Abstract The writer examines racialissues in her hometown of Pittsburgh City, Pennsylvania. The writer is married and works at a local school while studying online. The paper discusses examples of racial communities in the city, such as the Jewish-American, African-American, Irish- American, Italian-American, German-American and Eastern European communities. The writer has experienced no racial tension or incidents that she is aware of. The paper concludes that, despite its immigration history, political issues, educational issues, community leaders and the various media, Pittsburgh has not been confronted with major issues on race relations and discrimination.
From the Paper "The various media have proliferated in Pittsburgh without discrimination and bias towards race. Pittsburgh is the home of the world's first commercial radio station, the first non-commercial television station, the first "networked" television station, and "mid-western" newspaper (Wikipedia 2006). It is one of the few middle-sized metropolitan areas in the US with two major daily newspapers, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and which both have received Pulitzer Prizes and have produced investigative news stories on a national scale."
Tags: political, harmony, Roman, Catholic, Martin, Luther, King, War, Poverty
Abstract This paper explains that the present racialissue in Alaska, between whites and native Alaskans, goes back generations and continues into the most recent times. Today, native Alaskans constitute a small minority in cities but form the majority in the rural villages. The author describes the history of anti-discrimination legislation, school desegregation, imprisonment ratios and stereotypes. In Alaska, the media report a lot about the racialissues in other countries and in the mainland U.S. but not much about what has and is happening in Alaska. The paper urges that more attention to these racial problems would help end them.
From the Paper "On September 12, 2007, the United Nations passed a resolution for the Indigenous People. The declaration is a comprehensive statement addressing the rights of these peoples. It was drafted and formally debated for over 20 prior to being adopted. The text says indigenous peoples have the right to fully enjoy as a collective or as individuals, all human rights and fundamental freedoms as recognized in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law."
Tags: segregation schools, age group, racial pride, organization
Abstract The following paper discusses the way in which Faulkner's characters: Benjy, Quentin, Jason, and Dilsey, display the common views on racialissues of the time, as well as Faulkner's own views of the society he lives in. The writer examines how each character shows a different side of Southern life, and varying degrees of understanding towards the African- American cause.
From the Paper "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery" (Lincoln 636). President Abraham Lincoln did free the slaves January first of 1863, creating chaos in the American South (Segal 244). Slavery, being abolished, had been replaced by confusion. African American wageworkers replaced slaves in most jobs, but did not share in the wealth of white men (Hale 94). The Jim Crow laws left black citizens living in segregation, in poverty, and with the constant threat of violence, despite the government's intention of creating a separate but equal society (Chafe 31). The white man still perceived himself as superior to other races, and asserted and reiterated their inferiority with every word and gesture (Chafe 1). William Faulkner was raised during the turbulent times of the early twentieth century, when the pre-existing social structure was banned, and none had been conceived to replace it (Morris 12). His characters in The Sound and the Fury exhibit his uncertainty with respect to the racial issues of the era. Benjy, a mentally handicapped man, does not perceive racial differences and is unable to act upon his "superiority". Quentin III is the typical southern gentleman - always aware of blacks, and perceiving himself as above them (Davis 71). Jason, the youngest son, has become burdened by his social position - he has been forced to lower himself to the level of a working class "slave" to support his family, despite the shame it brings him. Quentin IV seeks attention, love, and protection, but cannot accept it from the only person who offers it, Dilsey the African American housekeeper (Davis 70). Finally in part four of the novel Faulkner reveals his own views of the restoration in Mississippi. He views and tells Dilsey's story from a literate, white, southern male point of view, showing his inability to criticize Southern notions, and his sympathy and respect for all black people (Howe 61). Faulkner's fictional family, the Compsons, exemplify the different views of racial inequality that were common during the reconstruction, and the author's own uncertainty.
Abstract The paper examines "Enter the Dragon" that reflects Bruce Lee's innovation in fighting style and racial points of view in the filmmaking process. This film does provide some poor racial stereotypes of Asian actors, but certainly the alliance between Clouse and Lee helped to forge a greater respect for martial fighting and Asian cultural values in general. The paper points out that Lee accomplished this film not only to expand the frontiers of martial arts, but also make the world realize that they are part of a universal family.
From the Paper "The aim of this film study will be to examine the role of race issues in the action genre of martial arts cinema. By studying the way that race is portrayed in the film: "Enter the Dragon" (1973), one can realize the Asian stereotypes that are exhibited through Robert Clouse's directorship. However, Bruce Lee helped to transform the Asian martial film into a more international phenomenon, bringing forth a greater multicultural race integration on top of this burgeoning Asian sub-genre. In essence, Bruce Lee in "Enter the Dragon" offers a difficult, yet intriguing perspective on race relations between the east and the west in Asian martial arts film. The action genre has been a stable and enduring part of modern cinema."
Abstract This paper explains that race political issues, between pre-Civil War times in the US and now, have become even more exacerbated and divisive and have left the country even more splintered, with one group pitted against another. The author points out that one key difference between then and now is that the antebellum racial discordance focused mainly on "black versus white"; whereas, today there are more minority groups. The paper relates that the roots of the many lingering challenges African-Americans face today can be traced not only to the original wording of the United States Constitution but also to early, strictly enforced laws against literacy for slaves and to historical disagreements among leading black educators themselves.
From the Paper "In the 1850's, Justice Roger B. Taney of the United States Supreme Court, in his celebrated Dred Scott decision, argued that the foundation of the American state had not included the Negro as a participating element, or as beneficiary of its privileges . Justice Taney's argument was in essence overruled by the events of the Civil War itself; since then blacks have been considered, legally and morally at least, equal American citizens. However, educational equality for blacks, due in part, perhaps, to the subjective, often subtle, even unconscious nature of racial discrimination itself ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the influence that the American games have had on the USA during the 20th century. According to this paper, the history of American sports tells the story of the racial hurdles and struggles that was evident through the ages.
From the Paper "During the Twentieth Century The American games that have consumed the sports minded population in the past several decades are not merely sources of entertainment filled with memorabilia from the past. The history of sports correlates strongly with the history of the United States in telling the story of race, and the inclusion of people of color throughout every facet of society. Learning the history of sports is to understand the racial struggles that have been evident in this country throughout history. It is therefore contended that while the sports industry of the United States has been engulfed with racial barriers throughout its history, these time periods strongly correspond to national events which brought race to the forefront of American society. "
Abstract This paper presents an in depth examination of the death penalty and the racial influences on the matter. The author argues that the death penalty is administered in a racially disproportionate manner and provides proof of this accusation. Included is a brief overview of other debates around the topic such as moral grounding and fairness.
From the Paper "It is hard to understand how anyone could not view the death penalty as morally problematic, although clearly many Americans do not view the practice as morally objectionable or there would not be so many advocates of the practice. One of the most problematic of all aspects of the death penalty as it is imposed in the United States is that is administered in a racially disproportionate manner. "
Abstract A law study paper in that bases its argument on a specific court case stating that police are guilty of racial discrimination in many cases but in the cite case they could not be held accountable for going against the law set limits.
This paper analyzes Randall Kennedy's book "Race, Crime and the Law," which presents an in-depth look at how issues of race link to crime and law enforcement.
Abstract This paper examines the views and opinions of author Randall Kennedy, a Harvard law professor, regarding the correlation between crime and race. This paper explores Kennedy's argument which states that the field of law enforcement in America is largely considered racist, especially by the African-American community. This paper analyzes the results of an investigation carried out by the author, which focuses on the issue of racial inequality in the justice system, which is largely overlooked. Kennedy's in-depth book details the numerous problems in the justice system, while also suggesting solutions. This paper delves into Kennedy's assertion that officials in law enforcement must be forced to respect the rules prohibiting racial misconduct, while also stating that police and prosecutors engaged in illegitimate racial practices must be deterred from continuing to do so. The writer of this paper also reviews the author's particular style of writing, which, in the case of this book, appeals mainly to a white audience.
From the Paper "It must also be noted that Kennedy does not ignore serious issues of racial discrimination. However, he does frame them so the problems seem to be a result of a system or of the individuals in that system, rather than of society itself. A good example is seen where Kennedy describes abuse of power. Kennedy describes how police officers and judges can abuse their power and engage in racial misconduct. The abuse of power occurs because they are able to engage in this behavior unchecked. The emphasis is placed on controlling the behavior of those in power and maintaining standards. Kennedy argues that if standards and control are not maintained, then people can abuse their power without consequence of any action being taken. This creates a situation where complete control is lost, with this extending to problems greater than just racist behavior."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that throughout history the criminal justice system has differentiated between Caucasian and African-American offenders. The writer specifically focuses on the racial disparities in sentencing within the criminal justice system. The writer points out that there are many factors that lead up to the sentencing phase such as the offender's race, the amount of bail, employment, the prosecutor's decision to prosecute or dismiss a case, the victim's race, and the race of the judge. The writer concludes that the criminal justice system has made some minor improvements in preventing racial disparities in sentencing and further action needs to be taken to improve equal justice for all races.
Outline:
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The presentencing stage may have a greater potential for racial bias. Prosecutors can have a huge influence on the outcome of a case. Prosecutor's recommendations in regards to the amount of bail may indirectly affect the outcome of a case. A high bail can make it extremely difficult for a defendant to post bail and the failure to post bail can result in the probability of a guilty verdict. Usually prosecutors will recommend a pretrial release or detention and the length of pretrial detention can have an affect on the length of sentence and the severity of the conviction charge. The courts in New Haven, Connecticut were investigated and it was reported that African American males and females had a higher bail than Caucasians. Racial disparities was also revealed in New Haven that African Americans were required to put up a cash or surety bonds before their release from detention more frequently than Caucasians. There was also a similarity in New York City were an examination of more than 5,000 felonies and misdemeanors revealed that Caucasian defendants received a cash alternative option for release more frequently than minority defendants. An investigation in Florida in regards to felonies involving non-narcotics offenses found that Caucasian females received a lower bail than Caucasian males but that nonwhite females did not receive a lower bail than nonwhite males."
Abstract Racial profiling is a term used to define instances in which one ethnic group is subjected to police surveillance or detention more than any other group in society. The practice occurs when the race of the individual is more significant in causing police action than the suspicion of criminal acts. In instances in which racial profiling has been evident, the cause is generally because assumptions about particular racial groups exist within the police organization. This paper looks at the issue of racial profiling in the city of Toronto and how some organizations contend that racial profiling is a serious issue, which must be addressed while other professionals and community members suggest that racial profiling does not exist, and that the claims that have been made against the Toronto police are without merit.
Abstract This paper discusses the meaning of corporate racial discrimination, its consequences, the response of the firms that are allegedly practicing it and the methods of fostering corporate diversity. Racial discrimination is referred to any set of actions that discriminate on the basis of race, color, cast or creed. It shows how in the corporate world, racial discrimination can take the form of categorizing employees, customers and suppliers on the basis of their race, cast, color, or creed by treating them in a relatively negative way as compared to other races. It explains racial discrimination through the example of two different companies, Denny?s, a food service chain in the United States ,and Texaco Inc. regarding their treatment of minority workers and the consequences of the allegations of their action.
From the Paper "In 1993, six US Secret Service agents who happened to be African-Americans went to Denny's for breakfast. After waiting for a considerable period of time and complaining to the manager, when they still did not get served, they filed a class-action race-discrimination lawsuit against Denny"s. Not only did the management at Denny's had to respond to this lawsuit but they were further forced to deal with the myriad complaints and lawsuits that followed this event. As a consequence of racial discrimination that was being practiced at Denny"s, the firm had to pay $54 million to 294,000 discriminated customers and their lawyers (Abes et.al, 2000). Furthermore, Denny's was obliged into signing a decree with the US Justice Department where the firm agreed to publicize non-discriminatory policies and retrain existing employees about the same. Moreover the firm's outlets came under the constant supervision of the Justice Department, for the following seven years, where they would be judged continually for any evidence of racial discrimination."
Abstract This paper discusses the dynamics of race relations in contemporary Las Vegas, from the viewpoint of a Caucasian middle-aged male. The author describes the demographic and political makeup of Las Vegas, and the way in which local media has embraced racial and cultural diversity. The author explains, giving specific examples, that from his personal experience, factors such as income and social class appear to racialize human interactions in Vegas more strongly than race alone. Age is also perceived as playing an important part in determining whether the author experiences racial reactions. The paper concludes with the author's belief that within racial minorities, different individuals enter into social interactions with different degrees of preconceived expectations and racialized perspective in Las Vegas.
Outline:
Racial Relations in Society
Unique Cultural Elements of Las Vegas
Personal Experiences and Observations
From the Paper "Conversely, members of racial minorities are likely much more conscious of the degree to which the predominant social culture embraces cultural diversity, both in its formal policies as well as prevailing informal attitudes. This is an issue that affects me more because, to a certain extent, the perceptions among minority cultures about their relationship to society shape their expectations of individual members of the predominant majority in social situations. Likewise, it may very well play a role in the outward attitude of many members of racial minorities expressed to me in personal interactions, although it is sometimes difficult to know the underlying source of substantial variations that likely mean more than many aspects of outward behavior."
Abstract Critical race theorists such as Anthony Appiah, Michael Omi, and Howard Winant differ with post-colonial theorists such as Edward Said and Homi Bhabha with respect to how they understand racial formation in a post-colonial context. Subsequently, while critical race theory and post-colonial theory both challenge the Eurocentrism of classical and contemporary social theory, they offer different interpretations regarding the process and impact of racial formation. This paper examines the differences in these two theories' approach to understanding racial formation in a post-colonial context.
From the Paper "Historically, critical race theory can be considered a product of the development of African-American thought in the post-civil rights era, and challenges the traditional philosophical tenets of the liberal civil rights movement, which promoted a colorblind approach to achieving social justice. "
Abstract In this article, the writer demonstrates through the literature reviewed that racial disparity in sentencing in today's courtrooms is a very real issue that must necessarily be proactively addressed especially since one in every 15 black men in America is incarcerated compared to one out of every one hundred white men. The writer discusses that racial disparity in sentencing is present in every aspect of today's judicial system and is so integrally interwoven into the system that the very structure of the sentencing phase of a case must be changed fundamentally if racial disparity in sentencing is to be eliminated. The writer maintains that this will clearly take a focused effort of criminal defense attorneys, the judicial system at all levels, prosecutors, and laws and legislation relating to sentencing and sentencing guidelines. The writer concludes that the elimination of racial disparity in sentencing will not be possible unless that elimination is intentional and proactive as well as fundamental, which will require the focused efforts of all stakeholders and participants in the judicial process of sentencing.
Outline:
Introduction
Racial Disparity in Sentencing confirmed by Research
Why Racial Disparity in Sentencing Exists
What Can Be Done to Correct Racial Disparity in Sentencing
Discussion
From the Paper "Steps that are suggested by The Sentencing Project as those which the Judiciary can take is one of a leadership role in attempting to assure that minority defendants are not treated disparately at the time of their arrest or during the bail and release decisions as well as in the assignment of a defense attorney and in decisions regarding diversion. Finally, Judiciary should assure that racial disparity does not take place during the time of the plea negotiation process as well as in court docket management and at sentencing. Additionally, The Sentencing Project states that the court can work toward elimination of racial disparity in sentencing through institution training ..."
