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Racism in Native-American Literature, 2007.
This paper offers a comparison and contrast of racism and inter-racial marriage as seen in "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan.
983 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the racism inherent within the institution of marriage within the two novels "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan. The paper discusses Hogan's use of racism against Native-Americans through the marginalization of Indian culture by whites who discourage inter-racial marriages. The paper also demonstrates how Power reveals a similar aspect of the broken and racist institution of marriage through the experiences of Jeanette McVay's marriage to a Sioux man. The paper concludes that both authors provide similar, yet differing perspectives of racism within the inter-racial marriages that arise within these two Native-American fiction novels.
From the Paper
"The novel Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan reveals the intensive racism that the whites impose on the Osage people. The plot of the novel revolves around the Osage people, and their struggles against the white oil barons that are trying to remove them from their oil-rich lands. This plot premise invokes the motive for the white oilmen to find ways to discourage compassion or empathy for the native Americans within their own culture, so that they can take the oil from the Indians. One way that Hogan imposes a white hegemonic racist construct is through the institution of marriage. For instance, when a white man and Indian woman are married, Hogan reveals the symbolic and legal marginalization of interracial relationships within white culture."
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Racism in Latin American Literature, 2002.
A look at the culture of oppression and racism in "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison.
1,138 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how social stratification in terms of gender, socio-economic status, and race are the themes explored by Marquez and Morrison in the cultures of oppression and racism illustrated in the novels, "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" and "The Bluest Eye", respectively. It looks at how, in "Chronicle of a Death Foretold", the great divide between the poor and wealthy classes of Latin-American society is evident, as witnesses that have encountered Nasar prior to his death delivered accounts that bring out great hostility against the murdered man. It shows how, similar to Marquez?s theme, Morrison illustrates the culture of racism affecting the society and individuals' perceptions of each other. However, unlike Marquez?s novel, Morrison?s Pecola succumbed to insanity as a form of escape from the oppression and racism that she cannot get away from in both the black and white American societies.
From the Paper
"Marquez?s portrayal of the culture of oppression is illustrated explicitly in the novel, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, which narrates the events leading to the death of Santiago Nasar. In this novel, the great divide between the poor and wealthy classes of Latin-American society is evident, as witnesses that have encountered Nasar prior to his death delivered accounts that bring out great hostility against the murdered man. An illustration of Nasar and his family?s oppressive nature within their town is shown in the first part of the novel. Nasar?s unpleasant and unpopular behavior and image in the village is chronicled by the Narrator/author?s accounts of the events that happened prior to his death."
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Native American Issues, 2002.
A discussion of the impact of racism and ethnicity on Native Americans.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, $ 63.95
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Abstract
Discusses impact of racism & ethnicity on Native Americans. Compares 2 works of fiction: THE LONE RANGER AND TONTO FISTFIGHT IN HEAVEN, Sherman Alexie's collection of short stories, and Louise Erdrich's novel TRACKS. Contends that all Alexie's stories are pessimintic & cynical with major theme of individual rather than cultural survival. Cites Erdrich's portrayal of Native Americans continuing their struggle to maintain their cultural heritage as containing more subtleties of life & complexi6y of narrative & structure than Alexie's stories.
From the Paper
"This study will discuss race and ethnicity, specifically issues related to Native Americans, in two works by Native American writers, Sherman Alexie's The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven and Louise Erdrich's Tracks. While both works of fiction fully accept the negative consequences of bias and bigotry exercised against Native Americans, Alexie's stories are far more dark and blunt, while Erdrich's novel is far more subtle and nuanced.
The title story in Alexie's collection of stories takes a deeply pessimistic perspective on the life of Native American characters. All of the stories, and especially the title story, are pessimistic, even cynical, though if one looks hard enough there are some signs of hope, such as the narrator's year of sobriety. However, that sobriety does not address the racism..."
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Native Literature and Colonialism, 2002.
Discusses the role of Native Literature in Canada and the United States in the witnessing and resisting of colonialism.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
Colonialism in Canada and the United States has had a significant and detrimental effect on Native peoples and their cultures. By virtue of its very existence, Native literature speaks against colonialism through stories that both demonstrate injustice and point to the possibility of renewing Native identity and restoring vitality to Native culture. Contemporary Native writing is unavoidably connected to the oral tradition. Its power to resist colonialism can be found, therefore, in its capacity to continue the process of passing Native culture, knowledge and identity from generation to generation.
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Native American Literature, 2004.
A discussion of how the novels, "Power" by Linda Hogan and "Sacred Hoop" by Paula Gunn Allen, are symbolic of Native American literature.
1,279 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the themes in "Power" by Linda Hogan are centered around nature and the unity of nature and human beings and how these are also themes that are touched upon in "Sacred Hoop" by Paula Gunn Allen. It analyzes how, for the Native American, all creatures are united in a ?sacred hoop?, all events are cyclic ,and how the symbolism used by Hogan focuses on images from nature. It looks at how most prominent among these are the panther, the snake, the tree called Methuselah, and the storm.
From the Paper
"Both the healthy and the sick panther are connected with Omishto?s Taiga tribe of the ?Panther Clan?. Omishto and Ama are representative of a people who is dying, like the panther. She attempts to explain this in an essay for a class assignment, but gives up, knowing they will not understand. This shows that she is experiencing the unfamiliar sensation of being disconnected from other living beings. She cannot identify with the white people, their religion or their traditions. She is unable to adapt to the invasion, and experiences a kind of sickness imposed upon her and her people."
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Literature on Native American History, 2002.
An analysis and comparison on two works relating to Native American history.
2,456 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares "The Treaty of Canandaigua 1794: 200 Years of Treaty Relations between the Iroquois Confederacy and the United States" by G. Peter Jemison and Anna M. Schein and James Wilson?s "The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America". The paper shows that "The Treaty of Canandaigua" provides an in-depth analysis of the treaty and its effects on both the Native American and European population of the United States, while "The Earth Shall Weep" encompasses the lives and history of many diverse Native American tribes, over almost their entire known history.
From the Paper
"Interestingly, James Wilson is not a Native American, and yet he writes The Earth Shall Weep as if he were. Wilson's analysis is clearly written outside of the Eurocentric, Christian view that has dominated the world stage for so long. As such, Wilson's review of Native American history is fresh and inviting. He manages to create a somewhat balanced overview of the indigenous North American population, while never idealizing or demonizing their culture. As such, Wilson's somewhat detached viewpoint works wonders in this lengthy (480 page) work by creating a book that is both instructive and balanced.
This balance is especially refreshing give the tendency of many books on native American culture to be written either from a dry, academic standpoint, or from a somewhat naive and idealistic viewpoint of indigenous North American culture. Wilson's book gives a useful review of Native American history without falling prey to the either extreme of analysis. As such, the book is engaging and readable, without being overbearing or exclusionist in its point of view."
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Native-American Literature and Race Relations, 2008.
This paper discusses a number of Native-American short stories relating to the themes of culture, dignity and self-respect.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the themes of culture, dignity and self-respect in Native-American short stories. "Borders" by Thomas King, for example, is a short story about a mother and a boy who belong to the Blackfoot tribe living on a Canadian reservation. The story is told from the boy's perspective and is a remembrance of an experience he and his mother endured while trying to cross the border between Canada and the United States. Other stories analyzed within this paper include "How to Write the Great American Indian Novel" by Sherman Alexie, "Captivity" by Lousie Erdrich, "Captivity" by Lousie Erdrich and "Indian Boarding School: The Runaways" by Lousie Erdrich.
From the Paper
"To analyze 'How to Write the Great American Indian Novel' by Sherman Alexie, it is important to understand the term 'horse culture' because it is a metaphor mentioned throughout the piece time and time again. The term horse culture is metaphorically used to sarcastically imply a superior culture--stronger, braver, more prosperous, and more beautiful.
"The term 'half-breed' is also used over and over again. The author mentions that the hero should be a half-breed--half white, and half Indian. This implies that being half white makes the Native American look less ethic, more commercially appealing, more acceptable as a human being to the dominant white culture. The author further brings this message home by saying that the Indian woman '...should be compared to nature: brown hills, mountains, fertile valleys, dewy grass, wind, and clear water.' Here he is trying to emphasize a Caucasian commercialized perception of a beautiful Native American woman--something from Disney's Pocahontas--not a real woman."
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Native Literature, 2002.
Examines the link between the 'Berdache' (third gender) and roles of contemporary 'two-spirited' writers.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper shall examine, in the context of selected writings from native literature, whether there is a relationship between the role of the "Berdache" or third gender in traditional Native cultures, and the roles played by contemporary "Two-Spirited" writers.
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Confronting Images in Native American Literature, 2004.
This paper looks at the novel "Ceremony" by Lelsie Marmon Silko and the poem "The Idlers" by E. Pauline Johnson.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the novel "Ceremony" by Lelsie Marmon Silko and the poem "The Idlers" by E. Pauline Johnson. The paper compares how different Native American authors reinforce common images and stereotypes about their people, their history and their culture in varied and conflicting ways.
From the Paper
"Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony" is about the struggle of the Pueblo Indian's to retain their culture and heritage which is threatened by the incursion of the White man's world into their own. In the years following World War II, in which some of their own people served this struggle, it became more difficult as returning soldiers tried to fit once again into reservation life and the old ways."
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Sexism and Racism in Children's Literature, 2002.
A look at some classic children's literature and examples of sexism and racism in them.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper examines sexism, racism and children's literature. Like all literature, children's literature reflects the dominant culture of its origin. This means that many 'classics' of children's literature contain unacceptable bias. This paper examines three examples of this situation.
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Racism in Literature, 2002.
An examination of how racism is portrayed in four different pieces of American literature.
821 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Ralph Ellison? s "Battle Royal", Leslie Marmon "Silko?s Ceremony", Martin Luther King?s ?Letter from a Birmingham Jail? and Malcolm X?s ?The Ballot or the Bullet." It shows how they all offer vivid and important accounts of racism in the United States of America, all present different aspects of the problem and offer different ways of coping with them. More than anything, these texts testify to the continuing problem of racism in America and the multiplicity of forms in which racism can manifest itself.
From the Paper
"Indeed, the manifestations of racism are so heavy within the ?Battle Royal? section of Ralph Ellison?s Invisible Man that it is difficult to pinpoint one single instance of racism, which outshines the others. Indeed, the chapter effectively presages all the manners of racism that will eventually manifest later in the book. The unnamed protagonist who has won a school prize is sent to the white men?s club to deliver a speech, but is forced to compete in the Battle Royal instead, a request with which he too willingly complies. He is forced to box a large group of other men blindfolded, to pick coins off an electric carpet (which turn out to be fake coins), and eventually to read his speech with his mouth so full of blood that he can barely speak and is forced to swallow his own blood. The racism throughout the chapter is grotesque and at point absurd, but Ellison uses this absurdity to use the Battle Royal scene as an effective allegory for the rest of the book."
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Racism in Literature, 2004.
This paper discusses "de facto" versus "de jure" racism as related in Richard Wright?s ?The Library Card? and Brent Staples's ?Black Men in Public Spaces?.
1,075 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the essay, ?The Library Card?, by Richard Wright, illustrates a young, black man growing up in Memphis who cannot borrow books from a whites-only library because he cannot obtain a library card. The author points out that the racism experienced by Brent Staples is subtler, but still present in the legal racism of the Northern states of the 1970s. The paper stresses that even if one man experiences de jure versus de facto racism, this does not mean that racism has less of an impact upon Staples?s life than it does on Wright?s.
From the Paper
"Both contradicting ideas in both essays?the young Black man dangerously striving for knowledge against legal constraints and the adolescent Black man dangerously lacking in knowledge, walking down a city street, are simultaneously held in the minds of racist society. The experiences of both authors, when viewed in consort, shows that there is no way out of the irrational, racist mindset?other than bringing it to the reader?s attention. Black education is feared and Black violent ignorance?society fears what it has attempted to generate. It existed in the past, and it still exists today, just as damaging, even if the legal prohibitions that thwarted Wright are no longer in place. In fact, because Wright circumvented the law, perhaps the law matters less than the fetters that exist upon white minds that endanger Black self-esteem."
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Racism in Children's Literature, 2002.
Examines the elements of racisim and sexism in many of the classics of children's literature.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses how many children's books have been considered classics, but how they have also been challenged as having race and gender bias. Rudyard Kipling's "How The Leopard Got His Spots", Paula Fox's "The Slave Dancer", and Lynne Reid Banks' "The Indian in the Cupboard" are all examined in this context. The paper finds that they have a certain amount of racial bias.
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Anti-Racism in Literature, 2002.
This paper discusses anti-racism in 20th Century writing focusing on the following works: "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston, "Sonny's Blues," by James Baldwin, and "Battle Royal," by Ralph Ellison.
1,455 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the refusal to ignore and tolerate racism in these three pieces of 20th Century writing. The author states that each writer looks at racism differently but illustrates through their fiction that racism existed during the early 20th century and that African-Americans had to deal with it in their own unique ways. This paper stresses that writers refused to tolerate racism; and ,through their works, they urged others to do the same.
From the Paper
"In "Sonny's Blues", James Baldwin takes a different approach to racism. Sonny is a young man growing up in an urban ghetto, rather than a small Southern town, yet he and those around him face the same prejudice and racism, as he sees while he watches a young group of women sing on a street corner. ". . . it struck me all of a sudden how much suffering she must have had to go through - to sing like that. It's repulsive to think you have to suffer that much" (Baldwin 132). Sonny sees the suffering, but even though he reaches the depths of despair in heroin addiction, his life, and the story which portrays it, is more hopeful and uplifting, because Baldwin can see better days in the future, and he believes men like Sonny, who finally find their passion, and in it themselves, will help lead blacks to better days."
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Anti-Racism in Children's Literature, 2002.
Examines anti-racist education in three novels for children, "Pippi Longstocking", "The Slave Dancer" and "The Cay".
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss three books: Lindgren's "Pippi Longstocking", Paula Fox's "The Slave Dancer" and Theodore Taylor's "The Cay". It will be shown how true racism can be hidden in an apparently "innocent" text, while another work for children - that appears racist in many respects - may be reinterpreted as an exceptional work of anti-racist literature. .
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