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Ancient World Literature, 2002.
Summarizes three famous literary works of antiquity: "Ramayana", "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "The Art of War".
2,090 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the anthropological significance of "Ramayana", "The Epic of Gilgamesh", and "The Art of War" and points out the contribution these works have had toward a better understanding of complicated social, moral, and military aspects of human nature.
From the Paper
"Literature has always served the purpose of connecting the reader with the time period in which it was written. This is why the writings of the distant past, even in translation, are among the most fascinating to modern scholars. Anthropologists such as Saussure, Joseph Campbell and others were seminal in uncovering mythological themes in ancient texts. As archeology supplemented legend, the literary world found evidence that the mythical worlds evidenced by the works of antiquity was in some cases based in fact. Three of the most intriguing works of antiquity are Ramayana, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and The Art of War. Each provides the reviewer with insight as to the origins of a particular culture or geographic region."
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Water Resources of New York, 2002.
Illustrates the supply problems of water resources of Long Island, New York.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how New York's water supply has deteriorated as a result of human induced pollution and some naturally occurring disadvantages in the water supply. Also discussed are the costs associated with decontaminating the water supply and possible solutions to the supply problems.
From the Paper
"The human being has certainly come a significantly long way in terms of exceptionally evolutionary development and advancement within all sectors and components constituting the geographical as well as intangible parameters of contemporary society. Though there have been various, monumentally significant outcomes and benefits accompanying most of the developmental establishments and advancements of mankind till date, however, there are almost an equal number of disadvantages that have also accompanied this significant rate of advancement."
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Orientalism, 2002.
An examination of the uses and abuses of the concept of orientalism.
2,401 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 20 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how there have been many uses and abuses in regard to the cultural and social concept called orientalism, a way of coming to terms with the Orient (including the Arab world) that is based on the Orient's place in European Western experience. It shows how the true objectives of the western cultures is to be in a position of imperialistic power so the wealth and resources of the target nation can be exploited. It looks at how today, the same system of cultural imperialism is being utilized by nations like the United States against the oil rich Arab nations and how the misinformation of western cultures like the United States have historically presented Islamic laws as a flawed belief structure because the laws were affiliated with what was then considered a false religion.
From the Paper
"A good marketing campaign based on false advertisement would be similar to the Orientalism campaigns that have historically labeled whole nations as underachieving or simply heathens. Orientalism can be seen as an indicator that the western nations held something of an advantage over the third world nations. Today, the Arab world has also been associated with Orientalism. Western cultures have historically seen Islamic laws as a flawed belief structure because these laws were affiliated with what was then considered a false religion. Today?s reasoning has been modernized in the sense that the Islamic laws are now considered flawed because there is an assumption by the western cultures that the Islamic laws reject human rights. There is one consistency in the west?s beliefs from past and present -- Western reasoning is superior to eastern reasoning."
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Historical Particularism vs. Cultural Ecology, 2002.
Discusses and compares these two concepts of anthropology.
1,168 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
Franz Boaz defined the concept in anthropology, ?Historical Particularism?, which focuses directly on an event itself and accounts for this event by tying it in some way to environmental and historical factors that could explain the creation of the cultural variables. The paper compares this theory to Julian Steward's "Cultural Ecology", which is different in its temporal emphasis. Whereas Boaz tended to focus on one particular event, Steward seems to be more interested in viewing the process of interaction between environment and culture over time. Steward examined the process by which societies adapted to their environment and then considered how changes or developments in that environment then lead to cultural change. The paper also shows that while Boaz and Steward?s views disagree on the the interaction between culture and environment, later theorists have attempted to resolve the differences between the theorists.
From the Paper
"Thus, while Rappaport employs an overarching framework that would be in accordance with Steward?s ideas about Cultural Ecology, his focus is not on the systematic development of the relationship between environment and culture, but on the particulars of any culture or historical event that is engrossed in the process of undergoing change. Indeed, Rappaport ?stated that much is to be gained by regarding culture ?as part of the means by which animals of the human species maintain themselves in their environment?? (Runk). Thus, his focus on the particularities of an event reflects the influence of Boaz on his work."
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Prehistoric Cave Art, 2002.
An insight into prehistoric cave art.
1,154 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how prehistoric cave art is considered to be man?s original form of art, although its date of origin is still unknown. It looks at how, with examples, the art displays the effects of the cultures and surroundings that created them. It discusses how the cave art found in Europe and Africa depicts the prehistoric conception of animals, humans, symbols and weapons and how there are many differences and commonalities between the art found in both areas.
From the Paper
"The cave paintings in Linton are considered to be only 11,000 years old, as opposed to Apollo 11. The cave shelter located in Linton on the Eastern Cape of Africa contains a painting of that illustrates the experiences of healers or shaman, calling on supernatural powers. Human figures are clearly defined. The shaman has hooves, as if taking on the shape of an animal in order to connect to the spiritual world. White dots are used to represent spiritual power. Strange features are also assigned to other animals and humans present during the trance in the painting, using white dashes. Animals in the painting appear to have mismatched body parts, such as a snake with an antelope head."
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Toltec Society, 2002.
Explores this South American militaristic group of people.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
Historians presume that the Toltecs are actually the refugees from the ?Teotihuan culture? which fell apart during the 700 A.D. They were among the first purely ?Militaristic? cultures and commanded the neighboring states by their military power. The paper shows that the empire expanded rapidly and the Toltecs began to take control of lands which were controlled by the Mayans. The Toltec Empire extended into what is present day Mexico, Guatemala and the Pacific coastal area of Chiopas. The paper describes how the Toltec Empire, which flourished from the 8th century, began to fall during the Twelfth century when Mayans, Chimetics and the other tribal powers finally subordinated them. Since there is no written record our primary source of information about the mesoamerican society is from the archaeological evidence discoveries. This paper examines the Toltec Society in detail.
From the Paper
"The era of the Toltecs is perceived by historians as the change from a priesthood society to that of a Militaristic one. Toltec society was a militaristic one that used its army to subjugate and occupy the neighboring lands. This is all the more evident form their architecture. Toltecs had great regard for their warriors and enshrined many of their brave warriors in their temples. There is an air of somber about their architectures. The Toltec?s carved out images of serpents, eagles, jaguars and other forms of threatening images. They also had images of their god Tezcatlipoca, ?Smoking Mirrors? carved out in most of their architectures. Toltec?s used Limestone as the main material for their constructions. A characteristic feature of the Toltec architecture, other than the various carvings of snake, jaguars, eagle etc, is their flat roofed constructions. Unlike the roman civilizations wherein we see lot of dooms the Toltecs predominantly designed flat roofed buildings. [Ferguson,]"
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Cultural Awareness, 2002.
This paper examines how prevailing Western cultural concepts regarding the soul and spirituality, gender and healing have been challenged and redefined by a growing awareness of cultural alternatives.
2,541 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
The first part of the paper looks at the various cultural meanings of healing, as practiced by the Hmong people of Southeast Asia and the Daraga people of Western Africa. It examines how these cultures have challenged Western medicine?s traditional focus on the body only. In the second part, the paper examines the various cultural concepts of religion and spirituality, and how the growing pluralism of definitions is a challenge for hegemonic Christianity. In the conclusion, the paper examines how these multiplicities of viewpoints have affected and broadened the author's own value system, giving an emphasis on the conflicting cultural concepts regarding gender and sports.
From the Paper
"One of the most contentious areas of such cultural collisions involves medicine. Such conflicts are not new, as physicians have already run into conflict with many American religious groups such as the Scientologists and the Jehovah?s Witnesses, who prohibit blood transfusions. In a case involving a child, however, a court ruled in 1943 that the state had a right to impose life-saving medical treatment, even if the said treatment conflicts with the family?s religion (Fadiman 80).
Since the 1940s, however, physicians, scientists and the general public have begun to understand how other cultures may have radically-different ideas about the causes of illness and disease. The growing diversity of the population now requires physicians and healthcare workers a heightened cultural awareness, to become more understanding of the multitude of health traditions that exist around the world and, increasingly, in the country."
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Sherman Alexie, 2002.
Discusses how this explores the theme of the loss of Native American society in his novel, "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven"
1,311 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
Sherman Alexie, in his book "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven", takes the role of the storyteller in society, the one who puts the attitudes and concerns of the community into narrative form. The paper shows that Alexie is dealing directly with the role of the storyteller in Native American society and how that role affects the social order, is fed by that same order and both conveys and creates myths as a result. The paper shows that a theme that recurs in the stories in this collection concerns the birthright of the Indian and the way it has been compromised by white society, which seeks to adapt it to its own uses.
From the Paper
"Poverty is another theme in this book, for poverty is the condition to which the people on the reservation have become accustomed as they have become more alienated from their birthright. This is also a condition passed from father to son: "On Christmas Eve when he was five, Victor's father wept because he didn't have any money for gifts" ("Every Little Hurricane" 4). This is another reason for the alcoholism, which in turn contributes to the poverty. A deadly cycle is thus created, a cycle that continues from one generation to the next with little sign of any change. There is some memory of earlier times when Indians believed they had achieved something by selling land or oil rights to whites, but that was an illusion. Poverty is the reality and alcohol the way to make it all seem better: "He thought one more beer could save the world.""
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Aboriginal Health Care, 2002.
An examination of the social conditions of the Aborigines which causes them to have poorer health than Australians of non-indigenous descent.
1,296 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the phenomenon that Aborigines have much lower health care standards than other Australians and examines the multiple social causes for this situation. These includes squalid living conditions, lack of education and awareness, fear of the authorities and general belief in their own systems of health care.
From the Paper
"Aborigines make up less than one percent of the total population in Australia. On every index, Aborigines fare worse than other Australians. Most Aboriginal families face health problems due to a lack of health care. They are at disadvantage in health standards, life expectancy, and infant mortality. Health risks and lack of proper health care place Aboriginal children at extreme risk for many diseases."
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"Inuit Youth: Growth and Change in the Canadian Arctic", 2002.
A book review of "Inuit Youth: Growth and Change in the Canadian Arctic" by Richard Condon.
2,258 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
An analysis of this book which is a study of the Inuit people of Holman Island, a community in the Northwest Territories of Arctic Canada. It discusses how Condon analyzes their community, family life, relations with friends and peers, gender and sex issues, school and work situations, and prospects for the future.
From the Paper
"Intuit, or Eskimos, live in small, isolated villages, usually in groups of only 10 to 50 people, though the exception could be as large a group as 800. Most villages would have perhaps six dwellings. The Eskimo world is small and self-contained not only in terms of the size of the village and the size of the home but also in terms of the circle familiar to a single Eskimo. Relatives constitute the primary world of the Eskimo. The Eskimo family consists of the conjugal unit, a husband, wife, and their children. At the time of first European contact, most women had only two or three children, though Eskimo couples wanted to have as many children as possible. There were two reasons for this fact: 1) there was a high rate of infant mortality; and 2) there was a low effective fertility rate. In this century, however, after Eskimos became relatively sedentary and started weaning their children at a much earlier age, the birth rate exploded to some of the highest levels ever recorded for a human population."
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Korean American, 2002.
Uses interviews with a typical Korean-American family to understand how they define their identity.
1,812 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
With their dramatic increase in population and the racial unrest that resulted in the destruction of Korean businesses during the Los Angeles civil unrest, Korean Americans have emerged as one of the visible ethnic groups in the country. This paper uses a series of interviews with a typical Korean-American family to evaluate its perceptions of their ethnicity. It compares and contrasts how Father Park and Mother Park?s definitions differ from the experiences of their daughter Sunny. It gives particular focus on how the members of the two generations accord a different importance to learning the Korean language. In the conclusion, the paper evaluates how the Park family uses language to shore up their definitions of ethnicity. By looking at the role language plays in the Park?s definitions of being ?Korean? or being ?American,? this paper contributes to the larger literature on the different methods people employ to construct their ethnic identities.
From the Paper
"The Parks would like Sunny to ?remember where she came from,? and for them, remembering is strongly connected with language and with an acceptance of Korean-ness. While they recognize that Sunny was born and raised in the United States and cannot help but be a product of this social and cultural environment, they also express doubts on whether Sunny can truly classify herself as ?American? or be accepted by others as an American.
Part of the Parks? stand is understandable, since they are naturally projecting their experiences of marginalization onto their daughter. Since language was an important foundation in the construction of social identity in their host country, they assume this will be the same for Sunny."
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Women and Patriarchy, 2002.
This paper examines how patriarchal structures remain in three important social structures ? marriage, household and family life and in the economy.
2,606 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
The first part of the paper compares the marriage practices among the Yanomamo Indians in northern Brazil, the Sherpa people of the Himalayas and the !Kung Sen people of the Kalahari desert. These ethnographic examples were selected because of their geographic and racial diversity.
The second part of the paper examines the gender relations and division of labor within the household, and how such traditional gender structures in the home are being affected by the growing number of women who work outside the home, both by choice and by economic need. The last part of the paper examines women?s participation in the economic sphere outside the home. Since traditional economic measures generally ignore women?s work in the ?informal? economy, this section gives special focus on women whose economic participation is often overlooked, such as the maquiladoras of Mexico and the small vendors and business owners in Jamaica. In the conclusion, the paper teases out how -- despite outward changes such as suffrage and growing educational opportunities for women -- patriarchal norms remain deeply embedded in the social and economic structures all over the world.
From the Paper
"In the United States, most women are free to pick to pick their choice of mates and to enter into marriage agreements. The prevailing view in many developed and Westernized country is to see marriage as a partnership. In many societies around the world, however, marriage is more than a union of two people. Most women do not have a choice regarding their mates. For example, the Yanomamo Indians of northern Brazil use marriage arrangements to forge alliances and to maintain peace within the villages. Most women are expected to marry at a young age, via previous arrangements. Among the Yanomami, only men are allowed to have more than one spouse. A man who successfully obtains several wives ensures that his grandsons will have a wide pool of cross-cousins from which to find a wife (Chagnon, 1997).
Like the Yanomamos, the Sherpas of Nepal have exogamic restrictions governing marriage. Traditional marriages arranged by parents are still the norm. The consent of marriage partners became more important and there are also increasing instances of Sherpas marrying Nepalis from outside the Sherpa community."
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?Chinese? Food and the Model Minority, 2002.
A discussion of the cultural relevance of the Chinese-food experience.
3,340 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper is an exploration into the world of the Chinese restaurant. It looks at the ethnic compromises and paradoxes inherent in creating a ?Chinese? restaurant in America, for Americans. It shows how in every English-speaking country from England to Canada, Chinese food is a huge business and how for many immigrants it is one of the only businesses ready and willing to take them in. It examines how most Chinese restaurants strive to present themselves as cultural representations where the American connoisseur can have a legitimate cross-cultural experience.
From the Paper
"The cultural concessions of the Chinese food industry, and the strange love-hate relationship between mainstream America and Asian minorities are relatively well documented, if often only in passing. In a lengthy essay regarding ?Racist love? (that is, the way in which exoticism and positive stereotypes can hurt a minority), Tiffany Loui suggests that America has a long history of romanticizing Asian cultures to their detriment. She records the way in which all Asians are lumped together in the modern American parlance, despite the fact that the differences between regions is in many cases more pronounced than those among European cultures. (For example, the gastronomical, social, linguistic, religious, and economic differences between mainland China and Japan are far greater than those between France and England, and that says nothing of the many provinces within China alone) This is something that can be noticed also in Chinese foods: almost all relatively affordable Chinese restaurants, especially those which do take-out, have extremely similar menus."
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Modern Anthropology and Japan, 2002.
This paper discusses the modern concept of the field of anthropology and then analyzes the works: Timon Screech?s ?Sex and the Floating World: Erotic Images in Japan, 1700-1820" and Ruth Benedict?s "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword?.
1,835 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper states that the first generations of ethnographic considered their subjects to be exotic and very different from themselves; whereas, modern anthropologist now approach their subjects as people who are not exactly like themselves and are no longer thought to have inferior cultures. The author continues that this change in anthropology has produced entirely new ways of writing ethnographies. The author applies this approach to the analysis of Timon Screech?s 1999 ?Sex and the Floating World: Erotic Images in Japan, 1700-1820?, which investigates the nexus of gender, sexuality and ambition in ways that are attentive to the intra-cultural variations amongst people and to the famous telling ethnographic story of ambition in Japan in Ruth Benedict?s national character study ?The Chrysanthemum and the Sword?, 1989.
From the Paper
"Another striking difference between Benedict?s work and the Screech?s is that Benedict?s own gender is invisible in the work: We do not have any sense that this is the perspective of a woman writing about a patriarchal society. This is certainly not true in the modern ethnography, which begins with recognition of the high degree of intracultural variation that exists when one takes as one?s cultural reference group an entire nation-state. This attentiveness to individual variation was not yet current during the creation of the kind of ethnography of first-world nations known as national character studies that were popular in the 1930s and 1940s and reflects much of the sensitivity of defining group status that Anderson emphasizes."
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Holism, 2002.
A look at the practice of holism - the need to see patients as wholes, not just a group of symptoms pointing to a disease.
1,281 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how nurses can learn about the concept of holism from many indigenous cultures including the natives of Hawaii and Native Americans, who view individuals as more than the sums of their parts. It discusses how such a view will enhance all patient care and prepare the nurse to work with patients of many cultural backgrounds. At the same time, medical practitioners must be realistic about what new science tells us about old remedies.
From the Paper
"Indigenous cultures within the United States, including native Hawaiians and Native Americans, feel they have an affinity with nature (Broad, 2002) or are even a physical part of the larger world (Lowe, 2002). For them, the concept of holism extends even beyond their own bodies and minds. Recognizing that one?s world view will affect whether and how a person seeks medical care, the state of Hawaii has worked to set up community health services that reflects respect for cultural beliefs (Broad, 2002). The Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, passed in 1988, encouraged the resurgence of traditional practices."
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