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Media in a Democratic Society, 2008.
This paper explores whether the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico are effective in investigating government and sustaining democratic values in their societies.
2,278 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper provides a comparison and contrast of the societies and political cultures of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the media operations in each culture. The paper argues that while the U.S. model is influential in both Canada and Mexico, the similarities are closest between the U.S. and Canada in that corporate power blocks systemic media criticism of government. The paper contrasts this to Mexico where a more authoritarian political structure has historically resulted in more direct political control of media by government and political authority as opposed to corporate entities. The paper clearly shows how in neither of the three countries does the media - albeit in different respects - foster democratic values.
Outline:
Introduction
Media in the United States - Personality over Politics
Media in Canada - Politics and Culture
Media in Mexico - Absolute Convergence
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Political and media critics in the United States have argued that one of the defining features of American media's representation of government is its tendency to focus on personality over politics. This can be seen most clearly in presidents, as the recent presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have revealed an extraordinary level of focus on one individual personality rather than the complex processes of government itself. In fact, this was a process that began with the era of television in the 1950s, when politicians became celebrities and their political power was closely intertwined with their media images (Schickel 201). Since that time, American political campaigns have been oriented towards television and the importance of the thirty second "sound bite" (Jackson et al. 129)."
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Abortion in America: Two Sides of a Simmering Conflict, 2007.
A discussion of the argument between the pro-choice and pro-life supporters in America.
1,124 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the long-debated issue of abortion and explores how the controversy has been portrayed in the mainstream media. The paper highlights one instance wherein Ronald Reagan (a champion of anti-abortion conservatives) is turned into a metaphor for moral hypocrisy - thereby, by extension, tainting his followers as such. The paper also looks at how the bias in the media and the portrayal of both sides is surprisingly fair, but when "emotional" language or prejudicial, "loaded" phrases are used, it tends to be in favor of pro-abortion activists and in opposition to anti-abortion crusaders.
From the Paper
"The argument between the pro-choice and pro-life crowds appears to be essentially one over whether or not a woman has complete domain over the reproductive process (from start to finish) or whether a fetus deserves to be treated as a full-fledged human being with the same right to be secure from bodily injury and death. The parties involved, as one would expect, divide (almost without exception) between conservatives on one side and liberals on the other; it may also be said that those who are religious (such as Christians) are considerably more opposed to abortion than those who are secular in their orientation."
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Television and Consumerism, 2008.
This paper examines the origin of television and how it has changed over the years.
2,485 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that television has changed a great deal from its original intention of providing information and entertainment to people far and wide. The paper discusses how today it has become a powerful propaganda medium wielded by rich and powerful corporations that try to promote the consumerism necessary to support themselves. The paper looks at how television is capable of shaping our culture and our identities and succeeding in turning society into obedient consumers. The paper concludes that our culture has become increasingly secular with a new religion of consumerism.
From the Paper
"On a technical level, television is the "electrical transmission and reception of transient visual images" (Smith 13). It has been referred to as the first invention created by a committee (Smith 13), in that it was developed by "the effort of hundreds of individuals widely separated in time and space, all prompted by the urge to produce a system of 'seeing over the horizon'" (Smith 13). Smith argues that people have always wanted to communicate beyond the horizon, and that television seemed at first to enable this dream to come true. Smith also argues that television's original inventors saw television as a way to communicate beyond the horizon, to inform, and to entertain."
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Cultural Diversity in Education, 2008.
A review of the article, "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families," by Gwendolyn Cartledge, Cathy Kea and Evette Simmons-Reed.
758 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the article, "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families", which is concerned about how cultural insensitivity harms children from diverse backgrounds. The paper explores why this issue is important - especially when it comes to educating young people - and outlines the difficult situations which can arise when teachers fail to understand the cultural impetuses which guide and shape behavior. Finally, the paper looks at what cultural sensitivity (and a lack thereof) means for professionals who must work regularly with non-European children.
From the Paper
"A recent article by Gwendolyn Cartledge, Cathy Kea, and Evette Simmons-Reed (2002), "Serving Culturally Diverse Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance and Their Families," reveals the importance of cultural sensitivity when dealing with children coming from diverse backgrounds. To wit, the United States is now a nation with a remarkably polyglot population; this trend will continue. In light of this, those involved in the field of counseling and social work (and many other occupations that deal with troubled young people) will have to develop sophisticated understandings of how culture interacts with social behavior if they are to provide unbiased interventions to children afflicted by behavioral problems. Finally, the authors seem to favor an approach which recognizes that other ways of doing things need to be recognized insofar as the needs of minority children may not be assessed properly simply because the counselor or professional dealing with them is viewing their problems through the wrong cultural lens and is not appreciative of the reality that culture guides behavior (Cartledge et al, 2002)."
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"Men Want Something Else", 2008.
A critique on David Buss' article "Men Want Something Else".
1,557 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper argues at length that Buss' article, while well-written and generally well-researched, fails to contemplate a number of issues which spring up around the topic of mate selection. It looks at how because of this, Buss appears to offer simply a rationale or even an "excuse" for a social construct that does, indeed, reduce women to a reproductive role and little more than that; he also unwittingly gives credence to the fairly superficial nature of our society vis-a-vis sexual relations between the genders.
Outline
Critique and Transition
Buss' Treatment of Environmental Factors
Buss' Discussion (or Non-Discussion) of Disability Hierarchies
Buss and the Politics of Reproduction
Political Implications Raised by each of the Aforementioned Issues
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Turning momentarily to environmental influences, it is evident that Buss cleaves to the position that biology and not society (for the most part) shapes who we wed and who we choose not to wed; for instance, the male desire for physically attractive, nubile and healthy women extends across all cultures. However, he acknowledges that factors such as chastity and the desirable "plumpness" of a potential mate are determined to some extent by cultural or societal factors such as the relative availability of food in a particular community. The strength of Buss' article, in the view of this reader, lies in his ability to illustrate the persistence in certain trends across cultures - while conceding, where necessary, that cultural externalities can play some role (Buss, 2003). "
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An Ethnographic Study: The Anna Nicole Smith Hearing, 2007.
An ethnographic analysis of the televising of a hearing in Florida on disposition of the body of recently deceased Anna Nicole Smith.
2,145 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that an ethnographic analysis of an event and its presentation should consider the nature of the event itself, the nature of the targeted audience, and the characteristics of the commentary that becomes part of the presentation as well as how the different elements interact. The author points out that televising this hearing alone suggests certain cultural forces at work. The paper relates that "tabloid celebrity" characterizes the culture that kept track of Smith's activities and influenced the way this hearing was covered by all the news media. The paper relates that the popularity of reality-television influenced the news outlets to use the hearing to attract a large audience. The paper further relates that the courtroom has its own culture embedded within the larger culture and that when courtroom proceedings are telecast on television, the two cultures come together and may conflict. The paper concludes that the court often claims not to be influenced by the circus outside, but in this case, the circus outside was greatly influenced by the circus inside.
From the Paper
"The final day of the hearing was February 23, 2007, by which time the prevailing view of the proceedings was that it was a circus. Judge Larry Seidlin of Broward County was the judge for the proceedings, and he set the tone to a great degree. His behavior became the target of critics who saw his folksy mode of speaking and his informality as drawbacks, but many observers found some of his statements bizarre. The public is familiar with the general methods and tone of a courtroom from other courtroom transmissions, and the style of this hearing differed."
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Man and Religion, 2007.
This paper explores the relationship of man and religion by examining the three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
1,305 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout the history of mankind, religion has played a vital role. The author points out that humans naturally find a supreme being to worship in answer to questions about how the world began, where the world is going, what is his or her purpose on earth, what does life mean and what will happen to him or her after death. The paper relates that, although these religions do have differences, the three religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity believe in only one God and the importance of living a life that would be pleasing to this God. The author concludes that the role of mankind in religion is to seek God and to worship and obey.
Table of Contents:
The Roles of Man in Religion
Why Does Mankind Need Religion
Role of Man in the Islamic Faith
The Role of Man in Judaism
The Role of Man in Christianity
From the Paper
"Comparing Judaism to the Islamic faith will show that they both believe in only one God. The Jews believe they are special and that God chose them over the other nations. "Jews believe that the Jewish people are specially chosen by God." The role of man is to obey the covenant made by God to Moses and when they follow the laws of God their lives will be blessed. Judaism is one of the religions that date back through early history. One of the benefits of following this faith is the ability to have a personal relationship with God. ... The Jews continue to believe that God is alive and continues to affect what happens in the world."
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Learning and Tolerating the Homeless Culture, 2007.
A discussion of cultural and social differences.
1,804 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses a series of conversations the writer recently had with a homeless person. The paper explains how these interactions provided an opportunity for learning about someone else's culture, an opportunity to understand individual as well as cultural differences, an opportunity to enjoy shared experiences, and a chance to grasp the day-to-day exigencies of this individual's life. The paper further explores a number of themes - culture shock, stereotyping and various theoretical concepts. In conclusion, the paper shows that people who are different from ourselves may seem frightening at first glance, but their humanity becomes more and more undeniable the more we allow ourselves to understand and appreciate the cultures within which they operate.
From the Paper
"To begin with, this writer conducted a series of sit-down interviews with a homeless person residing in the local community. Initially, the contact was strictly visual as the writer sought to gain a sense of the man and a sense of what his state of mind was. Not long thereafter, however, a verbal line of communication was opened - largely because I offered to buy him a cup of coffee and because I made it clear to him that his life story was of interest to me. During the course of our conversation at the local Starbucks, I became self-conscious and vaguely uncomfortable - not least of all because a number of people took to staring at the odd couple in their midst."
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Industrial Relations and Game Theory, 2007.
This paper applies game theory (GT) to industrial relations, especially in the area of collective bargaining.
1,770 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that industrial relations within the context of the British economy and the character of its workforce have long been dominated by the power and presence of its unions. The author points out that, because of the stakes involved in the collective bargaining negotiations, game theory (GT) and coalition theory, which is a subset of GT, is relied upon to achieve fractional improvements in contract negotiations. The paper relates that game theory (GT) is most often associated with a zero-sum scenario; however, it also encompasses positive-sum and negative-sum scenarios where a party may gain or win without the necessity of an equivalent loser. The author relates that, because of the necessity to form alliances in order to reach consensus among diverse stakeholders, industrial relations often employ a type of GT known as coalition theory,which examines the nature, reasons and underlying dynamics of these coalitions that form in all the various settings. The paper includes graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Game Theory
Industrial Relations and Game Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Of particular value has been research integrating sender-receiver frameworks that analyze how knowledge is transferred, both symmetrically and asymmetrically, with GT whereby advantages gained through asymmetrical knowledge transfer creates zero-sum advantages for one player or the other in an industrial relations setting such as the collective bargaining platform. This concept is explained in terms of being a signal that one side uses to inform the other of a possible solution, such as concessions that can be made on benefits."
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Homelessness in Toronto, 2007.
This paper examines homelessness in Toronto within the context of the different definitions for the term "community" and proposes ways to reduce homelessness in this city.
1,725 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the homeless community can be seen as a community because they are people trapped in a common cycle from which they would like to escape, with common interests in finding shelter and adequate food, which often compels them to act in unison performing petty crime as a means of survival. The author points out that, if the burgeoning homeless problem in Toronto is not addressed, then the community of Toronto will start to see an increase in crime and movement out of the areas populated by homeless people thus creating impoverished pockets within the city. The paper recommends that funds, which have been earmarked for homeless shelters and other programs should be spent rather than be languishing somewhere because of bureaucratic red-tape. The author suggest that this money should be invested in re-training programs and the conversion of brown fields areas into affordable housing condominiums for the working poor.
From the Paper
"Toronto's homeless situation can also be looked at by looking at Marxist definitions of what a community is - or, more precisely, what it is not. For instance, those academics who subscribe to Marxist theory maintain that communities are manifestations of the class dialectic; in other words, communities are organized in such a way as to ensure the exploitation of some by others at the same time as they reveal the inequalities present in a capitalist society. While this assessment of the community can be dismissed as unduly cynical and extreme, there is little doubt that Toronto is a city of extremes."
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Ending Homelessness, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of homelessness in a social science analysis.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of homelessness is one that has been of pre-eminent concern in Canada, and indeed in much of the industrialized world in recent years. This paper attempts a positive or social science analysis of this issue, exploring not only the nature of the problem but also the state of critical debate among both social scientists and policy makers on the best avenues to address this matter. The writer argues that in order to address this problem one must detach homelessness from its historic connotations with anti-social disorder traditionally addressed through police authorities, and recognize the issue as a convergence of economic and social determinants.
From the Paper
"This fact has led many social scientists studying the problem of homelessness to argue that it is not so much a criminal problem, i.e., associated with drugs or anti-social activities, as primarily a matter of housing economics. While it must be acknowledged that a variety of factors contribute to homelessness - from changing patterns of employment and cyclical economic trends to the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill - the scholarly consensus seem to be that the most important structural cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing in urban areas. The current situation represents the culmination of a process that has been ongoing in North America for decades.."
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Plato, Aristotle and the Ideal State, 2008.
This paper looks at the views of Plato and Aristotle regarding government and the ideal state.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that two of the greatest philosophers that emerged from Greece in the fourth century B.C.E., Plato and Aristotle, gave civilization some of its greatest philosophical discourses. The writer notes that both tried to envision the ideal state. The writer then points out that neither Plato nor Aristotle believed strongly in individual freedom. The writer concludes that both Plato and Aristotle have had a profound influence on philosophy since their own time. Further, the writer maintains that remarkably, these two men are remembered as figures in Athens, which is considered the source of modern democracy, but neither of them believed strongly in individual freedom.
From the Paper
"Much of what Aristotle wrote in Politics was a response to Plato's Republic. Particularly, he felt that Socrates/Plato had not presented a sound argument when contending that possessions, women, and children should all be held in common. To begin, this practice was intended to unify the state, but it would not do so. That which is owned by all is effectively owned by none and neglected by all. Economically, it would lead to under-work and over-consumption as everyone would feel a right to take from the common produce, but would resent having to contribute to it. This communism would destroy temperance and liberality in the citizens, but would only encourage covetousness and jealousy."
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Cultural Anthropology Critique, 2008.
This paper provides a critique of three articles: Richa Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Faranak Miraftab's "Can You Belly Dance?" and Oyeronke Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects".
1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This critical review comments on the themes, methodological challenges, suggestions and perspectives in the three articles: Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Miraftab's "Can you Belly Dance?" and Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects". The writer maintains that these articles all fall within the tradition of feminist contributions to the re-evaluation of difficult challenges that arise within the fields of social anthropology and ethnography. Each adopts a very different approach, but all are thought-provoking, especially because none of the authors is a typical social anthropologist. The writer concludes that all three articles offer different insights and advice. However, the three are welcome voices, in that they smash the typical stereotype of white, Western, usually male cultural anthropologists.
From the Paper
"This traditional situation is subverted by the women researchers in these three articles. For example, Nagar is a young, unmarried woman, from a lower-middle class Hindu family in India, who has affiliations with Western universities, as well as a white boyfriend in the USA. She is multilingual, well educated and a part of the elite in the sense of being globally mobile and funded to do research. In that sense, she is entirely different from the people she researches. On the other hand, when she researches the Asian community of Dar Es Salaam, she has sufficient common ground with some of them - e.g. being Asian, being Hindu, sharing languages, ability to adopt approved clothing styles, such as salwaar kameez, or a sari, depending on context - that she can frequently be accepted by these communities as an insider. This positions her vis-a-vis the communities she studies in an utterly different position than if she had been a white, American man, who quite obviously could not simply don a sari and blend into a social group of Asians in Dar es Salaam! This unusual situation on the one hand puts her in a much less powerful - for example, the American male would probably not be sexually propositioned by an interviewee. However, her entree into these communities must surely enable her to gain more understanding of the communities."
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Alcohol and Drug Treatment, 2008.
This paper provides an analysis of Chicago area drug and alcohol addiction programs.
1,962 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that comparing and contrasting drug and alcohol treatment programs available in the Chicago metro area indicates that the programs offered by New Hope Recovery Center at Lincoln Park Hospital, by Hazelden, and by Haymarket are similar in many ways in terms of the quality of their services, their program focus and treatment approaches. But, the writer points out, these programs also vary. The writer maintains that the primary differences are the degree of emphasis these respective facilities place on the psychological aspects of addiction and recovery, and the economic levels of their respective clients. The writer concludes that although drug and alcohol problems plague men and women at every economic and social level
of society, people at the lowest income levels are more vulnerable to drug or alcohol addiction and are less likely to seek treatment and recover because they simply cannot afford the most effective treatment and counseling.
From the Paper
"Although everyone agrees that drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are harmful, both for American society as a whole and for the individuals and their families who are struggling to deal with addiction and co-dependency, there is much disagreement over what types of treatment are most effective, what factors contribute the most to drug or alcohol abuse, how society should deal with it, what legal measures should be taken, and what can be done in terms of providing effective medical and psychological treatment for those who are addicted."
"Unfortunately, the effectiveness of treatment programs often depends upon the income level of the client. Since addiction has psychological causes, the quality of counseling is a very important factor in determining whether a client can maintain long-term recovery, and the quality of counseling is directly related to the cost of counseling. The best psychiatric therapy is the most expensive, so it is often the case that the clients most able to pay for high quality counseling are the ones most likely to overcome their abuse or addiction problems."
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Healthcare in Canada, 2008.
This paper discusses why healthcare has become an important issue for Canadians.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that the issue of health care in Canada is an important one for debate because the country operates a health care system that is unique, particularly in comparison with systems of other developed countries. The writer points out that Canada's one-tier system based on publicly funded health care is in stark odds to the two-tier system (of both public and private health care) common to other advantaged countries, such as the United States and Australia. The writer maintains that this in itself has caused contention amongst Canadian proponents for system change even though a number of other issues also play a role in debating the validity and importance of Canada's healthcare system.
From the Paper
"Canada is unusual in that its health care system is wholly publicly funded, whilst the health care services are actually provided by private bodies. Healthcare is a hot issue in Canada, however; although the system appears to be a public one from the outside it is not in reality always so. In Canada, the health care system is paid for primarily by the government; however, at the other end of the spectrum, the government contributes so little to prescription drugs costs, and dental care, which is notoriously expensive.
"It is prudent for governments, researchers, critics and citizens to compare public national systems to those of other countries, not only as a basis for comparison but also in order to establish benefits of altering the existing system, if any positive changes are identified."
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