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The Mass-Media Pygmalion, 2006.
This paper studies the complex relationship between consumers and the mass media. Do we create the media, or does the media create us?
1,208 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The author studies the give and take relationship between the media and our society to determine which is the cause and which is the effect. The author continues by showing a connection between the main icons of Western culture and the effects of the media. The fast food industry is highlighted and the author shows the great effects it has had on our trends and ideals, with conformity a notable outcome. After studying the diverse effects of our fast food culture today, the author concludes that only a corrupt society can allow the mass media such power.
From the Paper
"In the Classical Greco-Roman era, it was believed that Pygmalion, a sculptor, brought Galatea to life. However, today it seems to be a more common belief that Galatea creates Pygmalion. The question of whether members of our society create the media, or if the media influences members of the society to such a degree that it essentially creates the society, is a prominent one in the study of modern anthropology. Pop culture artifacts reveal a great deal about the modern society, including social trends, values, ideals, and more. The relationship between consumers and the mass media is a complex one that may not be simple enough to evaluate as a directional give-and-take diagram. There are many issues relating to social responsibility and the often clashing pursuits of individual wealth and greater good that come to play when discussing popular media, culture, and society."
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Traditional Cultures, 2006.
An examination of traditional cultures before widespread westernization, including a review of the anthropological literature.
1,642 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how the early cultures that populated the nascent Western World were all unique. It looks at how proximity, difficulty and a mastery of seafaring technology allowed for a transfusion of cultures over the years, most predominantly through Christianization. It attempts to show how long before the age of Westernization, traditional western cultures blossomed, spreading as far away as Africa and the middle west and providing the basis for culture that would one day spread far and wide with traditions like Halloween and the "middle earth" that captivated Tolkien, Hollywood and eventually the world.
From the Paper
"Unlike their northern neighbors, the Scandinavians were not aquatic warriors; they were village-oriented farmers, fishermen, and hunters. They operated on a very local level, but were forced to establish lines of communication with other villages to establish lines of defense against the attacking Vikings. Together, the "northmen" established a large defense fleet called the ledung to protect themselves from the invaders, preserving not only their little villages, but also their families, fish, lands, and game. The Norse mythology pervaded the Scandinavian culture, an orally purported religion that claimed no divine text, but instead was a collection of tales that asserted the earth was a flat disc in which the gods lived in the center, separated from the humans by a rainbow, the Bifrost bridge."
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America -A Land of Many Kims!, 2006.
Examines the popularity of the 'Kim' surname in the American-Korean community.
915 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
Kim is one of the most common Korean surnames in both Korea and in America today. Wherever there is a Korean community, it is easy to find someone named Kim. This paper takes a look at some of the more famous Kim's who made a name for themselves in the United States.
From the Paper
"However, not only New York hosts a vibrant community of people named Kim. For example, Dr. Benjamin Kim is a prominent physician in Salt Lake City Utah, a practicing Mormon as well as a surgeon with strong ties to the community, brought to Utah by his love of the intense fellowship and religious feeling evident amongst the Mormon community. He converted to Mormonism, and became part of the Utah Mormon American lifestyle and schema of beliefs."
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Orientalism, 2006.
A critical analysis of the term, "Orientalism" and the debate surrounding it.
2,058 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
"Orientalism" centers on the study of Near and Far Eastern society and culture, including most of Asia and the Middle East, typically through the expression of art, by the Western world. The term "Orientalism" is becoming outmoded due to the debate of whether or not Orientalist artists' works were simply a portrayal of the Near and Far Eastern society at the time, or a prejudiced stereotypical portrayal that had a negative impact on both societies. This latter belief was most famously articulated by Edward Said, in his various works, but most notably his book "Orientalism". It is these two divergent critical analyses that this paper focuses upon.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Edward Said's Analysis of Orientalism
Proponents of Orientalism
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"In fact, Said (1979) believed that the crucial turning point in history was Napolean's conquest of Egypt. Warraq (2002), on the other hand, notes that Egypt was not simply a passive victim of Western rapacity. The French were forced out of the country in less than four years. During their occupation, the French were highly sensitive to Muslim opinion, as opposed to being oppressive, or viewing them as "other". In fact, General J.F. Baron de Menou had converted to Islam and had enacted a variety of measures to conciliate the Muslims."
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Human Communication Analysis, 2006.
This paper analyzes the field of cybernetics and human communications while focusing on the views and opinions of linguistics expert Gregory Bateson.
1,817 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper details the published research relating to human communication analysis, based on intra-personal, interpersonal and group interaction. This paper details Gregory Bateson's perception and definition of second-order cybernetics which illustrates an interactive system wherein the individual is constantly in relation with his or her own social environment. This paper analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative realities objectified in the field of cybernetics. The writer of this paper contends and explains the manner in which cybernetics objectively looks into the social phenomenon of being studied, noting its nature and dynamics through subjective measures. This paper examines and explains the reasoning behind Bateson's cybernetics learning process, as detailed in his book "Steps to an Ecology of Mind." This paper also delves into Bateson's discovery which clearly identifies the processes involved while interacting with the self, another communicator and other people from varying cultures and with different values.
From the Paper
"While in Learning I the individual is just learning and developing communication skills, in Learning II, s/he must now be able to identify acts and meanings that belong or do not belong to his/her culture. As exemplified earlier, distinguishing between the different actions in which agreement or disagreement are expressed is a manifestation of learning at the second level, where the communicator now commits action based on the context or situation s/he is in. Thus, when the individual is in a Middle Eastern society, it is essential to adopt the culture's communication action of agreement and disagreement, which is opposite to the individual's American culture and upbringing. These adjustments made by the communicator is an illustration of contextualization, the commitment of proper actions and meanings in an altogether different culture and society."
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The Mayan Civilization, 2005.
This paper discusses the history and culture of the Mayan civilization and its influence on today's Guatemalan life.
2,590 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Mayans, primarily from the lowlands in the central regions of southern Guatemala, built incredibly sophisticated urban centers, created an astronomical science and mathematics among the most sophisticated in the pre-modern world and established the most developed and complex system of writing in the Americas. The author points out that, because the Mayan cities were used as religious centers for the surrounding rural population and not as a true urban culture, the decline of the cities after 900 A.D. did not involve a colossal social change. The paper relates that customs and traditions of the ancient Maya are still very much a part of the fabric of Guatemalan life, sharing a common ancestral heritage that is expressed in religion, music, dance, foods and social organization.
From the Paper
"Today, the Maya can be found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and the five Mexican states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. There are approximately thirty different indigenous Mayan languages, however, the majority of the Maya also speak Spanish. The present day Guatemalan Mayas have preserved much of their culture and religion. However, there can be found a mixture of Mayan and Western European traditions, an aspect most obvious in religious practices, in which the modern Maya have created their own brand of Christianity, a blend of Catholic tradition and ancient ritual."
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Taiwan, 2006.
Provides political, geographical, economic and cultural information about the island of Taiwan.
1,457 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This essay provides information about Taiwan's geography, politics, religion, industry, languages, and family life. The paper compares that information with corresponding information about the U.S. and looks at how the two countries differ as well as how they are similar. The paper explains that the one area that the U.S. and Taiwan are virtually identical is that of recreation where both countries enjoy theater, cinema, picnics, listening to music and a number of different sports activities.
From the Paper
"In the United States, English is the unofficial language, however, roughly ten percent of the population speak Spanish (United pp). While the majority of the population are of European descent, Hispanics comprise 13.4 percent, 12.9 percent are African Americans, 4.2 percent are Asian American, and the aboriginal population of Native Americans make up about 1.5 percent of the population (United pp). According to the 2000 census, there are thirty-one ethnic groups with at least one million people living in the United States (United pp).
While in Taiwan, Han Chinese makes up roughly ninety-eight percent of the population, while most of the rest are Aborigines of Malay origins (People pp). The population density is 1,528 persons per square mile, making Taiwan one of the ten most densely populated countries in the world (People pp). The official language is Mandarin Chinese, however, the majority of the people also speak Taiwanese, the language of the first Chinese immigrants (People pp). Another Chinese dialect is Hakka, and some older people speak Japanese, and the Aborigines speak their own languages (People pp). English is generally a popular second or third language for students and is widely understood in urban areas (People pp)."
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"Women and the Historical Enterprise", 2006.
An overview of this book by Julie Des Jardins.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
According to Julie Des Jardins in her book, "Women and the Historical Enterprise", over the course of the evolution of American historiography, American men by and large have provided the cultural and ideological narrative lens of focus-a focus upon males, upon whites, and upon actions and stories that American men have deemed important. This paper enlarges on Des Jardin's idea and shows how it is expressed in her book.
From the Paper
"By recording such oral folklore, Hurston did not simply give dignity to her people, and garner a greater respect for African-American culture in America. She also introduced new idea to American historiography about what was considered a valid way of accessing the history of the past. She brought many of the techniques of anthropology to historical study and record. Hurston stressed that history was not simply what could be 'written,' history could also be found in the voices of ordinary men and women."
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Western Photography's Perception, 2006.
Examines how societies and cultures are perceived by Western photography.
3,172 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 33 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
Photography is an art form that is constituted by culture and society. At the same time photography is also an important element in shaping cultural realities. It is this complex interrelationship between the photographic image and cultural motivation that forms the basic subject of this essay. The relationship between photography and culture is outlined with reference mainly to American nation building and imagery around the turn of the century. Furthermore, the essay discusses the ways in which western forms of nation building interacted with the problem and perception of the "other" and the way images of "the other" are mediated though photographic images of the period. The paper includes photographs.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Anthropological Photography
The Cultural Role of Early Photography in America and Nation Building
Francis Johnston
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The gaze implies a separation and a sense of domination and power that relates to various aspects, including alienation and
"otherness" This also refers to the "patriarchal" gaze: and the gaze from the standpoint of colonial culture. "The majority of anthropological photographs consists of non-Westerners looking away from the photographer, who were mostly white, upper class males, or posed to be in action as to appear candid and natural. " (Tanjuakio J. 2003) This view leads to various other aspects of post-colonial and postmodern theory; such as the assertion that photography is means of "capturing" the non-westerner in terms of control and power."
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Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativity, 2006.
This paper analyzes the problems and misunderstandings that arise due to ethnocentric views of other cultures while also examining cultural relativity, a theoretical stance which opposes that of ethnocentrism.
1,491 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper defines the term ethnocentrism as a means to make assumptions or judgments about other cultures from one's own point of view. This paper details the various problems that an ethnocentric view presents when dealing with different cultures. The writer describes one particular example relating to the Hopi Indians. The ethnocentric view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were primitive and less advanced as a civilization, which resulted in the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. This paper also examines more serious examples of ethnocentrism, which can be seen in Africa, in which ethnic assumptions of inferiority or superiority led to the horrific genocide in Rwanda. The writer of this paper discusses the ethnocentric views that were prevalent in Nazi Germany. This paper also examines cultural relativity, which is a theoretical stance in direct opposition to that of ethnocentrism. This view emphasizes that cultures are a product of different historical experiences and that these differences should be respected.
From the Paper
"Examples of the problems and misunderstandings that ethnocentric attitudes can engender are numerous in recent history. For example, the view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any tenses or words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were somewhat primitive and less advanced as a civilization. Subsequently, this led to the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. Later the cultural assumption that the Hopi did not have words for time was proven to be incorrect. Another example refers to the differences in perception, which are seen from an ethnocentric point of view as a sign of inferiority. An example is the different perceptions of color by the Intuit Indians."
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Primary Styles of Love, Eros, 2006.
An analysis of Eros or primal love.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines literature and research on the subject of Eros, the form of love equated with sexuality. The paper explains that Eros is often the target of scorn by religionists, sociologists and psychologists. Yet Eros was the first form of love, which was depicted in the story of Adam and Eve. The paper argues that the disparaging of Eros, in favor of other forms such as agape, has resulted in societal chaos and intense gender-based power struggles between man and woman. The paper examines the recent movement to return Eros to its once exalted role, and the prominent featuring of this movement in a number of articles published recently in academic journals cutting across a wide swath of communications-related disciplines.
From the Paper
"Another commentator regarding Eros in education is Adams. Writing in the Western Journal of Communication, she proposed that it was blasphemous to keep Eros out of the academic world. She notes that Plato taught that "Thought without Eros is empty; and Eros, if directed only toward the sensual, without thought, is blind." She quotes, as well, Audre Lord, whose teachings included the concept that Eros was irreducible, an essential part of each person's selfhood and therefore, to negate it-verbally or actively-was to deny one's own existence. A long article by Smith discussing the work of author Nadine Gordimer, notes that in her work, although the concepts were derived from Eastern thought, it is impossible to separate Eros from all other forms of love."
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The Indigenous People.
This paper discusses the relationship of indigenous people to non-natives especially the value of shamanism.
1,860 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, historically, integration of non-native and indigenous peoples, such as the exploits of Christopher Columbus, the people of the South American Rainforest, the native American and the Canadian indigenous population, has been sad. The author points out that insights into the economic and political ways of modern day indigenous people show that they can expect upheaval and turmoil when the western ways are forced on them. The paper relates that there is value in preserving native beliefs such as the shaman, which is the indigenous equivalent to medicine men and women, because, today, there is clear evidence that the basic principles of shamanism are a universal phenomenon with similar methods and beliefs, which can contribute to modern psychology and medicine.
From the Paper
"At no other time in our history have there been as many technological advances available to bring the indigenous world into the modern world so seamlessly. For example, through technological advances like the internet, an indigenous aboriginal Australian can email an Eskimo friend in Northern Alaska to discuss their common friend who resides in the rainforest of South America and later in the same day, each of these indigenous people can see their respective shaman for an exorcism. But cultivating the ancient natives is a costly process. Present day Mexico for example is struggling to find itself and once great nations of Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs has been immersed into a state of continuous economic and political upheaval. These transformations have indigenous people around the world exposed to the whims of the industrialized nations and ideologies like capitalism, socialism and communism."
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Armenian Culture, 2005.
An overview of the history of Armenia and the culture of its people.
1,396 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
One of the oldest countries in the world is Armenia and it has a recorded history of about 3500 years. This paper examines the history of the country and the ethnic group which originated in the Caucasus and eastern Asia. The paper then discusses the history of the Armenian population in the United States and how it has contributed to American society.
From the Paper
"The largest Armenian community, other than that in Armenia, exists in America. This Armenian American community is the erudite and affluent community. The triumph of Armenians in America has been credited to their expertise in business and crafts, their very high degree of literacy, an extensive history of minority status, and solid efforts. Due to the immense value their parents put on education, second and third generations bent towards the professions and teaching. Armenians have accomplished national and international reputation in the arts."
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Egalitarianism across Gender Roles, 2006.
This paper examines the traditional roles of men and women and the division of labor according to gender in prehistoric societies, while focusing on two particular primitive cultures, the hunters and gatherers and the pastoralists.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper analyzes the great differences between the hunter/gatherer societies and that of the acquisitive societies and questions whether or not they are comparable to today's modern society. This paper details the gender roles in hunter/gatherer societies which are distinguished by the fact that each unit of that society performs essentially the same function as any other unit. Men were supposed to be physically stronger than the women and the more rational of the two. This fitted them for work outside the home in the positions of manual laborer or creative thinker while women were envisioned as being physically more delicate and also decidedly more emotional. Society, therefore, placed women within the confines of the home and family. This paper also examines the culture and traditions that were essential to the acquisitive societies, which are very similar today's modern society, in that wealth, prestige and success were the prime determining factor in the relative egalitarianism, or hierarchical qualities found among these cultures.
From the Paper
"Women were best suited to raising children, being good and attentive wives, and on the whole - when they chanced to work outside that environment - to provide functions that were still regarded as "feminine": nurse, teacher, domestic, etc. In general, however, it has always been the belief of serious students of humanity that these gender roles are even more strictly defined among those human societies that have not yet reached the level most would term "civilized." Primitive man, so called, was represented as being even more completely bound by prehistoric tradition. Within these societies, men and women fulfilled the roles handed down to them by ancient archetypes; life being in great measure an endless reenactment of prior conditions."
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Ascribed Status vs. Achieved Status, 2006.
This paper analyzes how one's initial impression and perception of fellow human beings impact and determine our expectations of these individuals.
2,428 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This insightful and well-researched paper examines how one's impression of an individual's social class molds the way in which we interact with that particular individual. This paper focuses on how the initial impressions of our fellow human beings can impact and even determine our expectations of other individuals. From a small number of visual and audio clues, we can guess at whether an individual is successful or not. These same clues tell us whether that particular person is worthy of respect, or revulsion. The writer of this paper details how the status of people, organizations, places and ideas differs depending upon the context. One group may possess a generally negative status, while others may present a negative status only in relation to certain others. This paper also explores the impact of the media on our perception of others. Newspapers and television stations are always bombarding the viewer with images of crime and criminals. They like to show photographs of the alleged victim dressed neatly in a suit and tie, or wearing the robes of an altar boy. Much stronger than these examples of individual cases of a person's status or condition, are those in which the media stereotypes a whole group of people. This paper also discusses how ethnic and minority groups are lumped together in such an easily recognized fashion.
From the Paper
"Among the other discoveries of this look at "status," was the uncovering of a still-more insidious method of reporting events. In many of the pieces at which we looked, the "judgment" that the reader is invited to make is conceived of as something that happens almost automatically. For example, Mayor Daley's defense of vocational schools does not, in reality, contain anything positive or negative about such a school. Instead, it is the mere offering of the comment that is significant. People have a certain idea about "vocational schools," and the Mayor, as well the Tribune's readers are fully cognizant of the nature of that point-of-view. A more positive way of handling the story might have been for the article to have listed all that the vocational schools would do, rather than introducing at once the idea that "You'll live with it!" Too many times, even the most objective people let slip small comments or phrases that indicate a prejudice one way or the other. Particular words become "code words."
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