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Darwin and Religion, 2008.
An analysis of the role of religion in the controversy surrounding Darwin's theories in the nineteenth century.
1,711 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how during the nineteenth century there was controversy surrounding Darwin's publication of "On the Origin of Species". It looks at how his arguments were so contrary to mainstream religious thought that, although they were quickly incorporated into the scientific corpus, the religious community and the lay public has had a more difficult time accepting Darwin's thesis.
From the Paper
"The scientific importance of Darwin's ideas, thus, was not without precedent. Other scholars had suggested similar explanations for speciation. What differentiated Darwin was the incredible wealth of observations and experimental evidence that he amassed in order to demonstrate the validity of his theory (McGowen 21). Despite this evidence, the explanation generated controversy almost from the start. Some of this controversy unquestionably came from the scientific community, which would have debated and argued the finer points of Darwin's work to determine its worthiness as an explanation for natural phenomenon."
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Community Economic Development, 2007.
An examination of impact models as educational devices in
community economic development initiatives.
1,388 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses an empirical economic impact model based on market research at the community and municipality level. The writer discusses the belief that communities and municipalities require effective economic impact models in order to adequately build and estimate budgets as well as to plan for future development needs. The writer proposes a community based cooperative action program that emphasizes a three component economic analysis model.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Impact Model Applicability
Economic Impact Analysis
Economic Impact Component
Community Impact Component
Fiscal Impact Component
Three Phase Process
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The contemporary economic climate ensures that communities require ready and immediate access to information that allows them to respond more effectively to economic volatility. Community leaders as well as citizens within the community constantly are required to make decisions that impact various aspects of the community, such as business growth, dimensions of traditional industry activities, land use issues, and a host of other common community concerns (Gibbs 18). The growing observation is that all these issues and more also impact the overall economic indicators within communities as well which consist of employment/unemployment concerns, income issues such as poverty or affordable housing, or the demand for expanded public services. In researching these issues it becomes vital to identify the particular issue or problem which allows both the researcher and the community leader the ability to better address such issues specifically (Green, et al 6). Thus, developing effective economic models relies on cooperation between both researcher and, in effect, the researched."
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Global Problems Facing Feminism, 2007.
A discussion about moving towards a transnational feminist movement.
1,353 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the gap between theoretical feminism and practical feminist activities. It looks at how a global movement needs to change male attitudes and how whole social systems need to be understood. The writer suggests that the examination of case studies could help create a number of workable models, separate from mere ideology, oriented towards raising women's basic status, reducing women's suffering, and seeing that women come to be appreciated as equal citizens, across the world.
Outline:
Introduction
Essential Consultation
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Western countries offer much familiarity with the women's movement and topics of feminism as can be said of the educated classes in the non-Western world. However, on a global scale, the gains of feminism have been quite low, as should inspire interest in a global movement towards public education, legal and social reform, so that all citizens are at least aware of the ideal of gender equality. The United Nations and various non-governmental organizations have long discussed the imperatives of women's rights and gender equality. Many Westerners fail to see the degree of sexism to non-Western societies in extreme class gaps, deep poverty and general suffering affecting women, and less activity in making women aware of their rights, as comes to being seen as rather a luxury under such circumstances. Unfortunately, Western feminists can seem to avoid such realities though they are essential to the building of a bona fide transnational feminist campaign."
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Literature and Community, 2008.
An analysis of the interactions between literature and community within the context of Sophocles' "Oedipus the King," as well as within the context of modern Canadian literature and culture.
1,287 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how a community generates literature that reflects its own attitudes and values and how literature simultaneously moulds community, and reflects it. It consider these interacting influences within the context of Sophocles' "Oedipus the King," as well as within the context of modern Canadian literature and culture. The paper also discusses this in the context of the writer's own experience of cultural community.
From the Paper
"One of these distinctly Canadian discourses may be said to be the discourse of sport, and particularly of hockey. As one theorist put it, "The rituals of sport engage more people in a shared experience than any other institution or cultural activity today." (Varda Burstyn, The Rites of Men, quoted in Coakley and Donnelly, 1) Watching hockey together has become a symbolic action that unites Canadians. Interestingly, sport as a component of ideology and community building is highlighted in John B. Lee's poetry collection, The Hockey Player Sonnets: Overtime Edition. Lee succeeds in making clear a significant aspect of Canadian hockey-related mythology, albeit one that is primarily white and male."
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Polynesian Culture, 2005.
A discussion of the historical and cultural development of the Maori ta moko.
1,684 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper examines some of the basic cultural forces that drove the original ta moko designs. The writer further discusses its recent resurgence among modern Maori. It explains the highly ritualized process of traditional ta moko incisions. The paper suggests that the use of ta moko among the Maori can be explained in terms of a need to establish a strong cultural marker.
From the Paper
"The Maori Ta Moko: Historical and Cultural Development
Few cultural practices possess the immediate recognition and visual authority of the Maori ta moko. The ta moko is the unique and elaborate body tattoos that Maori traditionally receive. Both men and women receive the tattoos, notably on their faces where the intricate patterns can be quite striking and even intimidating."
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Honor Killings, 2005.
An examination of honor killings in Pakistan.
1,339 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the problem of honor killings and looks at the history of honor killings in Pakistan. The paper then explains that the establishment and strict enforcement of laws protecting women from this kind of abuse and violence, as well as the cultural pressure to make change, are the basic approaches to rid the world of this kind of murder.
From the Paper
"Women throughout the world have long suffered at the hands of their husbands, fathers, and other male relatives. Why would a father, husband, or brother kill his daughter, wife, or sister? In some parts of the world, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Uganda, and many countries in the Middle East, when a woman's family believes that her behavior has threatened the "family honor," killing her is seen as the only alternative . The practice of "honor killing", which is the murder of a (generally) female relative who is perceived to have brought dishonor to the family (which can be defined in terms as broad as looking at a man in a sexual manner, adultery, refusing a marriage proposal, refusing to have sex, or even being raped) by a male member of the family, has the highest level of reported incidence in the nation of Pakistan."
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Mythic Histories, 2008.
This paper provides a critical analysis of 'Pocahontas' by Paula Gunn Allen and 'The Kongolese Saint Anthony: Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita' by John Thornton.
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explores how, in "Pocahontas", Allen imbues her narrative representation of the life of Pocahontas with the qualities of the sacred. The thesis is argued that Allen, in keeping with the hybrid nature of her subject and the overarching American myth within which her subject is a critical figure, achieves her objectives by combining the narrative conventions of Indian oral traditions and mythic elements together with western narrative models and an anthropological understanding of myth. The paper further explains that this hybrid approach, as is seen with comparative reference to the story of Dona Beatriz Kimpa Vita, allows access to the multiple cultural perspectives necessary to understand these otherwise elusive and complex historical figures. From this perspective the paper shows how important an appreciation of the reality of the mythic can be in the comprehension of such women as Pocahontas and Dona Beatriz who would otherwise be alien and opaque to our western secular modes of analysis.
Outline:
Introduction
The Reality of Myth
The Importance of Being Hybrid
From the Paper
"In the realm of the strictly empirical as opposed to the mythic, Allen's hybrid narrative model yields insights into our understanding of her subject and the events of her time that would not otherwise be apparent. Consider, for example, the story of the initial contact between John Smith and the tsenacommacah of which our primary narrative perspective is a text of Smith's written years afterwards. Smith believed - understandably from his English perspective - that the young Pocahontas must have fallen in love with him, as this was the only explanation he could discern for her flinging herself upon his to save him from ritual execution at the hands of her father."
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Salsa Music, 2008.
This paper discusses salsa music and Puerto Rican culture.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer relates that the Puerto Rican people have a sense of their cultural heritage that sets them apart from other Latinos. One may hear the cultural music of Puerto Ricans, a style that the world has come to know as salsa. The writer notes that the notion of a pure Puerto Rican culture is an irony itself, however, and this can be understood from a brief consideration of salsa and its cultural representations and implications. The writer maintains that, as the music has become popular around the world, the move to bottle it and sell it has been carried out in much the same way that other colonialist movements have, with the United States recognizing a viable product to be mined in the minority culture and then sold to the world as a product for profit. The writer concludes that in this way salsa is not only characteristic of the relationship between the Puerto Rican people and the U.S., it is in some ways contributing to their ongoing exploitation.
From the Paper
"It is, in other words, a beautiful mongrel mix of different cultural influences just as the Puerto Rican people themselves come from the intermixing of native Taino Indians, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. The fact that it is in no way Puro Puerto Ricano makes it no less special or globally important. It simply is to acknowledge that it is through the stewing and brewing of cultural influences that both salsa music and Puerto Rican heritage gain their magic."
"Of course, salsa is not only important for what it says about Puerto Rican specialness. It is also important for what it says about everything in daily life of Puerto Ricans - from gender and class roles to fashion to politics."
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Twentieth Century American Popular Music, 2007.
This paper analyzes the developmental history of 20th century American popular music from the earliest jazz pioneers to the latest major pop stars of 20th century American music.
2,545 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that all of the musical genres, such as Ragtime, Jazz, Big Band, Blues, Country, Rock 'n' Roll, Folk, Punk, Heavy Metal, Rap and Hip Hop, are linked together into a single unified whole in American music. The author discusses the importance of the development of Rock 'n' Roll and how it crossed over successfully into many earlier forms of the Blues and Country genres. The paper stresses that the contributions of the African-American influence on American music, which is the core element to many American styles that came earlier, are crucial to the latter popularity of Rap and Hip Hop.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ragtime and Jazz
The Big Bands and the Blues
The Evolution of Jazz and Growing Popularity of Country Music: 1920-1950
The Rock 'n' Roll Era of the 1950s
The "Psychedelic" Rock 'n' Roll and Folk Music Movements of the 1960s
Punk and Heavy Metal: The 1970s and the 1980s
Rap and Hip Hop
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The first broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee in 1925 was a crucial moment for the popularity of Country music to be introduced in American music. Often these fusion of old Bluegrass styles and Folk often helped to build the style of what became known as "Country" by the likes of the Grand Ole Opry. In this manner, Nashville became the center of this genre, helping to introduce country to a major audience. Once again, it was the radio that greatly helped to bring this music to millions of listeners across the United States."
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AIDS in Africa, 2008.
This paper explores why Africa is one of the hardest hit areas in the worldwide AIDS epidemic.
2,285 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper suggests that the prominence of HIV/AIDS in Africa may be explained by (1) the impoverished nature of Africa as a whole, which makes people more susceptible to infection, and (2) AIDS denialism, which makes people believe they are not at risk. The author points out that both of these factors can be connected to colonialism, which impoverished African countries and created a racist discourse of disease, and to neo-colonialism, which keeps African countries poor and is the target of AIDS denialism. The paper stresses that the only way to reduce AIDS in Africa is to deal with this legacy of colonialism and the current effects of neo-colonialism. The paper included many quotations.
From the Paper
"Many researchers have argued that attempts to link HIV/AIDS
to Africa had a basis in racist philosophies. ... This argument would seem to indicate that arguments about the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Africa being caused by environmental conditions in Africa are part of a racist discourse. In essence it is the continuation of the argument that there is something mentally/morally deficient with African people that has transformed the entire continent into a source for disease. If the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Africa can't be explained by environmental conditions then how can this phenomenon be explained?"
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The Contemporary Fine Art Markets, 2007.
This paper is an anthropological analysis of the contemporary fine art market based on Stuart Plattner's study, titled 'A Most Ingenious Paradox - the Market for Contemporary Fine Art' from "American Anthropologist".
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Plattner's article, 'A Most Ingenious Paradox - the Market for Contemporary Fine Art', reports trends in the North American contemporary fine arts markets and in the commodification of fine art that reflect a neo-liberal environment of considerable new wealth and the culture of consumerism. The author points out that Plattner's orientation is one of participant-observation; a person exposed directly to the phenomenon of local fine art businesses and those who produce for them. The paper concludes that the local fine art markets are well established and profitable and that its artifacts may indicate a great deal regarding consumer tastes and behavior.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
An Informal Ethnography
The Decline of Authority
Economic Anthropology and Fieldwork in Toronto
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Few consumers can know much of why one piece of fine art in a local venue costs more than another, as producers know that few seem to purchase with an eye to buying something to appreciate in value, as opposed to buying due to personal preference. In local and regional markets, the artists that Plattner refers to as identity producers can have an involved philosophy towards what they produce of which consumers need not know, featuring ideas of contributing to a total cultural heritage rather than pursuing artistic fame or monetary success."
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Indian Indentured Servitude, 2007.
This paper discusses Indian indentured servitude under the British colonial system.
2,110 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explores the indentured servitude of Indians in terms of both its successful incorporation as part of the colonial system of domination and oppression, as well as in terms of how opposition and resistance to this system influenced political and social development in the region. The writer argues that with reference to both earlier and later periods of indentured servitude on different Caribbean sites, an accurate history of indentured servitude requires such a balanced analysis to understand fully its complexity and significance in terms of regional history.
Outline:
Introduction
Indentured Servitude as Subservience to Colonialism
Indentured Servitude and Resistance
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Indeed, to understand differences in resistance across the region - from island to island - we must acknowledge the extraordinary levels of control of the plantation and civil authorities over the movement and actions of the indentured Indians. For example, while discontent and resistance was widespread in British Guiana, on the neighbouring island of Trinidad - with the second largest colony of indentured Indians in the Caribbean region - there was minimal resistance. The differences between the two situations cannot be explained with reference to caste or class/education of the Indians, as both came from the same pool of migrants. Instead, it is theorized while the appalling labour conditions in the islands represented a tinderbox that would be lit at any moment, different approaches to dealing with potential discontent on the part of the authorities was a critical factor in explaining differences between islands."
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Cultural Performance, 2007.
This paper discusses the concept of cultural performance.
2,177 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the body of scholarly literature on "cultural performance" is diverse and spans a wide range of disciplines and theoretical perspectives and interests. This essay represents an effort to synthesize three prominent articles by leading theorists in this area: Victor Turner, Richard Schechner, and Marvin Carlson. The paper demonstrates that, while these articles cover similar material in many respects, they differ primarily in terms of their respective objectives, with Carlson's work being a broader, descriptive review of the body of literature on the subject of "performance" while Turner and Schechner present more focused, thesis-driven works examining performance from their respective theoretical positions. The paper also argues that a synthesis of the three articles allows the reader to not only situate the concept of "performance of culture" within its scholarly context, but also to understand with greater precision the implications of this concept for the analysis of specific cultural productions and narratives.
Outline:
Introduction
Performance: Interdisciplinary Agreement and Controversy
Performance Theory: 3 Articles and 3 Approaches
The Practical Significance of Performance Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Schechner's article demonstrates in greater detail than Turner's just how many different forms performances can assume across cultures. Schechner departs from Turner in that while Turner argued that theatrical models of performances derived originally from religious rituals, Schechner suggests that this development may have been a two-way process in which rituals may also have emerged from theatre. It may be argued that Schechner is here extending Turner's idea about "feedback" between theatrical performance and society back to include the very origins of ritualized behaviour in the human species. This difference is important for it allows us to apply the theoretical models of performance analysis more widely than even Turner would acknowledge given that, as Schechner suggests, performance in the form of aesthetic genres (e.g., theatre, dance, music) may not have grown out of any previous form but may actually "be co-existent with the human species"."
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AIDS in South Africa, 2007.
An analysis of the social, cultural and geographical factors in South Africa that impact the prevalence and pattern of AIDS in that nation.
1,014 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. It describes the impact of social and cultural influences on the prevalence and pattern of AIDS in the country. It then discusses the combination of common and unique social, cultural and geographical factors that created this significant impact and provides and discusses examples of these factors.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, due to a combination of common and unique social, cultural, and geographical factors, such as prostitution, high levels of unprotected sex, the mobility of migrant workers, reluctance to discuss issues involving sex, and the low utilization of condoms, AIDS has become an overwhelming, lethal, merciless killer in South Africa.
But there is a slight glimmer of hope shining tentatively through the gloom and despair of the last thirty years."
"The latest studies of the AIDS situation in South Africa indicate that the number of people who became infected with the disease virus decreased for the first time since the epidemic began three decades ago. Health officials are unsure whether the slight decline marks a true turning point in the epidemic or a momentary pause. Nevertheless, the drop raises the possibility that the epidemic may finally begin to stabilize in South Africa."
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Gentrification and Urban Renewal, 2007.
An examination of the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification and urban renewal.
1,358 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses gentrification and urban renewal. It looks at the reasons for gentrification of a region and its advantages. The paper then demonstrates that while gentrification of an area is done to reconstruct the image of a region as acceptable to the public at large, it does so at the expense of those persons whom defined the original character of the region.
From the Paper
"Both of these scenarios reflect an absolute lack of consideration for the persons and the socio-cultural setting involved. The decision to enter into an area and apply gentrification does so at the expense of a population that is considered to have less inherent value than members of the mainstream population. Moreover, it is difficult to present arguments in the favor of the displaced communities that reach the mainstream population and policy members without implying that the conditions within these communities are beneficial. After all, no one could sensibly argue that keeping children in impoverished conditions with high crime rates and allowing drug use and the overt sale of sexuality are beneficial outcomes. Doing so, however, is a simplified argument that does not get at the heart of the issues involved: the decision to gentrify an area is the decision to destroy a unique culture, but it is instead framed as the appropriate decision to bring new vitality back into the community. It is rarely taken into consideration that the community that exists will be gone and that its participants will be forced to relocate, or that the relocation phase can make their lives worse than before."
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