Abstract This paper will discuss the story "Cool Like Me" by Donnell Alexander, and seek to understand the methods by which the author argues for within the text. By realizing the different facets of his beliefs, we can see the major ideas that he unravels, while being able to understand his style of writing. The techniques contained within the text will be examined to show how the author used his abilities to tell his version of 'cool.'
Abstract This paper discusses the Florida ban on gay adoption, as well as other legal and ethical aspects of same sex parenting. The paper explores the question of whether children brought up by gay parents are at a disadvantage in any way and uses professional research to back up the findings.
From the Paper "Despite the number of laws passed or the numerous movies or television shows that support gay rights, the negative conations associated with same-sex parent adoption continue to taint both attitudes and laws. Society is still laden with negative biases against homosexual adoption, and against gays in general (Johnson, et al., 1995) which severely limits their rights as people and as parents."
Abstract This paper points out the weaknesses in the film, "Thirteen Days". The paper talks about the shortcomings of some of the performances, the inaccuracies of the script concerning historical events, and the exaggerated importance placed on President Kennedy's assistant, Kenny O'Donnel.
From the Paper "The film "Thirteen Days" is an epic film about the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The film is chronicled through the eyes of Kenneth O'Donnell, John F. Kennedy's appointments secretary. While the basis of the story is true, there is still much in the film that is based on historical speculation."
Abstract This paper summarizes and analyzes the storyline and the main characters in the film "The Scent of a Woman". The paper explains that the film, while initially appearing as if it dehumanizes the disabled Slade (played by Al Pacino), in the end the film actually objectifies and humanizes Slade.
From the Paper "Charlie Simms (Chris O'Donnell) is a scholarship student at a prestigious preparatory school. In order to earn money for a plane ticket home at Christmas break, Charlie answers a listing posted on the school' s job board. It is an appealing position: care for a family member over the Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately, that family member turns out to be Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino), who is angry, often unkind, and even more often self- destructive. He is also blind. This is where Slade seems to be dehumanized. He appears to be saying the blind are angry and bitter. Howver, it is also obvious he is depressed, and that depression makes him seem human. It may not be politically correct to say so, but a disability, especially to a man like Lt. Col. Slade, can cause depression. This is not dehumanizing, but realistic. It is not saying all disabled people are depressed, it just acknowledges depression exists."
Abstract This paper examines the claim that the collective sense of guilt of the Protestant ascendancy class results in the presence of monsters and the monstrous in Anglo-Irish literature. In particular, the paper explores how J.S. Le Fanu, in "Ultor De Lacy" and "Carmilla", represents the antagonists as diabolic to express the Anglo-Irish political unconscious which is characterized by anxiety, guilt and paranoia that is rooted in the acts of violence of their ancestors.
From the Paper "The fact that Carmilla is presented as a vampire also complicates the reading that she represents the submerged Irish Catholics. Vampires, by nature, essentially live off the blood of others like parasites. Similarly, the English Protestants of 17th century Ireland have been compared to parasites for dispossessing the Irish of their land and then living off the land. Some may therefore argue that Carmilla may, in fact, not merely represent the Irish Catholics, but rather, the unjust act of parasitism that was perpetrated by the Anglo-Irish. That she is presented as a vampire, monstrous and demonic, also tells of the political unconscious of the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland of and their self-torment at the exploits of their ancestors. "
