Abstract This paper analyzes PatrickWhite's 'A Fringe of Leaves' in respect to Rene Girard's philosophy claiming that human desire is not essentialized but rather mimetic. Girard explains that mimetic desire necessarily involves a model and a disciple who become rivals desiring the same things. This philosophy helps the reader understand Ellen Roxburgh's journey to self-discovery. It contains excerpts from the book and their explanations.
From the Paper "Rene Girard's philosophy regarding mimetic desire, the reciprocity of violence and the monstrous double can be applied to Patrick White's novel A Fringe of Leaves. Indeed, his ideas give us a clearer understanding of the journey undertaken by Ellen Roxburgh - a journey both physical and spiritual, between two alternate cultures and ultimately, between two alternate selves."
Abstract The paper explores the character Voss in PatrickWhite's novel of the same name about a German explorer intent on crossing Australia. The paper discusses the personality of Voss and his relationships with the people he comes into contact with. The paper also shows how the main characters in "The Dead" by James Joyce, "The Prophet's Hair" by Salman Rushdie, and Voss by PatrickWhite are alike and how they differ, and also gives a brief description of each storyline.
From the Paper "The unforgiving outback of Australia in Voss by Patrick White would seem to be worlds away in tone and distance from Joyce's Ireland. Yet Gabriel and the title character both share the traits of an uncompromising attitude towards life, a belief in their own rightness of outlook and attitude. Gabriel's is far more fragile than that of the sense of self of Voss. Gabriel doubts himself at the slightest question, a cutting remark from a girl or when learning another man once loved his wife. Voss only becomes shaken in confrontation with the elements. Still, destabilizing masculine confidence is at the heart of both narratives."
Abstract This paper will study several aspects of White's depiction of theological issues in general, and Christianity in particular, in "A Fringe of Leaves". It will be argued that White perceives a disconnect between the public theology of imperialist Christianity, and its irrelevance as a belief system for individuals confronted by the random chaos of the human experience.
Abstract This paper is a discussion on Patrick O'Brian, the literary genius of nautical-fiction who died in 2000. It looks at elements of O'Brian's naval fiction and the 21 Aubry / Maturin novels including characterization, plot and style.
Abstract This paper shows how the study of Whiteness is fraught with controversy. It explains that while many theorists confuse Whiteness studies with studies on racism, other theorists believe Whiteness is a social reconstruction. This paper explores the idea of Whiteness being a social reconstruction. Whiteness privileges are identified as well as characteristics of Whiteness that allows it to continue to survive in an era where political correctness and affirmative action are present in people’s minds. Examples of whiteness in different life areas are examined and “me too ism” as a defence and reaction on the part of white people are investigated.
Abstract
Body
Introduction
Whiteness Privileges
Whiteness as the Norm
Whiteness as a Non Race
Paradoxes of Whiteness History of Domination
Problems of Whiteness Studies
"Me too ism"
Conclusion
References
Endnotes
From the Paper "Whiteness is a value system that privileges certain people. Whiteness privileges itself as the standard in humanity. It is not primarily about ‘race.’ One major privilege of Whiteness is the seditious avoidance of responsibility even though it may be painted as an acknowledgment of responsibility. An example of this evasion of responsibility was demonstrated by the U.S., the U.K. and European powers at the World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) in South Africa in 2001. South Africa wished to discuss reparations for colonialism and the slave trade during the conference. However, the U.S., the U.K. and the European powers threatened to quit the conference if this discussion were to be allowed on the agenda since they did not believe it had anything to do with the present government administration of their respective countries. While each country expressed their regret at what happened to South Africa at the hands of their predecessors, they believed that the present governments should not be held accountable for previous governments’ crimes. "
This paper covers some recent research into white-collar crime and ties it in with the rational-choice theory of crime. This paper focuses more on the causal aspect of white-collar crime than on the outcome aspect of it.
Abstract This paper discusses how the existing stereotype of a white-collar offender as a high-ranking executive may be flawed. The demographics of white-collar offenders suggest most of them are middle-class white males. It looks at the theories as to why such people would commit these crimes and explains that most theories center on the rational-choice decision making process because of the protracted and diligent nature of white-collar crimes. It further discusses how, within the white-collar inmate community, there also appear to be two separate pathways to white-collar crime: one marked by previous run-ins with the law before turning to white-collar crime, and the other one marked by no run-ins with the law.
From the Paper "White-collar crime has gained increased notoriety in recent years with the downfall of Enron, WorldCom, and insider trading by Martha Stewart. Despite its increased awareness in the public, its etiology is not well known. One of the main reasons for criminologists' naivete regarding white-collar crime is the lack of scientific research on the topic. The relative lack of data arises from an array of political, sociological, penological, and funding issues. The data that is available to researchers indicates that the existing stereotype of white-collar crime offenders is flawed."
Abstract This paper looks at the issue of racism in America, particularly as it relates to the dominant form of the dominant group in American society -white America - and its increasing importance in American society. Also examined is the perception white America has of itself and the historical development of this perception, as well as the image this perception has created of non-white America.
From the Paper "Racial oppression is not the work of "racists." These days, racial oppression is reproduced largely without racial intent, by the mainstream institutions of the society: the schools, which define "excellence;" the job market, which defines "employment;" the welfare system which defines "poverty;" the family, which defines "kinship;" and of course the legal system, which defines "crime." "
Abstract This paper discusses white as a color and more specifically, white light. The paper describes the qualities of the color white and the multifaceted nature of existence and the way that it relates to significant chemical alterations in nature. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of white light to the scientific understanding of reflective light and the dimensions of other colors.
From the Paper "Dimensions of the Color White Outline I Introduction. White as a color is not often considered to have many dimensions or properties that are significant to either science or society. While white may carry with it the concept of "purity", the color itself is multifaceted and related to significant chemical alterations in nature. White light has been especially important to scientific understanding of reflective light and the dimensions of other colors. Scientifically white must possess certain chemical compounds in order to exist, and in the field of psychology, white speaks to individuals through subconscious messages about the world they live in."
Abstract An in depth discussion of the idea of whiteness. The author argues that the idea of whiteness is an ideology which separates whites from their non-whites, and separates people of race and ethnicity. The author includes examples from Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man".
From the Paper "The meaning of ?Whiteness,? as embodied in America today, can be seen from many perspectives and vantage points. I have struggled all my life to define my place within the Caucasian race, within "Whiteness" and have always come to the same conclusion, I have none. "Whiteness" is a construction of ideology which separates White people from other non-whites and at the same time forces countless cultures, peoples and ethnic groups into one word and one race, White."
Tags: beat, ellison, invisible, kerouac, man, road, white
Abstract This paper studies the issues related to having minority teachers in predominantly white schools. The paper explores how many new opportunities now exist for minority educators but the purposeful placing of minorities in majority white schools has also raised the issue of tokenism. The paper explores whether these minority teachers are being treated equally with their white counterparts and whether their assignment to mostly white schools is based upon real ability and genuine need, or whether such assignments are merely reflective of well-meaning social policy gone awry.
Contents:
Abstract
The Problem and its Setting
Literature Review
Research Methods and Procedures
Anticipated Findings
References
From the Paper "It was only yesterday that segregation reigned supreme across much of the United States. Throughout the South, Black students attended Black schools, and White Students attended White schools. In general, these "separate but equal" institutions were nothing of the kind. Black schools were underfunded and understaffed. Standards and expectations were often significantly lower than those in place in White schools. Blacks taught Blacks and Whites taught Whites, an arrangement that suited a White-controlled society in which the color of a person's skin was the determining factor in his choice of career, his social and economic status, and even his right to express himself politically."
An examination of Herman Melville's use of the color white to convey negative thoughts and emotions: antithetical to common cultural connotations which associate white with such positive concepts as purity and holiness.
Abstract This paper analyzes Melville's innovative manipulation of the color white. The primary concerns include the unsettling effect of a monster "wearing white" and what may have been Melville's attack on racism. Careful attention to syntax, diction and literary style serve as the intellectual support for these ideas.
From the Paper "From a very young age, popular media teaches us that we can spot the good guys from a mile away, based solely on their entirely white costumes. This small piece of conventional wisdom presents a serious problem for Moby Dick's readers, as Herman Melville shrouds his title character, the vicious, homicidal whale in the color traditionally reserved for heroes. Without a close reading of the text, the simple fact that the whale is associated with white might be enough to convince the reader that he is in fact the hero of the story. However, this is not the case, as close reading of the text suggests only Moby Dick's fundamental "naturalness" as well as the whale's ability to serve as a metaphor for the color, and, in turn all of those things for which the color itself serves as a metaphor. The effects of Melville's decision to employ the whale in such a way are numerous, spanning from the simple, unnerving juxtaposition of the color's purity with the whale's monstrosity, to a complex, subtle condemnation of racism."
Abstract In this paper, the writer studies the Great White shark, examining relevant aspects to the shark. The writer looks at its habitat and reproductive behavior. The shark's feeding habits and migratory patterns are discussed in this article. The writer also discusses predators of the Great White shark and use by humans. Further, the writer offers a physical description of the Great White.
From the Paper "Great White sharks are a large species of shark as their name suggests. They belong to the Lamnidae family of vertebrates of the Carchardon genus species carcharias. They are streamlined swimmers with a torpedo-shaped body and a pointed snout. They have rough teeth arranged in several rows. The first two rows of teeth are used for grabbing and cutting prey, while the last row of teeth rotate into place when front teeth are broken ... "
Abstract This paper discusses white-collar crime. The essay argues that William J. Chambliss' theories offer a useful tool to understand white collar crime as systemic rather than as the result of individual moral lapses. The paper discusses these theories in detail, such as his view that white-collar crime is a result of capitalist societies.
From the Paper "White Collar Crime White-collar crime is crime that is committed by corporations, or by salaried, professional individuals, or by people in business. It is non-violent, but it accounts for far greater financial losses than does street crime, and indeed is a far more serious problem. William J. Chambliss maintains that white-collar crime is a direct result of the capitalist societies in which it flourishes."
Abstract The paper proposes research on a New Jersey college campus to ascertain the perceptions of race and gender on white collar crime. The paper provides a literature review to either prove or disprove the hypothesis that white males will find white-collar crime less prevalent and damaging then racial minorities and women. The paper explains the methodology to be used and looks at previous research on this topic.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Theory and Hypothesis
Methods
From the Paper "How can one expect society to act towards a crime if the lines are so vague that it often is only used to characterize those considered elite and upper class? This study attempts to further explain and clarify the perceptions of white collar crime by gender and race. It is our belief that White males (who benefit the most from the practice) will find white-collar crime less prevalent and damaging then racial minorities and women. This research helps to affirm not only is there a need for further research regarding perceptions men and women of various races regarding how they view white collar crime, there is a need to see why these perceptions have not been studied extensively over the past decade of research."
Abstract This paper describes and outlines the functions of a public administration on a city wide level. Much like the White House a city wide board is charged with the operations of the city, setting policy for the city's residents and enforcing them. The author chose a city government to illustrate public policy because it would be a more detailed body to explain and understand.
