Here?
Personal Motivation
Rationale
Teacher Action Research
The Study
Purpose of the Study
The Research Question
What are the Issues and Concerns?
Overview
Review of the Literature
Procedures
Overview
Initial Testing
Test #1 - 1 Mile Run
Test #2 the Coopers Test
Test #3 40-yard Sprint
Test #4 300-yard Shuttle
Test #5 200-yard Dash Test #6 400-yard Test
Conclusion
From the Paper "Marple Newtown School District is a suburban Philadelphia school district in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in a community of approximately 35,000 people, most of who are involved in business and the professions. There are approximately 3,500 students enrolled in grade K through 12. Accelerated and advanced placement courses are offered in all academic areas. The academic curriculum of the district reflects the strength of traditional programs while meeting the changing needs of a technological society."
Abstract The paper shows that teenage childbearing crosses all socioeconomic, ethnic and racial backgrounds. The writer describes different projects that have been set up in order to prevent teenage pregnancies, showing which were successful and which failed. The writer explains that one of the primary causes of teenage pregnancy is low self-esteem. Young men and women see having a baby as an achievement, a statement of self-worth. In summation, the writer states that teen pregnancy is an epidemic in American society and that adolescents need to see that a baby is not an achievement, but rather a life long commitment. The writer suggests that any program that wants to succeed will need to implement life skills, decision making and critical thinking into its curriculum.
From the Paper "In studying the causes of teenage pregnancy, some trends are apparent. Students doing poorly in school are more inclined to use pregnancy as a measure of tangible self-worth. In addition, school dropouts have a high pregnancy rate. Most teenagers are well versed in sex education but do not have the critical thinking needed to see their choice as far reaching, nor do they have decision-making ability. This is a greater problem in black populations than in white ones. Teenagers are reluctant to use contraceptives for numerous reasons, resulting in unwanted pregnancies; some of these teens choose abortion as an alternate means of birth control. Teenagers with low educational and low vocational aspirations have a higher rate of pregnancy. Teens from single parent families have a high rate of pregnancy."
Tags: self, esteem, self, worth, abortion, birth, control, leon, dash
Abstract As the Second World War progressed, the Japanese hopes for a global empire were dashed and eventually, the imminent fall of Japan itself became apparent. The Americans could not be stopped by any conventional means--they were poised on the outskirts of the empire, waiting to come ashore. The paper shows that from a strictly military perspective, the only chance for the Japanese to halt American advancement was to employ some new and unexpected form of attack. Over time, the willingness of many Japanese soldiers to sacrifice themselves for the larger cause presented itself as, perhaps, the best possible way to gain an edge against the invaders. This paper examines the driving force of the young men who would become kamikaze pilots. It was a desperate tactic, utilized in a cultural setting that saw defeat as an apocalyptic outcome. The paper follows the story of a university student called Minoru who eventually became a Kamikaze pilot.
From the Paper "Having had absolutely no flight experience, Minoru's relegation to the Ohkas was predetermined. Additionally, as his crash course in flight began it became quickly apparent that he was one of the least talented in his squad. By December 10, 1944 Minoru had been classified as a D level pilot. Still, he was less concerned with his ranking as a pilot than he was with his newly-found importance in the war. The most interesting parts of his days were the hour-long lectures on philosophy and history fed to him by his superiors. Though the general notions regarding honor and bravery had been what spurred him to join six weeks earlier, the new perspectives he gained during his training helped him to see a more broad historical context for his actions."
Tags: Hundred, Million, emporer, Tokyo, Naval, Flying, Corps
Abstract This paper explains that the most obvious accomplishment of the film "Illusions", for which it deserves praise, is exposing the racial discrimination that existed in Hollywood in the 1940s. The author points out that the protagonist Mignon Dupree, being of African-American origin, does not look black; however, she is forced to hide who she really is in order to hold on to her position as a director's assistant, which is not an easy thing to do. The paper examines other themes of this film such as (1) the structure of Hollywood sixty years ago, which relates the history of the United States, (2) gender discrimination in the workplace and (3) the concept of war.
From the Paper "In addition to exposing racism, Illusions deserves praise for introducing the twenty-first-century audience to the structure of Hollywood in the 1940s. Although most people today know about prejudice that existed in everyday society at that time period, Illusions challenges the audience to consider the prejudice of Hollywood. Julie Dash clearly shows that, sixty years ago, African Americans did not play much of a role in the film industry and Mignon Dupree is determined to make a difference. During a phone conversation with her mother, Mignon reveals her determination, "Mama, if it doesn't happen here first in this industry, then I don't think it will happen at all.""
Tags: hollywood, discrimination, gender, war, history
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in the late 17th Century, Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest geniuses of all time, ushered in the age of enlightenment with his scientific work and methods. As the years went on after that, humanity's hopes were dashed, as it became apparent that human intellect could not compensate for, or prevent, man's inhumanity to man. By the early 20th century, people were witnessing the first great world war, and many must have despaired. However, the writer points out that Albert Einstein, a man whose stature rivaled that of Newton, bought renewed hope in that troubled century. Indeed, Einstein personified the human intelligence and achievement that transformed the earth in the 20th century. In this century, humans went from foot or horse-drawn transportation to cars, trains, airplanes and space flight. People became supermen and superwomen, thanks to the ability of the human brain to make massive technological advances. The writer maintains that of all people in that century - and the competition was certainly strong - Einstein most of all personified human genius.
From the Paper "Einstein was thus perfectly placed to become the icon of human achievement in the 20th century. On a more negative note, this was also the century when the atomic bomb was invented and deployed - and this meant that humanity discovered it not only had the capacity to perfect the planet, but it also had the capacity to destroy the planet. The atomic bomb was made possible by the Einstein scientific discoveries in the fields of what has come to be known as Newtonian physics. Yet despite Einstein's key role in developing this horrific weapon, and the fact that he has been dead for more than 50 years, he is still remembered by many with reverence and love as a cultural icon, such that his face is almost as familiar as Ronald McDonald's. How can we account for this?"
Abstract This paper discusses how Martha Beck's "Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith" is an extremely compelling, non-fictional story of a woman's spiritual journey through life. It looks at how, through the book, Martha Beck reveals some of her most horrifying life experiences, deeply guarded secrets, and the unbelievable hardships she endured while being trapped in the "life-world" religion known as Mormonism. The paper examines how Beck conveys the deep seriousness of her experiences while also adding a dash of humor as well as how Beck walks her readers through her incredible journey, which led her to overcome Mormonism, but also betray her family and faith.
From the Paper "Martha Beck focuses her story around a conversation that she is having with her father, years after she has left the Mormon Faith. During the book she flashes back and forth to and from the conversation, while telling the story of her past at the same. One of the first events that she reflects on is her wedding day. In the Mormon faith, there is a very sacred process that young women and men are required to undergo preceding their wedding ceremony. The process takes place in the Mormon temple, and Martha chooses not to go into great detail about what she experienced in the temple because she was required to take a death vow, which involved a vivid representation of what would happen to her if she spoke of what takes place in the temple. "
Abstract This paper discusses Thailand under the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It discusses how Shinawatra's government represented Thailand's best hope for a stable democratic process and how that hope that was dashed with the military coup that occurred in 2006. The paper also discusses the background to the coup and its impact on Thailand.
From the Paper "Thaksin Shinawatra was one of the most popular politicians that Thailand has ever seen. His populist positions on politics in the nation and liberal political philosophy earned him significant respect and admiration both from his constituents as well as from the international community. However, the authority and legitimacy that the democratic government garnered during his tenure as prime minister stood as a direct threat to the military and to the monarchy. His critics were vocal, but unwilling to debate his politics and decisions in the public forum. The democratic government that had been created with the adoption of a new constitution in 1997 became stronger everyday that Shinawatra remained in office, proving that the voting public could decide their own leaders. The military coup that began in September 2006 shattered the stability of democracy in Thailand and, to some degree, in all of Southeast Asia. Shinawatra's democratic government represented the best hope for a democratic future for the country, a future now imperiled by a military power-grab."
Abstract This paper discusses how Alice Munro's short story "How I Met my Husband" is dependent upon deflating the reader's expectations, just as the central protagonist Edie has her romantic expectations deflated by Chris Watters, the dashing young pilot and flight instructor in the story. The paper also examines how Munro chooses to tell the story in the first person, albeit a retrospective first person voice, so that the reader is forced to look at the world through Edie's naive perspective.
From the Paper "The New York Times Book Review, upon the publication of Munro's story as part of Munro's collection Something I've Been Meaning to Tell You noted this sense of reader disappointment provoked by the work. Reflecting upon the secrecy of the narrator, and the fact that her eventual husband the mailman still believes, after many years, that she was waiting for him, not the letter of another man: "This character keeps quiet because the experience is hers, not his [her eventual husband's] or the children's...the author can provoke anger by betraying her character." This suggests that story, at its end, becomes more a tale of the lack of communication between husbands and wives, even though Edie's eventual husband is not a presence in the text until the very end. "
