| Papers [1-15] of 1970 :: [Page 1 of 132] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
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The Cultural Evolution of Aboriginal Marriage, 2008.
A comparison of historical and modern day Aboriginal marriages in Australia.
1,089 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the early historical origins of Aboriginal marriages, in their practices and ceremonies, that are found in what is now modern day Australia. In particular, the paper presents an historical overview of the ancient practices of these Aboriginal marriages and shows how they are used within the modern context of marriages of Aboriginal Australians today.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the history of the marriage ceremonies and practices of the Australian Aborigines is one that has stayed true with the ancient customs that were initiated through a creationist religious mythology. The binding essence of the firestick provides a sexual and legally binding ceremony that is provided though family members, uniting the man and the woman within the tribe. The evolution of these marriage rites include a multi-cultural integration with other ethnic or racial groups, which provides a foundation for the relevancy and survival of these ceremonies. In this manner, this study has provided a historical evaluation of the marriage ceremonies and practices of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia from the early past to the present tense."
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The Native Girl Syndrome, 2008.
This paper looks at Beatrice Culleton Mosionier's book 'In Search of April Raintree'.
1,735 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks chiefly at the native girl syndrome as it makes its appearance in the text and how the use of this slur by whites complicates the lives of the two protagonist, Cheryl and April Raintree. The writer discusses that part of the horror of the native girl syndrome is that it renders aboriginal women and young girls into little more than intemperate, slovenly and incontinent children who possess a "bad seed" that makes them susceptible to wrong-doing and also highly susceptible to being a drain upon the public purse. The writer maintains that the native girl syndrome, inasmuch as it reduces aboriginal women to lesser moral, intellectual and emotional beings than their white counterparts - also de-legitimates their voices and makes it more probable that they will be compelled to suffer injustice in silence. The paper explores these issues and also looks at how the native girl syndrome came about - it may even still be the case today - a rationale for tearing apart native families.
From the Paper
"Cheryl and April are two young girls who suffer a great deal in Beatrice Culleton Mosionier's, In Search of April Raintree. For one thing, Culleton Mosionier's work describes in painful detail the various ways in which aboriginal peoples coming of age in 1950s and 1960s Canada were infantilized by the dominant culture. For one thing, the intrusion of Child Welfare Services into the inner goings-on of the Raintree family reveals the callous manner in which aboriginal peoples were perceived as "wards" who could do nothing - be nothing - without the mainstream culture imposing itself upon them. The book, at least in the view of one perceptive critic, suggests that the violence of the troubled aboriginal home is equaled by the more subtle violence of Child Services, a dark and dubious entity that tears children from their families or at least did in the 1950s and 1960s and undermines the autonomy and, indeed, the adult personages of aboriginal parents. The book is also painful in the sense that it captures how the "culture of violence" ascribed to the native culture is a designation better ascribed to the dominant culture of the age. To wit, April and Cheryl experience racism and ageism and sexism in the dominant culture and face punishment from that culture at every turn; in fact, there is even a frightening instance wherein April is brutally raped by a gang of men who react explosively when she denies their advances. In this sense, part of the native girl syndrome is to be viewed as an inferior being - emotionally, intellectually, morally - and therefore deserving of such brutal mistreatment."
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Crossword Puzzles, 2008.
This paper examines the nearly 100 year old history and popularity of the crossword puzzle.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that crossword puzzles can be found in almost every newspaper in almost every country and in magazines and book dedicated solely to these puzzles. The author points out that crossword puzzles have inspired other gridded word games, like acrostic, cryptic and diagram-less puzzles, and board games, such as Scrabble. The paper relates that the predecessors of today's crossword puzzles is the 19th century British acrostic puzzle designed specifically for children, such as "Lewis Carroll's doublet puzzle". The author relates that the first known word square, called the Sator Square, was carved in stone and dates from the first century A.D. in Pompeii. The paper concludes that, although crossword puzzles provide a form of constructive entertainment during leisure hours, some people claim that puzzle solving is a human instinct.
From the Paper
"Puzzles have been around since the beginning of history. "One of the earliest surviving manuscripts of human civilization is, as a matter of fact, a collection of mathematical puzzles", known as the Rhind Papyrus. In the ancient world, the first puzzles were in physical form, or labyrinths. According to Denasi (2002), "the biblical kings Solomon and Hiram were renewed for organizing riddle contests." The word 'puzzle' probably derives from the Middle English word poselet, meaning bewildered or confused. The crossword is the most common variety of word puzzle in the world, yet it is one of the few types of puzzles that do not have an ancient origin."
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Marine Species Conservation, 2008.
This paper explores the Elkhorn Coral and what can be done to rescue this vulnerable marine species.
1,366 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the precarious position of the Elkhorn Coral and identifies the features of an effective conservation policy at the national and/or international level. This includes keeping human beings and animals away from the reefs, developing non-intrusive bulwarks as a protection from large-scale hurricanes and distancing industrial works and run-off from the reefs. The paper concludes that an effort should be undertaken to build up an international coalition of environmentalists and sympathetic policy-makers who can remind political elites around the globe of under-reported marine species such as the Elkhorn Coral.
From the Paper
"One of the most obvious problems currently bedeviling the Elkhorn Coral is its susceptibility to disease. According to the United States Office of Protected Resources, the Elkhorn Coral has had problems with rampant disease since the dawn of the 1980s (para.4). Indeed, by the middle-1980s, scientists were becoming increasingly alarmed by the spread of calicoblastic neoplasms or cancerous lesions among Elkhorn Coral colonies in the Florida region - most notably among those colonies housed at the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary in Key Largo, Florida (Peters, 895)."
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On "A Global Village Full of Idiots", 2008.
A review of Joan Claytor's article "A Global Village Full of Idiots", a commentary of the harmful effects of television.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Joan Claytor's "A Global Village Full of Idiots", an entertaining newspaper article that presents at least seven fallacious arguments regarding television culture. It finds the article light and humorous, full of deliberate exaggerations, which produce the series of fallacious arguments that are easily identified and explained. The paper concludes that upon reading the article, the reader will have been entertained by the author's assertion that television is harmful to human experience, the family and home, its powers extending to filling whole houses with unwanted emotions and converting people to mere addicts and idiots.
From the Paper
"The author opens, for instance, in an argument that the "main problem with TV" is that it is addictive. (p.15) This is a presumptive argument in that one cannot know if it is addictive really, or for most viewers, or for any at all. Also, there is not a way in which to understand quite what the author means by using the medical term of addictive, only knowing that a television is not like heroin or tobacco or alcohol for those who are addicted to them. One meets few compulsive television viewers or people who would happily walk two miles in the snow in order to turn on a television that is located elsewhere. People do not need to be hospitalized for withdrawal because the family television is being repaired. North American cities have places where suffering people are treated for different kinds of addictions, but none for those who suffer the physical and emotional effects of television addiction. One waits to be told how it is that television is addictive and realizes that the author might mean habit-forming or familiar, as are not congruent with the bold statement she has made referring to television as addictive. A similar fallacious argument could be made by substituting the term of destructive, or perhaps combustive, for addictive, as would also be presumptive fallacies, if asking the important question of "why?" after writing one statement out, or the other."
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Perception of Evil and Wickedness in Literature, 2008.
A comparison of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the similarities, in terms of evil and wickedness, between the book "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad and the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. The paper explains that in both works, the reader is forced to consider whether wickedness and evil are outside sources that influence the people or, conversely, if evil and wickedness are inside every human being. The paper then looks at how both authors force the reader to consider what actions constitute evil and wickedness, particularly where social normalcy and self-preservation are involved. The paper also suggests that the texts vary in terms of community and social ties as an avenue of evil; "The Lottery" depicts social tradition and normalcy as an opportunity for seemingly senseless violence, while "Heart of Darkness" calls on human kinship as a way to avoid evil and corruption. The paper concludes that in addressing these complex issues, both Conrad and Jackson grapple with the same concerns: the perception of evil and its relationship with being human.
From the Paper
"Evil and wickedness are often talked about as an external force since people do not like to admit that they are capable of evil and wickedness. Instead, many like to believe that evil is an outside force that makes people do things or, at worst, an occasional individual who has become evil after being affected by such forces. For example, Neilson describes Kurtz when the "darkest element has taken control" (41). Does this imply that Kurtz is no longer himself and that a greater force is responsible for his acts? A similar quandary exists in "The Lottery." After reaching the end of the story, the reader has gotten to know the characters in Jackson's story. They seem to be normal, average citizens. How, then, can they be part of the brutal lottery ritual if some outside force is not acting upon them?"
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Chinese New Year, 2008.
A discussion of the origins, traditions and superstitions of the Chinese New Year.
1,386 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history and current practices of the Chinese New Year. It looks at the origins of the festivities and at the Chinese New Year traditions that have been carried on throughout the ages. It then discusses the superstitions that are associated the lead-up to and celebration of the Chinese New Year. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of each of the fifteen days of the Chinese New Year.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ancient Chinese New Year
Traditions
Superstitions
The 15 Days of Chinese New Year
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On the actual New Year's Day, hair should not be washed as this will wash away good luck for the New Year. Red is the color chosen for clothing, as it is a bright, happy color which encourages a bright future (as well as serves to fend off Nian). Children and unmarried friends are given "lai see", which are small red envelopes containing money for good fortune (ibid). Other superstitions include the consulting of an Almanac before heading out (in order to find the "best time" for doing so), the prohibiting of scissor and knife use (as this may "cut off" good fortune), avoidance of people in their bedrooms (this is considered bad luck) and external environmental cues. These include the words one first hears on New Year's Day (these are considered to reflect one's fortune) and signals such as songbirds or red-colored birds (these are supposed to be good luck) (ibid)."
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Ethnic Stereotypes in the Movie "Smokin' Aces", 2008.
This paper examines the movie "Smokin' Aces" and discusses the ethnic stereotypical images portrayed.
1,377 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This essay analyzes the use of stereotypes to portray different ethnic groups in the film "Smokin' Aces". The paper relates that the media is able to shape and influence our own perceptions of other people and cultures. The paper further relates that what we can see on the TV and movies produces a very powerful message, as we perceive the media as real even when we see a work of fiction. Additionally, the paper notes that the media is filled with stereotypes and stereotypical images. The essay then concentrates on three ethnic groups present in "Smokin' Aces", Italians, white Americans and African-Americans, and shows that they are portrayed through stereotypical images. The Italians are represented as mafia bosses, white men are good guys, while African American characters are criminals and sidekicks. The writer concludes that the construction of characters sends strong messages of racial ideology despite all the efforts put towards eliminating the racism.
From the Paper
"One of the first characters introduced in the move is an Italian Primo Sparazza. Sparazza is a mafia boss, a stereotypical role for an Italian in media. He is wanted by FBI and is known to be behind many crimes but, as usual, cannot be connected directly to any of them. As such he is untouchable, powerful person behind the mafia steel curtain. We do not know much about him, but some ideas that fit in the overall male Italian- mobster stereotypic character can be inferred from the plot. Thus, it is possible that Sparazza was an Italian immigrant since the FBI agents are tracing his illegal activities to 1950s. He made crime his career climbing up to a level of one of the American mafia bosses. As such, he is a typical non-American who presents a danger to American society and way of life."
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Hong Kong Students in Toronto, 2008.
A discussion of the challenges facing Hong Kong students studying in Toronto.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the challenges facing Hong Kong students studying in Toronto. The paper explains that these students face social and cultural problems because Chinese people have experienced a great deal of discrimination in Canada and this has resulted in a high degree of isolation from mainstream Canadian culture for many of these students.
The paper further points out that in order to examine the experiences of international students from Hong Kong in Toronto it is necessary to look at these experiences from a social and cultural perspective, as well as an educational perspective. The paper shows that differences between Hong Kong and Canada cause challenges for Hong Kong students studying in Toronto because they come from a very mixed system and then have to learn a totally new way of doing things that is very different from either of the systems with which they are familiar.
Outline:
Introduction
Hong Kong: A Special Case In China
Hong Kong Students In Toronto Universities
Social and Cultural Challenges
Educational Difficulties
Conclusions
From the Paper
"The number of students from Hong Kong in Toronto Universities is extremely difficult to determine. This is mainly due to the fact that statistics are largely deal with the national level. There are very few statistics available for individual cities. However, universities obtain data on how many students they obtain for given countries. York University had approximately 115 students from Hong Kong in 2002. The University of Toronto had approximately 280 students from Hong Kong is 2007. There are also approximately 80 students from Hong Kong at Ryerson. These figures indicate that there are approximately 475 students from Hong Kong studying in Toronto.
"Chinese people in Canada seem to experience a wide range of social and cultural challenges. Probably one of the largest challenges faced by most Chinese students in Toronto is the difficulty that many English speaking Canadians have with certain aspects of Chinese culture. Many Chinese students use English names so that English speaking Canadians will not struggle with their Chinese names. "
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The Identity of Jamaica and Bermuda, 2008.
This paper explains that the national identity of Jamaica and Bermuda is complicated and troubled by a history of colonialism, race, sugar and slavery.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, from a legacy of colonialism, Jamaica and Bermuda have carved out a more independent path through which they are better able to express an authentic local culture and identity. The author points out that, while Jamaica is the island with actual independence, Bermuda appears to be developing the more versatile and durable society. The paper states that the education system of Jamaica is still hampered by colonialism insofar as external imagery and tourist considerations actually determine what is taught to Jamaican school children so a citizenry is created, which will behave appropriately in the presence of white tourists. The author underscores that the Bermudans are moving towards eradicating the island's over-dependence upon tourist dollars although its education system and no doubt its society remains not wholly dissimilar to the systems of Great Britain.
From the Paper
"Continuing onward, the racial legacy of colonialism manifests itself in many ways. For one thing, there is evidence (at least in the popular press) that racial identification has grown stronger in Bermuda in recent years; unfortunately, the pyramidal arrangement of historic Bermudan society (one in which certain groups are associated with power) has lingered: as one example, it is noteworthy that a Caucasian British subject was chosen to head Bermuda's judiciary over many other qualified candidates - at least some of whom were non-white Bermudans."
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Political and Economic Anthropology, 2008.
This paper reflects on two chapters in Robert Lavenda and Emily Schultz's "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology".
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Lavina and Schultz in "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology" see political anthropology as the study of power, political ideology, political economy, political organization, social stratification, social control and law, status and role and much later ideas of nationalism and hegemony. The author points out that, in 'economic anthropology', all societies are reported to show a form of material life that can be explained in terms of production, exchange or related material culture, which dictates the types of laws and political practices in that society. The paper states that the study of emergencies, crises or wars tells a good deal about matters of nationalism, hegemony and leadership as reactions of weakness to situations that are unpredictable, such as the strong instinct for 'communitas' that was seen when the United States experienced 9/11.
From the Paper
"Some anthropologists like to study how societies cope with unnatural situations or crises. For instance, if a society has known famine and starvation, or is in a climate that means food can be grown or found only for part of the year, there will be effort to save food for hard times. If the food supply is year-round and easily found, there will be less of this planning ahead. What is very valuable will be guarded by law that can mean tradable goods of high value or perhaps special religious items that no ordinary person is to touch."
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Being Gay and Elderly in Toronto, 2008.
A discussion of the difficulties faced by the elderly gay population of Toronto.
2,223 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how being elderly and gay in Toronto is not a positive experience. The paper explains that the experience is much the same for elderly gays in all cities and that elderly gay men are cut off from younger gay men and also from society. The paper points out that gays and lesbians in Canada have their own gay village right in the downtown area of Toronto and that this area is also known as the gay ghetto. The paper then looks at how the experience of elderly gay people is even worse than the discrimination that results from homophobia and it all has to do with ageism, which puts elderly gay men into yet another ghetto. In conclusion, the paper shows that elderly gay men are also faced with the issues of homophobia and ageism and the process of growing old in Toronto does not seem to have any advantages.
Outline:
The Gay Ghetto
Older Gays, Ageism, and Social Isolation
Other Problems of Elderly Gay Men
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Gays are mainly found in two areas of Toronto. The first is the Gay Village; the center of that village is Church and Wellesley Streets. The Gay Village is a symbol of exclusion or how gays and lesbians are separate from general Toronto society. Homophobia still exists very strongly, and gays and lesbians are still struggling for equality with the rest of society. In the village, gays and lesbians found "an urban neighborhood that is populated by, and reasonably tolerates, a large number of queers" (Editorial 1). They accomplished something remarkable with the rundown urban neighborhood when they rented apartments that other people rejected and opened businesses where no one else would consider doing so."
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Jelaluddin Rumi and Sufism, 2008.
This paper discuses Jelaluddin Rumi, one of the most well-known of Persian poets, who is largely credited with infusing Sufism with its highly intimate relationship with aesthetic traditions.
2,850 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that classically trained Jelaluddin Rumi, who was born in 1207 in the region that is now part of Afghanistan, lived most of his life in Turkey and the surrounding area. The author points out that Rumi created the Mevlevi Order of Dervishes or commonly called the Whirling Dervishes of Sufism. The paper relates that the Whirling Dervishes are most recognized for their unique dance movements, oblique body posturing, acute mental focus and their musical facility, which is said to combine to bring them closer in union to God. The author states that Rumi's poetry is regarded as the cultural epicenter of all thought, literature, dance and music in the world of Islamic aesthetics. The paper reports that the traditional approach to studying the impact of Rumi's poetry on Sufi music has been to examine the text from a critical theoretic perspective.
From the Paper
"The natural academic tendency, regardless of academic specialty, is to examine the concepts contained within the lines of verse; to question 'what is the tree of wisdom' and to ask what or how one identifies one's internal "fairy." These are important metaphysical questions that can and should be asked of the text through critical analysis. However, therein rests the academic pitfall that most researchers and even casual observers typically get trapped in: the interpretation of the text which is made even more complex in translation."
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Culture in Nursing, 2008.
This paper discusses practices in trans-cultural nursing care focusing on the Chinese culture.
933 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that in order to provide effective nursing care, nurses must have knowledge of the client's worldview which is influenced by their cultural beliefs, values and life ways. The writer points out that in Chinese culture, the approach of patients to health and illness centers on the concept of balance, and is holistic and traditional. The writer maintains that health is understood as a state of spiritual and physical harmony with nature and illness caused by some upset in body energy. The case study demonstrates the differences that often become apparent between cultural beliefs and practices versus the perspective of nursing. This paper focuses on the cultural factor of religious and philosophical factors. The writer concludes that religious and philosophical factors greatly influence what Chinese people do and what choices they make.
From the Paper
"In contrast to Chinese religious and philosophical beliefs regarding health and disease, nurses in Western culture are trained in a much different way regarding nutrition. Nurses also are instructed to push fluids. For nurses, the focus on nutrition involves its role in healing in relation to the need for protein and fiber as well as electrolyte balance. The normal course of nursing actions is that when the problem is hypertension, then the amount of sodium is restricted. Whatever foods might be contributing to the health are either very limited or are eliminated from the diet. In the case study, nurses are following the usual procedure in promoting fluids for the patient in order to enable Mr. W. to recover from his bladder surgery. To achieve the health outcome, it is very common for nurses to provide patients with cold tap water. The issue is that both Chinese cultural practice and professional nursing practice both are concerned with the same outcome."
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African Cultural Retention, 2008.
This paper argues that African cultures were retained in the US and that African cultures did and continue to impact the dominant U.S. culture.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that it is inaccurate to assume that there are no discernible African cultures left in the USA and that, because of the relatively small numbers of slaves bought to such a large country, all traces of African cultures were destroyed. The author points out that enslaved Africans from the same areas tended to be geographically situated together in the U.S. so that they were able to retain aspects of their individual cultures. The paper relates that Sheila Walker takes issue with the notion that European settlers "built" the U.S. and then imported some African slaves to perform manual labor for them. The paper underscores that she believes that the slaves bought to the U.S. were not ignorant, unskilled laborers but rather slave traders deliberately sought out people with skills, which the U.S. needed to help build the country.
Table of Contents:
False Assumptions
The Arguments of Sheila Walker
From the Paper
"She also points out that Africans must have made a major contribution to American society, history and culture, given that they comprised the numerical majority for the duration of the modern history of the Americas, until 1820. For example, out of those coming to the USA in 1820, 3 out of 4 new arrivals were African, not European. With this kind of demographic weight, it follows that the contributions of African minds and cultural presence had to be an important ingredient in the very creation of the Americas. Walker also points out that Howard Dodson backs her up on this theory and that he believes that the transatlantic slave trade played a central, defining role in the making of the modern world."
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