Abstract This paper examines the short stories in "Jesus' Son" by Denis Johnson, that upon first reading seems mis-titled. The book features a collection of moments in the life of the narrator who is afflicted with multiple drug addictions and has an apathetic view of life. While the author made an attempt at redeeming the character, the book is disjointed and the stories too open-ended and transitory to allow for the much-needed journey from sin to salvation.
From the Paper "Indeed, it seems his prophetic insight and poetic visions of truth might have the ability to turn him into a greater type of being, one capable of being saved from himself. However, he manages to twist the beauty of his feelings, and turn them into grotesque shadows of the potentially beautiful sentiments he has. In this vein, he makes the comment: "That was my idea of sacrifice, tossing yourself away, discarding your body." On the one hand, he has struck upon the Christian ideal of losing the corrupt, sinful body and its pleasures, which can only lead to damnation. In the Christian reckoning, this allows the sacrificed to achieve a moral, spiritual wholeness, which is their reward and redemption. The narrator, however, does not append this colloquy to his statement of sacrifice."
A paper examining the issue of gay marriages and whether they should be legalized because not doing so would deny homosexuals their basic civil rights.
Abstract This paper is a study for understanding whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages. The paper is divided into three sections arguing three thesis statements. The first thesis statement argues that marriage is a civil right of every individual, as it is essential for the emotional well-being of individuals and denying it to the gay community is discriminatory. Hence, the study begins with a discussion of the argument that denying the civil rights of marriage is discriminatory. The second thesis statement asserts that gays are denied the rights which are associated with marriage and that denying these rights is a violation of their civil rights and therefore a need exists to legalize gay marriages. By way of this thesis statement, the paper offers an understanding as to the rights which are associated with marriage but which are denied to gay couples and discusses whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages taking this perspective into consideration. The third thesis statement argues that legalizing gay marriage is necessary for the security and well-being of the children that gay couples are caring for. Herein, the paper attempts to analyze whether children of gay couples would entail the security required if gay marriages are legalized. Thus, on the basis of the above three thesis statements, the paper tries to formulate an understanding of whether denying marriage to homosexual couples leads to denial of civil rights to the gay community and whether there is a need to legalize gay marriages.
Table of Contents
Introduction
First Thesis Statement
Second Thesis Statement
Third Thesis Statement
Conclusion
From the Paper "Whether the US community is prepared to permit people to marry without the consideration of gender is gaining our notice daily. Religion and civil marriage are two clearly different entities. Certainly this is completely fitting. Certainly, the state must not have the right to order for whom religious organization might carry out marriage services --- akin to the fact that religions institutions must not set terms regarding who might get a license for civil marriage from the state. Latest census data show that the number of faithful same-sex couples in the US has been mounting, as also the number of same-sex couple's upbringing children. Accordingly recognition in the eyes of law is crucial to safeguarding the emotional and financial health of these families. Besides, legal approval should be on a same footing with that of heterosexual marriage ---'separate but equal' is by no means equal."
Abstract This paper examines the dance styles of Ruth St. Denis and her student, Charles Weidman, who went on to found his own school of dance. The paper examines how Denis influenced Weidman and how his style differed from hers. The paper also discusses why Denis's style was so appropriate to the 1920s, and Weidman's style suited the 1930s.
From the Paper "Ruth St. Denis, born Ruthie Dennis, was the greatest dancer of the 1920s, and her former student Charles Weidman was one of the most important dancers of the 1930s. Their respective aims and styles are in many ways divergent, partly as a result of the eras in which each dancer reached his/her artistic peak. Of the dancers' respective troupes, Pattie Jordens writes that while "Denishawn developed modern dance in America, Humphrey-Weidman made modern dance American". Ruth St. Denis created entertaining, artistic dances popular across all portions of society. She explored the exoticism and spirituality of Eastern countries, creating gorgeous spectacles well-suited to the Roaring Twenties. Charles Weidman left St. Denis' troupe shortly before the crash of the stock market, so his technique developed in a society to which extravagance and foreign deities were not suited. Weidman's dancing represents the experience of men and women in twentieth century America."
Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the legality of parents denying their children access to health care on the basis of their involvement in a "faith healing" religion such as Christian Science or Faith Tabernacle. The paper explains that for some residents of the United States, traditional medicine is not religiously acceptable in the face of sickness. On the contrary, these residents are so strongly against medicine that they will not even allow their children to see a doctor if they suffer from life threatening illnesses. It discusses how many followers of these religions are denying the use of traditional medicine and joining a movement that shies from what society considers the norm for treating sickness by putting their belief in God's ability to heal their family's illnesses. The paper argues however, that parents' religious convictions about the disuse of any type of medicine for their children should not be allowed as a legal means of denying their children this medicine because these convictions often cause the needless deaths and suffering of many children whom medical care would have helped.
From the Paper "For centuries America has debated to what extent church and state should be separated. More recently the argument about the disuse of medical treatment for religious reasons and the resulting deaths of the children of certain religious organization's followers has arisen. Since the seventeenth century when settlers came to America to escape religious persecution and seek religious freedom, the issue of separation of church and state has been in debate (Council 1). However, not all religions were given equal rights before the Bill of Rights was created: in Boston anyone preaching outside the established church could be fined or banned from the settlement (Weiss 11). Also, in areas that practiced South Anglicanism, those who spoke out against the Christian faith were sentenced to death (Weiss 11). However, the first amendment to the American Bill of Rights, which was passed in September of 1789, changed these discriminatory practices on a federal level and caused less religious discrimination to occur (Weiss 31). This amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (Bartlett 3). This amendment did not, however, guarantee the protection of United States citizens from state religious discrimination; but the fourteenth amendment, which was passed at a later date, did (Weiss 32). Opponents for and against parents' rights to deny their child medical care based on religious convictions are eager to solve the question of the relationship of church and state and the necessity of parents to obtain medical care as required by state governments. This issue has thus become a pressing argument that must be solved quickly because many children's lives are at stake."
Abstract A paper discussing the "American Dream," and how it has been denied to certain people throughout history. The author relies on literary quotes to make the case that, in various points in American history, racism, poverty, and many other factors have conspired to deny the American Dream to groups of people.
From the Paper "In the world today and throughout the past three centuries, millions of people have turned to America as the "land of promise" where happiness is guaranteed and dreams are realized. The "American dream" differs somewhat for all people but is built around the principles of being financially successful and having the opportunity to meet one's goals in life. As this ideal has become more prevalent throughout the world, it has also become more elusive and difficult to obtain. This dream and guarantee that America supposedly offers is too often smothered by societal structure and philosophies, which impose limitations upon and create barriers against those seeking a better life; consequently, millions are left hopeless with their burning passion for life nearly extinguished."
This paper discusses whether public school employees can be denied job opportunities or be dismissed because they choose private schooling for their children.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 5 sources, 2005, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper examines the issue of whether it is legal for public school employees to be dismissed from employment and or denied positions i.e. teaching, administrative etc. simply because their children go to private schools. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that and show though legal proof by citing actual cases that public school employees in the United States cannot be denied positions and or dismissed because their children go to private schools. This paper references court cases and explains the courts reasoning as well as clarifies how the decision was made in favor of the plaintiff.
From the Paper "This paper examines the issue of whether it is legal for public school employees to be dismissed from employment and/or denied positions (i.e. teaching, administrative, etc.) simply because their children go to private schools. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that (and show though legal proof by citing actual cases) that public school employees in the United States cannot be denied positions and/or dismissed because their children go to private schools. This paper references court cases and explains the courts reasoning, as well as clarifies how the decision was made in favor of the plaintiff or defendant. The two major cases that support the finding that employees cannot be denied positions and/or dismissed because their children go to private schools are: Barrow v. Greenville Independent School District ... "
A look at college athletes and controversial issues about their payment. The paper deals with college athletes that are not collecting the money promised them. The author investigates how college athletes are often denied payment as a result of their free
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 43.95
Abstract The paper deals with college athletes that are not collecting the money promised them. The author investigates how college athletes are often denied payment as a result of their free education and examines reasons for this.
From the Paper "College athletes are being deprived of money they deserve and they should be compensated for their efforts. Athletes across the nation practice hours each day, with the hopes of representing their institution to the best of their ability. Billions of dollars accumulate each year, but the athletes that are responsible for this revenue have yet to profit from it. Their time is primarily dedicated to the team and their trials in the classroom, yet these athletes are still expected to support themselves and maintain the standards set for the average student."
Abstract The paper defines the Higher Education Act, established 30 years ago to offer financial aid to people seeking higher education. It thereafter examines the 1998 provision denying this aid to people with prior drug convictions. The affect of this new provision on colleges and universities throughout the United States is discussed.
From the Paper "But many students and politicians have voiced out against the bill, saying that it is class-discriminatory and racist. Several student and statewide organizations, including the University of Southern California Student Senate and statewide New York and Wisconsin organizations, have recently passed new resolutions speaking out against the bill, on the grounds that financial aid should be given out to academically qualified students who need the aid to attend college."
Abstract This paper discusses how people for all time have struggled to find their voice and their own individuality and how this is a theme prevalent in antebellum American literature. Through a review of different works, it shows how many times people cannot speak out because they are being denied the opportunity by superior powers, which is the case in "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" by Frederick Douglass and "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs and "Rip van Winkle" by Washington Irving. Other times it is the person's own views of the world that prevent them from finding their own individual voice, as is the case in "My Kinsman, Major Molineux" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville. It analyzes how these works prove to show that once boundaries have been overcome and the struggle of perfecting the use of one's voice is complete, a person is much better off and a more whole human, if they speak out with their own opinions and accept the consequences, be they good or bad.
From the Paper "Much like Douglass, Harriet Jacobs wrote as the voice of the slaves in her work, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, but she speaks mainly for the female slave's plight by directing her work at a Northern female reader, who is most likely to sympathize. She uses another female in her story, Linda Brent, as herself which says something even more about how her voice had been denied to her for very long. Men had traditionally been in power over women and as a result when speaking were more free to express themselves fully, but women were more protective of their own experiences after having long been denied the ability to speak their mind."
This paper addresses pendurantism - a satisfactory solution to the problem of change. Pendurantism basically regards change in terms of aggregates, and denies the element of endurance.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper addresses pendurantism - a satisfactory solution to the problem of change. Pendurantism basically regards change in terms of aggregates, and denies the element of endurance. At the same time, pendurantism, if modified and made to include elements of presentism, would constitute a satisfactory solution to the problem of change. This is true both on the theoretical and practical levels.
Tags: SOCIOLOGY / SOCIAL PROBLEMS, pendurantism satisfactory solution
Abstract This paper examines Denis Miller's Death's Men, a work of social history that illuminates how British soldiers fought in France during World War I. This type of social history helps us get away from the "big picture" and gives us a glimpse of real living history -- seen through the eyes of the men that fought the war. It is precisely in this context that the book could be effectively utilized as a textbook in a European History class, since it would effectively counter-balance the "big picture" picture given by political and national history.
Abstract This paper examines "Jesus' Son" by Denis Johnson, a collection of short stories on heroin addiction. It looks at how it quickly, but thoroughly, progresses from a violent car wreck at the beginning, to criminal acts and drug use, to sacrifice, overdose, voyeurism, relief, and demonstrates throughout all of it, the singular and joyous realization that all these things are in some way beautiful. It evaluates how Johnson intertwines a spiritual insightfulness through the constant chaos that revolves around him and through him.
From the Paper "This sometimes austere novel does take the reader on a 1970's journey into the life of a drug addict and the world in which he lived. And the numbness of the prose is almost meant to evoke the numbness of the narrator's existence. One could compare the experience of reading the narrative to the experience of having an actual junkie sitting next to you on a bus, mumbling the words at you in a repellent manner. But then, POW! The reader is again hit with a touching, human sentiment about love and life and again, Johnson draws the reader in and leaves them satisfied and wanting to know more."
Abstract This paper looks at some of the social, legal, and political traditions that the West cites as examples of how women in Kuwait and the Muslim world are denied certain basic human rights. It then argues that these perceptions are incorrect, as they are based on a lack of understanding of Muslim law and society.
From the Paper "When we read reports by the western media or government agencies, such as the Human Rights Watch of the US Department of State, we note that there is a very high degree of bias against social, legal, and political, and religious practices in Arab countries. This bias is primarily due to the insistance of judging our practices, and culture, according to Western practices and culture and, naturally, there is a tremendous difference between the two. One area of concern in the West is human rights issues in Arab countries, with a strong focus on women's rights. According to the Western perspective, Arab women do not have access to the most basic human rights enjoyed by Western women, are discriminated against by law, and are denied any effective role in their societies. The West incorrectly assumes that such abuse is established by Islam."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the history of emergency law in Egypt and how it has been used by almost every government in the last 60 years to deny the Egyptian people the right to freedom of speech and the right to form opposing political parties. The paper asserts that Egypt, in order to become a true democracy, as it claims it is, must eliminate emergency law so that the people of Egypt can truly practice the rights a democratic society is supposed to guarantee.
From the Paper "Egypt may appear a calm country, not threatened by revolution, political instability or a rebellious population. However, the Egyptian government thinks otherwise. It apparently views the Egyptian people as rebellious, revolutionary and if given their right to freedom of expression, would drive the country to political instability. Therefore, a state of emergency exists in Egypt. Actually, as "Reading the Hieroglyphic" remarks "for all but eight of the past 61 years" Egypt has been under emergency law. Government after government and one political system after another has prevented Egyptians from the right to freedom of speech. Despite this, Egypt is said to be a democratic country. However, the fundamental elements of democracy is freedom of speech or expression and also allowing formation of opposing political parties. The 'democratic' Egyptian government is threatened by these elements as opposition may weaken its status and power. This law prevents freedom of speech and establishment of opposing parties, therefore, the government is using this law as a tool to grant it the upper hand and no one will even verbally criticize its actions. Although the government claims that the emergency law is a security measure for the benefit of the people, with reference to its history and the way it is being used proves that the purpose of this law is to maximize the power of the government to the extent that it can oppress the people and prevent any opposition; and consequently inhibit democracy. The emergency law is stifling democracy and development in Egypt."
A consideration of the life and legend of Cezanne and what factors beyond his work may have contributed to our understanding and interpretation of his art and its influence.
Abstract This examination of Cezanne and the attempt to account for his foundational position in the history of modern art focuses on three themes that run through the literature on this remarkable yet problematic artist. It begins with the issue of form and its theoretical implications. Several contemporary critics and artists are considered in the critical debate of Cezanne's form and his concept of 'realisation', including Maurice Denis and the Nabis, Emile Bernard, Roger Fry, and D.H. Lawrence. It also addresses the question of objects, focusing on the still life's, through which many believe Cezanne reinvented the genre. The artist's technique is also examined, including his use of tone and 'modulation.' Technique is further analyzed in a section on Cezanne's landscapes.
Outline
Form and Mysticism
Objects and Object hood: Still Life
The Artist in Nature
The Artist and the Painter
From the Paper "Color, drawing, modelling, and structure unite in the creation of form--a central theme in Cezanne criticism which produces many types of analysis and, for some, leads beyond technique into phenomenology, metaphysics, or mysticism. The Nabis movement had already linked art with a spirituality through some members' interest in theosophy. Maurice Denis, coming from this background, saw something transcendent in Cezanne's works. He, along with Emile Bernard, spoke of the absence of 'material vision' and the representation of a different order of form."
