Examines honest and dishonest portrayals of Europeans' treatment of American-Indians, focusing on Washington Irving's "Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus".
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, 1999, $ 55.95
Abstract Examines honest and dishonest portrayals of Europeans' treatment of American-Indians.
From the Paper "In Washington Irving's The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, some of the crimes committed by Columbus and his fellow Europeans against the native population are portrayed. This study will focus on those crimes against Native Americans, as portrayed by Irving and other authors, and on the impact of the crimes on the size of the native population.
The provided selections from Irving's book do not give a complete picture of the crimes committed by Columbus and other Spaniards in the New World. Irving is largely sympathetic to Columbus and has clearly chosen not to cover at length or in detail the crimes committed by the Spaniards, as depicted more objectively in other works. Instead, Irving glosses over the crimes or minimizes and excuses them as necessary. In the section on Columbus' appearance in court in Spain to answer charges ..."
The paper disusses the need for reforms in business school curriculums to include subjects such as business ethics, in the wake of the recent spate of dishonest business practices.
Abstract The paper shows that in the wake of recent dishonest practices by Enron, WorldCom, Global Crossing, Xerox, Qwest, Arthur Andersen and Merck, many people are asking how businessmen, believed to be so well educated and leaders in corporate America, lacked the moral courage to seek and state the truth. It shows how business ethics has been thrown to the side as a wild-wild-west form of capitalism has taken hold on America's corporate leaders. This corporate malfeasance has cost thousands of jobs, trillions of dollars in stockholder value, and a skepticism of our once revered free economic system. This paper shows show why a lack of business ethics is such a far-reaching problem in our society and suggests reforms in the business school curriculum to help instill responsibility and accountability in our business leaders. It also shows how consumer education classes would help protect individuals from becoming victims of corporate greed.
From the Paper "Everywhere we look corporate America is bombarding us with advertising in the hopes of creating demand for their relatively unneeded products. Britney Spears dancing around selling Pepsi, the Dell Computers "Dude you"re getting a Dell? guy, and the billboards for SKYY vodka with images of sexy supermodels are used to create desires for individuals to increase their spending and sink further into debt. One of the underlying problems that corporations have had is that even if they bombard us with sexual images that sell products is that our demand can only be as big as our pocket books. Corporate America then came up with the idea of credit cards, which eased the liquidity problems. An article entitled "Corporate Power and the Evolution of Consumer Credit" appearing in the December 2000 issue of The Journal of Economic Issues, John Watkins, professor of Economics at Westminster College, describes how corporate power has perpetuated the debt crisis in America."
Abstract This paper explains that many independent studies have shown that the majority of consumers targeted by predatory lenders are minorities or in a lower income bracket: Fraud seems to target those who can least afford to survive it. The author points out perhaps it is because fraud is so pandemic in the industry today that less is being done to combat fraud than one might expect. Mortgage companies frequently fail to report fraud, and when they do, it is frequently put on hold by law enforcement. The paper states that change will only come when systematic changes are made to the structure of the system. Dishonest lending and borrowing have always plagued humankind, so it would be overly optimistic to hope for a solution. Extensive end-note information.
Table of Contents
The Dead Pledge Heritage: Are Mortgages Inherently Susceptible to Dishonesty?
The New Big Deal: Modern Mortgages and the Road to Fraud
How Loans Are Open for Fraud
How Fraud Works In the Real (Financial) World
Regulations: Attempts, Concerns, and Failures
Conclusions
From the Paper "Not incidentally, though, this government move was at least partly in response to a significant issue in America with predatory lending. Prior to the founding of the FHA, the American mortgage industry had already gotten its start. ?And, it wasn't banks ...it was insurance companies. These daring insurance companies did it, not in the interest of making money through fees and interest charges, but in the hopes of gaining ownership of properties if the borrower failed to make the payments on it.... the repayment schedule was spread over three to five years and ended with a balloon payment. ? It was the FHA that started the amortization of loans so that indebtedness could decrease over time. They also instituted practices of lending based on ability to repay the loan, judging the quality of the property involved before making the loan, and expanded loan terms so that they could be feasibly repaid (instituting seven, fifteen, and thirty year loans). The government pushed extensively in this years to create fair, non-predatory lending situations."
Abstract The paper examines the article "Selective Memory and a Dishonest Doctrine" and shows how the author, Noam Chomsky, effectively uses the devices of ethos and logos and to a lesser extent, pathos and deductive logic. The paper therefore illustrates how Chomsky's article is an excellent example of rhetoric that shows how even the use of a few rhetorical devices is enough to build a powerful argument.
From the Paper "Chomsky is a very well known and highly regarded name in the field of political theories, linguistics and language. The first thing that strikes a reader about his work is his name. The fact that Chomsky has a reputation for being objective and deep, automatically lends credibility to his work. So whatever he says would usually be acceptable without much questioning or argument. This goes in his favor and thus we can say that Chomsky effectively used the device of ethos."
Abstract This paper examines the political, economical, and religious differences that led to this great divide in the Roman Catholic Church. Problems including dishonest and negligent management of the church, struggles for power and wealth, the Renaissance, the rise of humanism, and the discovery of the New World are among those addressed. The process and consequences of the Reformation are outlined.
From the Paper "One of the most important religious revolutions in history was the sixteenth century religious revolt known as the Protestant Reformation. This conflict divided the Christians of Western Europe into two religious sects: the Protestants and Catholics. The reasons behind the Reformation movement included political, economical, and religious differences. The results were so extensive that the Reformation has been called a major historical turning point for religion, as well as for the world in general.
In the beginning of the sixteenth century, Western Europe had one major religion, that of Roman Catholicism. The Catholic Church was wealthy, powerful, and had maintained a tight reign on Europe's traditional society. Gradually, however, there developed political and social problems within the Church. These new problems favored the dishonest clergy, who seized the opportunity to further their own lives and pocketbooks. Despite the General Council's calls to impose reforms, disputes and negligent practices had become rampant within the church. The common people criticized the management of the church and began to doubt some of its teachings (Knight, 1999)."
This paper explores the themes of Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince", one of his best-known works, and cited for encouraging politicians to be dishonest and use any technique in order to fulfill their quest for power.
Abstract The paper looks closely at "The Prince", a work of political philosophy in which Machiavelli describes behavior that is considered unethical. According to this paper one cannot determine whether or not he believed that this represented an ideal practice. This paper asserts that Machiavelli differed from other writers of the period in that he wrote with a view of reality, not about an ideal.
From the Paper "In 1512 the powerful Medici family retook Florence, and the republic was over. After a few years in prison, Machiavelli became a writer of political philosophy who did his primary work during this period. Because of his unorthodox views, he virtually developed a whole new way of analyzing government and its behavior and purpose. Machiavelli was also extremely interested in history, and developed many of his theories as a result of historical research."
Tags: Florence, philosophy, politics, Italy, government
Abstract The following paper will explore ethical and legislative actions considered in the use of e-mail for advertising, as they relate to "SPAM". Details include what motivates advertisers to use unethical and dishonest advertising tactics (SPAM). The paper also will explore a view of the artistic requirements and qualities of on-line vs. print and TV advertising. The benefits and disadvantages of each will be considered, and how they may complement each other in an integrated marketing campaign.
Abstract This paper focuses on the hard lessons in life that the invisible man learns, and how and when he learns those lessons. In a very specific manner, quoting frequently from the text to support the paper's conclusions, the paper illustrates that the protagonist learns that people will use other people for their capabilities, such as himself, that the world is dishonest, and that people of high status, such as rich men and professors, are often immoral and will control one's life if not resisted.
Abstract This paper discusses how slaveholders commonly believed their slaves were, by nature, lazy, unintelligent, and dishonest. It looks at where these ideas originated and how the actions of the slaves emphasized this notion. The paper looks at the social and cultural existence of the slaves and how this effected them psychologically.
From the Paper "As stated earlier, a slave's sole purpose in life was to work for their master. They did not take pride in their work for they did not reap the benefits of a good day's work or the consequences of a bad one. A good day to the typical slave was avoiding the awful sting of an overseer's whip. This forced labor had absolutely no value to the slaves because they received nothing in return for a good days work; in other words, there was no motivation to be hardworking. This lack of motivation is one of the most significant contributing factors to the laziness of slaves. Frederick Douglass, on the other hand, was allowed to work outside of his master's house towards the end of his enslaved life. He became a "calker" and was even able to command the highest wages given only to the most experiences calkers (Douglass, 134). But this taste of freedom had a disconcerting effect on Douglass."
Abstract This paper looks at the parallels in character, plot, and theme that can be drawn between the suspense film, "The Glass House", and Shakespeare's famous play, "Hamlet". The paper points out the parallels that can be seen in terms of the privileged status of the characters of both stories, the discovery of the truth by the main characters, and their feelings of revenge. The paper then goes on to discuss whether the parallels to Hamlet that are seen in "The Glass House" enhance or detract from the film.
From the Paper "Although Shakespeare's play does have a prominent part in the film itself and in the parallels of the plot, the film's connection to the play itself is fairly loose. Not everybody in the film dies, for example. Things turn out well when Ruby and her brother end up as charges of the uncle, whereas in "Hamlet" the uncle is the villain. Furthermore, both of Ruby's parents are murdered, whereas Hamlet's father alone is murdered at the beginning of the play. And of course the most important point of tension is the absence of anything ghostly in the film. Ruby does not see her parents? ghosts, but is left to discover the guilt of her guardians by herself. The violence of the revenge however matches the end of Hamlet, where a sword fight culminates in the death of both villain and hero."
This paper discusses that, because of the inherent power and rewards of the Congressional Medal of Honor, many individuals, seeking unearned glory and unmerited privileges, have dishonestly claimed to possess it.
Abstract This paper explains the problem posed by counterfeit Congressional Medal of Honor winners is emotional because it is tremendously offensive to the families of soldiers who have risked their lives and lost them in the defense of the United States. The author points out that the problem of fraudulent or suspicious claims to the Congressional Medal of Honor is historically rooted in the methods by which individuals are awarded the designation. The paper relates that the number of individuals who currently claim to be Congressional Medal of Honor recipients is growing by leaps and bounds and will surely continue to worsen in the current American climate of patriotism and paranoia toward terrorist acts.
From the Paper "Many privileges accompany the Congressional Medal of Honor award. Individuals who receive the Medal of Honor are automatically promoted to the next grade, as long as they are not already at the top of the enlisted grades. Medal of Honor winners are also rewarded financially; they secure an additional $600 per month from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the form of a pension, and they can potentially gain a ten percent increase in retirement benefits if they stay in the service at least twenty years. Special travel cards are distributed to Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, allowing them to travel at no cost on military air transports, providing there is space for them to sit or stand. Visible symbols of the Medal of Honor are also apparent. Medal of Honor recipients are allowed to wear their special uniforms (different from non-Medal of Honor recipients) wherever and whenever they choose. The families of Medal of Honor recipients are rewarded, as well. The Medal of Honor winner and his or her dependents receive identification cards that allow them to use military recreation and shopping facilities without the payment of dues. Should the child of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient wish to attend a military academy, the child will not have to contend with any university quotas. Medal of Honor winners are invited to attend Presidential inaugurations, and they may display special license plates denoting their hero status. Lastly, Medal of Honor winners receive engraved headstones from the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of death."
Abstract This paper describes how the character, John Proctor, in "The Crucible", ultimately valued what was right over what felt better and gave up his life because of this. The paper uses examples from the story to support this analysis.
From the Paper "Set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller is a tale about archaic events that still hold significance today. Its tragic hero, John Proctor, is the individual that exemplifies the theme of the story. A local farmer, Proctor's wife is accused of being a witch by a 17-year-old girl, Abigail Williams. However, this was no accident. Proctor and Williams were in involved in an affair while John's wife Elizabeth was sick. But unlike her older lover, Abigail felt that their relationship could still exist. But with the strict religious values of their time, this was a pipe dream. At any rate, while attempting to defend his wife from imprisonment and execution, Proctor is accused of being a witch, and is put behind bars. While there, he is slated for execution, until a startling development occurs. If he signs a written public confession of witchery, he would be free to live his life again. Coupled with the fact that his pregnant wife would not be executed due to her baby, the Proctors would be a family again. But John cannot allow this. By confessing, John feels that he has already lost his soul, thus he wants his integrity to remain intact. When arguing his point to Judge Danforth, he proclaims, "How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name" (The Crucible 143). This proves that John Proctor was a man of strong ethics that valued what was right over what felt better."
Tags: massachusetts, sign, written, confession, devil, dishonest, soul, honest, religious
This paper reviews William L Riordon's "Plunkett of Tammany Hall", which is about George Washington Plunkett, who lived during the Gilded Age of American politics, which is synonymous with political corruption.
Abstract This paper explains that Riordon describes George Washington Plunkett as a self-serving Tammany politician, distinguishing between honest graft, which is illegal political corruption for personal profit, and dishonest graft. The author points out that Plunkett's behavior seems to reflect a certain "self-made man" ethos, which is commensurate with American capitalism and ingenuity, two values that made the nation great. The paper relates that Plunkett, who did not make the system nor did he attempt to alleviate its corruption, used it to the maximum for his own comfort; but, by doing so, he also gave voice to the interests of common working people.
From the Paper "Instead, Plunkett's main drug of choice was politics for himself, and for others. He was also an astute, self-trained student of human nature and the needs of his constituents, potential and present. ?To learn real human nature you have to go among the people, see them and be seen. I know every man, woman, and child in the Fifteenth District, except them that's been born this summer ? and I know some of them, too.? (In other words, Plunkett was an unabashed baby-kisser)."
Tags: honest, graft, self-made, ingenuity, working
Abstract This paper, written from the author's perspective, examines possible reasons why people commit plagiarism so readily and suggests that one reason is that, in today's world, it is no longer considered a very important value to be educated, think for oneself, or be able to think originally and critically. The paper goes on to point out that the author has developed her own skills, talents, and abilities and that these qualities make her a valuable candidate for an online MBA program in health care management.
From the Paper "Nowadays, plagiarism seems to be all around us, even in unlikely places. Doris Kearns Goodwin, a historian of the Lyndon Johnson presidency admitted to it, as did Senator Joseph Biden when running for President. Plagiarism has caused Pulitzer Prize winners, professors, and others their careers and reputations. A fascinating irony is when those who have most to lose from plagiarism plagiarize anyway. In my own words, plagiarism means stealing someone else's ideas, insights, scholarly or creative work, and taking credit for it oneself. The most frequent examples of plagiarism in an academic setting (all of which I have seen first hand, and, unfortunately, in increasing numbers) are when students have others write their term papers, copy ideas from books or internet sources without citing the actual authors, or even buy papers online. Plagiarism is a serious problem, I feel, not only because it is fundamentally dishonest and unethical, but because it compromises one's sense of self; development as a critical thinker; pride, self respect; and confidence (and that is when one does not get caught!)"
This paper discusses "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown, the detailed documented account of the Wounded Knee Massacre of December 29, 1890 and the events leading up to it.
Abstract This paper explains that Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" begins in 1860 with the Long Walk of the Navajos and ends thirty years later at the Wounded Knee massacre. The author reports that the book documents the battles and defeats of Native Americans, human beings, who included the Navajo, Nez Perces, Cheyenne, Apache, Utes, the Sioux and many other tribes, who fought against a dishonest and relentless government. The paper concludes that, within just twenty-one years of experiencing contact with the white people, the Great Sioux Nation lost over ninety percent of its land.
From the Paper "The Great Sioux Nation, which once comprised almost a quarter of the land mass of the United States, signed the Fort Laramie Treaty in 1868, a treaty that established the Great Sioux Reservation and brought a halt to the Red Cloud War of 1866-1868. Under the treaty's terms, the U.S. military was ordered to keep all unauthorized non-Indian people out of Dakota Territory. Yet in 1874, Colonel George A. Custer, commander of the 7th cavalry, violated the treaty. Custer entered the Black Hills region on a fabricated geological expedition; however, the true purpose was to find a site for establishing a new military post. When gold was discovered, prospectors swarmed into the Lakota lands and by 1874, white settlers out numbered and out armed the Sioux people."
