Abstract This paper discusses how Nepal has long suffered various civil and human rights concerns yet, in contrast to many other third world countries, its abuses and violations have managed to avoid widespread notice because comparatively speaking, they have not been as bad as other regions of the globe. The paper further discusses how this perspective changed dramatically following public dissension and demonstrations in Nepal calling for the King to retire and revert back to democratic rule (Nepal). While the immediate civil discord and battles between the public and the government forces first captured the attention of the broader international public, Nepal has been suffering quietly for many years under various human and civil rights abuses.
Abstract This paper discusses how one of the most fascinating cultures to be found in the entire annals of anthropology is that of the mountain villages of Nepal. It examines the various issues of this culture and setting in comparison and contrast to those of other parts of the world. The paper concludes that cultures of all levels of development can peacefully coexist and contribute to one another, if only we will allow it to happen.
Outline:
Abstract
Who are the People of the Mountains of Nepal?
Ethnography
An Overview of Familial Structures and Bonds
Status Symbols in the Mountains of Nepal Gender Roles
Restrictions to Sexual Access
Marriage in Nepalese Culture
Mating Patterns in Culture
Proliferation of the Members of a Culture
Other Factors that Stifle Cultural Development
Procreation in Nepal's Mountain Villages
Modern Threats to Nepalese Culture
Summary
From the Paper "In order to be able to fully discuss and understand the many aspects of the social, economic and familial customs of the mountain dwellers of Nepal, it is extremely useful to first consider a demographic profile of the Nepalese people. Nepal is a relatively small nation, located in Asia with such huge and powerful neighbors as China. While Nepal is influenced somewhat by the influence of other cultures and its geographic neighbors, in many respects, the mountain villages of Nepal have remained the same as they were thousands of years ago. Many of the agricultural techniques and tools that are used today have not changed to any degree since the Stone Age. These simple people have been able to remain loyal to their roots and traditions and still survive despite many of the changes in other parts of the world."
Abstract This paper will discuss the country of Nepal and seek the basis statistics: population density, literacy, infant mortality, and rate of contraceptive use. By revealing the numbers involved on this country, a better understanding can be made for how it functions within the world scheme. By retrieving statistical information such as literacy and population growth, the hard facts can be found to make a supposition on Nepal and create a sounder way to evaluate countries through facts. .
Abstract This paper looks into the culture and societies of the country of Nepal. It analyzes the country's cultural and social environment, attempting to lead to an understanding of its basic characteristics, such as geography, demographics and the socio-economic and political structures that it is comprised of. The paper focuses briefly on communication in Nepal and the Nepali language.
From the Paper "However, within the Nepalese culture, some groups are also trying to dismantle the discrimination that is the caste system. In a recent study by Liechty (2005), the majority middle class individuals in Nepalese society are gradually trying to re-identify themselves based on their role and productivity in the society, rather than being identified as a member of a particular class or caste. This protest supports the notion of low power distance, in which the only superiority-inferiority dichotomy exists between individuals who provide/produce or do not provide/produce significantly for the society. Thus, one's worth is assessed based on his/her use to the society, not on the tradition of the caste system (i.e., those who were born Brahmin should remain Brahmin despite his/her insignificant contribution to the improvement of Nepalese society)."
A comparative analysis of the marriage patterns among the Yanomamo of South America, the San people of the Kalahari, the Sherpas of Nepal and the residents of the sidewalks of New York City.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the marriage patterns and ceremonies among four very different societies ? the Yanomamo of South America, the San people of the Kalahari, the Sherpas of Nepal and the residents of the sidewalks of New York City. It examines the traditions of each society in turn from how the strictures prohibit marriage among parallel cousins because Yanomami descent is traced patrilineally to polygamy amongst the Sherpas. It show how in an age where globalization is suspect, the similarity in rules governing who to marry, the role of women in the rituals of dating and marriage and the "ownership" of women by their husband's family all show how few concepts in the world remain as truly global as patriarchy.
From the Paper "Like the Yanomamos, the Sherpas of Nepal have exogamic restrictions governing marriage. Ethnographer Sherry Ortner identifies 18 distinct clans among the Sherpas. Clan identity is inherited from the father and there are strict rules against marrying within the same clan. Unlike the small communal society of the Yanomamo, the Sherpas are divided into different castes. Traditional marriages arranged by parents are still the norm. However, Sherpa life moved away from agriculture as "most Himalayan expeditions throughout the twentieth century have relied on people called Sherpas for general portering, skilled high-altitude portering, and all-around expedition support" (Ortner). The consent of marriage partners became more important and there are also increasing instances of Sherpas marrying Nepalis from outside the Sherpa community."
Abstract This paper begins with a general discussion of the history of Buddhism in and then goes on to discuss the specific history of Tantric Buddhism. The paper briefly discusses the life of Buddha and how, after his death, several different sects within Buddhism arose, including Tantric Buddhism. The paper explains that Tantric (esoteric) Buddhism arose in the seventh and eighth centuries in India and the Himalayas and still survives today, in the twentieth century, as a living tradition of the Buddhism found in Nepal and Tibet. The paper also discusses early Tantric scriptures, Tantric practices and beliefs and its spread to other countries. In addition, the paper examines Western acceptance of Tantric Buddhism and the modern expression of this ancient religion and philosophy.
From the Paper "The historical Buddha spoke a language of Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India, although it is not clear which specific dialect he spoke. Sanskrit was a formal literary language used almost exclusively by the elite of society. There is an extensive record of the Buddha's teaching that survives today; it is written in an ancient Indian dialect known as Pali. This record forms the scriptural basis for one of two forms of contemporary Buddhism, the Theravada; this is practiced in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia."
Abstract This paper describes in detail both polygyny and polyandry all over the world. The topics covered include an in-depth look polygamous practices of African tribes, tribes of New Zealand, Mormon groups of Utah, citizens of Tibet and Nepal, and more. The paper also includes the influence of Catholicism, Christianity, Mormonism, and Islam on the practice of polygamy.
From the paper:
"Polygamy is made up of polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny can be loosely described as a man having more than one wife, and polyandry is a woman having more than one husband. Polygamy is in more individual societies than monogamous relationships, but far more people ascribe to monogamy than polygamy. As Pettitt explains, "Polyandryous marriages or polygynous marriages are found in many parts of the world. In fact, one study discovered that among 475 different societies, 378 were basically polygynous, 31 approved of polyandry, and only 66 were basically monogamous. The most populous countries are monogamous, and this form of marriage is therefore accepted by far the greatest number of people" (64). One reason for polygamy is made clear by Pettitt, "Men accept the idea of sharing a wife, just as a women accept the idea of sharing a husband, provided that this is a socially sanctioned form of marriage contract" (64)."
Abstract This paper examines the works and life of Siddharta Gautama, considered to be the primary and first Buddha to achieve enlightenment and pass away attaining paranibbana, which means dying a "peaceful" death. It examines his doctrines which became the primary teachings of the Buddhist religion otherwise known as the four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and the concepts of enlightenment, Nirvana and paranibbana. It concludes by showing how through Siddharta's own way of reliving and indoctrinating the experiences of the Buddhas, many followers of Buddhism are now leading the path to goodness and simple living and Buddhism has now developed into a major religious movement.
From the Paper "When Siddharta, living a comfortable life as a prince in his palace in Nepal, discovered the pain and suffering of human life outside the confines of his kingdom, he resolved to find a way wherein humans will no longer go through suffering, and to discover this way, he must go through deep and long meditation. When he emerged from this long meditation, Siddharta Gautama had already achieved newfound wisdom and purity of soul and thoughts, and thus entitled him to be the Buddha. After his meditation, Siddharta chronicled and documented his religious experience under the bodi tree."
Abstract The paper examines how a rise in tourism in certain areas eventually affects the environment of the place, causing problems. The paper uses several examples of places around the globe where tourists frequently spend their time and shows how this trend has affects the environment. Places and problems examined include soil erosion in the Philippines due the the higher demand for flush toilets, the death of seagulls in Lancaster, PA, who mistake mass parking lots for water sources and the loss of firewood in Nepal due to the over-use by hikers. The paper also explores ways in which the tourism industry can strive to become more environmentally friendly to avoid problems in the future.
From the Paper "Without a precise zoning guideline, residents and developers can cross usages and designs without regard to the bigger picture. For example, a resort could go in next to a farm. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for example, a farm was sold and used for an outlet center. The farm had been located at a major intersection so it was a prime commercial site. However, now the traffic there is astronomical. The foot traffic has increased as well. The pollution level has been raised greatly. The number of accidents at that intersection has risen. Farmland has been lost."
Abstract The paper begins with a list of all the things the writer claims to know about military abuse of citizens, followed by a list of the things the writer wants to learn about the topics. This is followed by information which is intended to be a summary of recent military abuses of human rights rather than a reflection of historical importance. This research covers fifteen countries including Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia, Chile, China, Cuba, Egypt, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Nepal, Russian Federation, Rwanda and the United States.
From the Paper "Herat's civilians, under the command of local governor, Ismail Khan, have been subjected to arbitrary and politically motivated arrests, intimidation, extortion, and torture. These civilians have also been denied their rights to free expression and association. The more serious cases of torture have involved hanging detainees upside down, whippings, and electric shocks. Members of the Pashtun minority have been the largest targets of abuse."
This paper is a methodological study using critical discourse analysis to interrogate the assumptions underlying critical race theory in educational research.
Abstract This paper discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA) as used to analyze a Critical Race Theory (CRT) case study, which investigated reflective discourses of three co-directors of a Canadian summer institute on multi-culturalism and diversity. The author points out that CDA analysis of the discourses was undertaken using Clegg's six criteria of language-power discourse within groups and organizations as variables for the analysis: (1) Values, (2) rules, (3) power, (4) discretion, (5) organization and (6) paradox. The paper concludes that CDA, when used in its pure form for CRT analysis, represented a very slow and painstaking task; however, using Cleggs criteria was efficient and yielded flaws in the methodology of the case study approach.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis
Assumptions
Limitations
Delimitations
Literature Review
Introduction
Literature on Educational and Qualitative Research
Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Definition, Types, and Uses of Qualitative Research
Overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT): Its Purposes, Assumptions, and Limitations
Descriptive CRT Literature
Origins of Critical Race Theory (CRT)
The Power of Storytelling
Descriptive Literature on Race and Multiculturalism
Enter "CRT-Light": Public Education Trends of the 1970's and 1980's
The 1990's and Beyond
Review of Critical Race Theory (CRT) Case Studies
Case Study 1: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Patti's Reflections: 'Walking on Quicksand'
Shahrzad's Reflections: 'Marginality of the 'Subject'; 'Subjectivity' of the Margin
Andre's Reflections: 'The Personal is Pedagogical'
Case Study 2: 'A Critical Race Analysis of Latino(a) and African American Advanced Placement Enrollment in Public High Schools'
Case Study 2's Methodology
Case Study 2 Results
Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusions
Case Study 3: 'Understanding Cheating in Nepal'
Case Study 4: 'The Acceptance of a Multicultural Education among Appalachian College Students'
Survey Instrument Content and Methods
Survey Distribution Methods
Case Study Survey Results
Other CRT Case Studies, Briefly Described
Conclusion
Research Methods
Introduction
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a Method
Origins of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
Conclusions
Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) Used to Interrogate Two Critical Race Theory Case Studies
The Case Study: 'Thinking the Practice': Academic Adult Educators' Reflections on Mediating a Summer Institute as a Multicultural Learning Journey for Graduate Students'
Values
Power
Rules
Discretion
Organization
Conclusion
From the Paper "The researcher for the present study also believed that ethnographic research elements were strongly present within secondary data for the study. This was because various pieces of both descriptive and case study literature, used as data for the present study, consisted of analysis and interpretation of other researchers' observations of day-to-day activities, over time, of particular groups that were observed first-hand (e.g., graduate students attending a summer institute on diversity; middle school students in Nepal; students in university basic writing and college composition courses). In addition, results of previously-conducted (by other researchers) ethnographic research, e.g., participant observation accomplished by the researcher over time were used, within the present study, as secondary data."
Abstract This paper discusses the Alsdorf collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, which includes sculpture, jewelry, paintings and architectural elements from India, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Java influenced by Hinduism. The author points out the difficulty of generalizing about Hindu influenced art because of the diversity of Hinduism. The paper relates that the region's art has been influenced by gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Ganesa and Brahma, for thousands of years. Illustrations.
From the Paper "In other words, the views of Hinduism hold many opposing theories that describe aspects of an eternal truth. For example, one underlying focus is that a desire for liberation from earthly evils is and should be a life ambition. These notions and concepts can be clearly witnessed in the region's art as Hinduism plays a major role in what is and was accepted as precious. The Hindu influence had a strong influence on the regions' architecture and the continuous to be a great part of the regions art. For example, Indian art is often depicted with the subjects of art, whether it is in jewelry, statues or paintings, all having various alterations made to the eyes. "
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the life story of Buddha. Specifically it discusses Buddha's life and how he attained the ultimate enlightenment. It looks at how Siddhartha Gautama is considered to be the Supreme Buddha (often called simply "the Buddha," or Buddha Shakyamuni) who created the Buddhist religion and how his life story is an interesting blend of wealth and privilege combined with great compassion and religious awareness. It discusses how he threw away all the rich trappings of his life to attain enlightenment and serve others and how his life shows the power of belief and spiritualism.
From the Paper "Buddha was born a prince to parents who were king and queen of Lumbini, which is located today in Nepal. One biographer notes, "The Buddha was born the son of a king, and so grew up with wealth, pleasure, and the prospect of power, all goods commonly desired by human beings" (Carrithers 2). It seemed the Buddha had everything he could possibly desire, but he still was not content. Even after his parents arranged a marriage for him, he felt as if there was something missing from his life. He married and even had a son, but still he wanted to do more than rule his kingdom and raise a family. Because he saw suffering in his father's kingdom and wanted to do something about it, he decided to leave his home and seek enlightenment and understanding so he could help end the suffering of the people of the world. "
Abstract This paper defines what is meant by a "monsoon," and explains how and when it occurs. The author explains the vital role played by monsoons in the production of crops in Asia, and the destruction they can also cause, giving some examples. By examining fossil records researchers can better understand variations in the strength of monsoons over the past hundreds of years. Reportedly, monsoons have been intensifying over the last 400 years, and are expected to become more severe and cause more flooding and erosion. Many believe this is due to climate change, and if this is so there is a need to for the world's political leaders to discuss and agree on possible solutions. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of studying these storms and pinpointing why they are growing stronger and causing more damage to people and property.
Outline:
Introduction
Why are monsoons important to study?
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the emergencies that goes along with a monsoon's flooding is the need to set up "mass vaccination" shelters to help prevent communicable diseases; flooding brings impurities, dead animals and toxic substances into the homes and on the streets of communities and diseases such as typhoid and tetanus can harm large numbers of people. The Xinhua News Agency explains that the heavy rains from monsoons occur between the period from the beginning of July through September."
Tags: anthropogenic, global warming, Himalayas intensity Nepal temperature climate
