| Papers [309-322] of 1999 :: [Page 23 of 143] | | Go to page : <— 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 —> | |
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Shinto and Japanese Society, 2006.
An in-depth analysis of Shinto and its role in current Japanese society.
2,904 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 59.95
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Abstract
This research paper traces the history of Shinto from the pre-historic times, discusses its philosophy and rituals and the extent to which it has influenced Japanese society. It discusses outside influences on Shinto, its revival after Meiji Restoration and how it was used to promote nationalism and military expansion. It also reviews Shinto's current status in Japan.
Table of Contents:
Early History of Shinto
Philosophy of Shinto
Kami Rituals
Shinto Shrines
Shinto Festival Processions
Outside Influences on Shinto
Revival of Shinto and Japanese Nationalism
The Current Status of Shinto
Conclusion
From the Paper
"During these public processions, which are generally held on annual basis, a large object (supposedly containing the spirit of a local deity) is carried shoulder-high through the streets, in order to revitalize the community with its supernatural presence. The bearers of the deity are required to "purify" themselves by drinking large amounts of sake before taking part in the procession. The intoxicated state of the bearers together with the bulk of the object they carry, conveniently "ensures" that the object may crash into the home or a shop owned by a greedy merchant or an intolerable official. As the object's movement is supposed to be "guided" by a deity, no one can be held responsible for the damage caused."
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Gender and Identity Formation, 2006.
This paper studies gender and identity formation in Robinson's "Housekeeping" and Baldwin's "Blues for Mister Charlie".
3,105 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 62.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that both the novel "Housekeeping" by Marilynn Robinson and the play "Blues for Mister Charlie" by James Baldwin deal with coming of age identity, conflicts amongst marginalized peoples and long-simmering community conflicts that come to a boil after the homecoming of one of the protagonists. The writer describes how Robinson's text is framed around the coming of age of young women growing up in rural Idaho in the mid-1900s. The girls experience a crisis of feminine identity after they are deprived of their mother, who commits suicide at the beginning of the book. The writer also looks at "Blues for Mister Charlie", that deals with the Black experience of isolation in America. The play centers on the difficulty of young Black people, men and women, who must force their lives and souls to conform to the norms of the White 'Mister Charlie.'
From the Paper
"For Black women, however, Baldwin has slightly less concern in terms of how the norms of their identities are formulated, even though women have a powerful stage presence over the course of the play. Thus Baldwin tends to reduce the importance of the Black female experience of marginalization in America for the Black community as a whole. It is how Black men formulate their new identities within oppressive structures that the author claims as his play's main concern. Continually, "Blues for Mister Charlie" stresses the commonality of all Black oppression and the investiture Black men and women have in creating a positive Black masculine ideal.
The play was written in response to the Emmett Till lynching of real life, a lynching spawned by a Northern Black youngster whistling at a White Southern women. Finding a way to create Black male sexuality in a way that is empowering, and will not bring the wrath of society down upon its head is Baldwin's concern."
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Popular Culture, 2006.
This paper looks at popular culture which is the culture pertaining to the masses.
1,446 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses the popular culture that is prevalent globally. Some light is also shed upon the role that media, both electronic and print, has played in spreading this culture and thus converting the popular culture into a global culture that has more or less established its roots in countries all over the world, ranging from those in America to those in Africa and Asia. The effect that this popular culture is having on the youth of today that blindly embraces it is also taken into consideration.
From the Paper
"The popular culture is being embraced by the youth the world over as it creates a sense of belonging and community amongst them. The McDonald's and Coca-cola culture is what the youth of today takes pride in. It is quite a commodity-oriented tradition where the latest hairstyle, shoes, clothes, food and music make the youth of one place in-sync with the youths worldwide. It is apparently "hip" to engage in illicit activities such as sniffing drugs or possessing un-licensed weapons. The pop-culture is basically feeding off the insecurities of the youth; their desire to develop an identity either individually or collectively, they place their souls in their possessions such as cars, hi-fi gadgets, clothes or in the kind of shoes they wear. It is this parameter by which the young judge or are judged. In their attempt to keep up with the modern world as they see it each tries to out shine, the other which usually results in hostility and animosity."
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Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy in Southern Africa, 2006.
This paper looks at the U.S. foreign policy towards Southern Africa.
2,007 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer claims that the United States' foreign policy towards Southern Africa has long been couched between the Cold War paradigm and hasty decisions of self-service. The writer discusses how while ostensibly the African prospect - replete with brewing racial concerns and potential economic value - was left to European guise, the United States had already witnessed a long history of being drawn into the continent. This paper looks at the U.S. policies regarding South Africa from the 1960s and through the Reagan regime.
From the Paper
"Since the middle of the last century, the United States has parroted a secondary role in the international aspects of the African political process, stepping aside for Mother England and her European peers to address their former colonies while they pushed through their final stages of independence. While actual attainment of the freedoms for which they fought lay far on the horizon, the bloody warfare that burned the nebulous concept of 'liberty' into the African South was hot on the minds of political leaders far beyond the confines of local tensions. Real conversation about the developing 'African Problem' began in Washington during Eisenhower's second term (1957-1961), when the National Security Council developed a proposal for the division of labor in the developing world - notably, the United States would gain umbrella control for the Latin American region, while Europe would serve as the satellite leader for post-colonial Africa."
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The "Geisha", 2006.
A look at Liza Galby's book "Geisha".
1,218 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the everyday life of a Japanese Geisha, their role in society, their place, their relation to art (music, poetry, dancing), to culture and tradition, to prostitution and to Japanese wives as portrayed in the book by Liza Galby. Geishas are said to be one of the defining elements of Japanese society.
From the Paper
"Without even attempting to cover the personality of geishas and their role, a few nouns are likely to help in defining geishas, both as a concept and as persons. First of all, we may state the fact that geishas are performers. Their role is to entertain at private parties, often for exorbitant sums of money. In Kyoto, in the traditional geisha neighborhood, filled with lots of restaurants and private houses, one can often see in the streets (especially after eight or nine in the evening), geishas can be seen walking around the street in their tight, exquisite kimonos and lavishly done hairstyles, entering the restaurants where they are appointed. Dancing, singing and reciting, alongside witty and smart conversation are some of the trades that geishas are taught ever since the beginning of their lives in the geisha schools. Notoriously, one of the most famous geishas of all time, Sada Yakko, who lived in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, went on to become a remarkable actress, with tours that astounded the Western world at the beginning of the 20th century. Reputably, her conversation would stand the test of any of the potentates of those times. "
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"The Middle East", 2006.
A review of the book "The Middle East" by Bernard Lewis.
892 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews Bernard Lewis's book "The Middle East". This paper takes a look at Lewis's aim to provide a concise history of the region over the past two millennia, with an emphasis that is somewhat different to that of many of his predecessors. This paper shows how Lewis sees one fundamental shortcoming of previous writers in that they have downplayed the significance of the pre-Islamic rivalry between Byzantium and Persia.
From the Paper
"Additionally, Lewis tackles the driving issue of Western influence upon the Middle East. To him, the most apparent outward indicator of the recent changes in the region is how people dress: "The first, most obvious visible change is in the clothes that he [the stereotypical citizen] wears." (Lewis, 3). Nevertheless, this change must be put into its historical context; this is not the first time that cultural changes, like dress, have come about through outside influences. Lewis notes that this also occurred when the Mongols invaded in the Middle Ages. Lewis also sees many of the current political and social battles in the Middle East as stemming from the divisions created by the colonial powers. So, if there was one pervasive theme that a historian could extract from the history of the region, according to Lewis, it would be dispute and competition between opposing powers. "
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The Qing Dynasty, 2006.
A discussion of the takeover and consolidation of China by the Qing Dynasty.
1,171 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the takeover of China by the Qing Dynasty and the many ways that this was accomplished. It focuses on the rule of Emperor Qianlong and what he achieved for the Qing Empire in terms of its territorial size, and therefore, its ability to protect itself from internal rebellion and foreign invasion.
From the Paper
"Emperor Qianlong's contributions to the expansion and consolidation of the Qing Empire were substantial, for he not only expanded his empire into Tibet and Xinjiang but also undermined the power of the Dzungar in Lhasa, a place where Chinese influence had been established by Qianlong's grandfather some fifty or so years earlier. One major step taken by Emperor Qianlong regarding Tibet was to install the Dalai Lama as the temporary ruler and declare a Chinese protectorate over the entire country. In 1793, as an indication of China's powerful role in the region, Emperor Qianlong decided that all future Dalai Lamas would be chosen by a lottery system which still exists today. "
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Westerners in China, 2006.
A discussion of the influence of Westerners in China from the 17th century.
1,195 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the arrival of Westerners to the Far East from Europe in the 17th century. It focuses on the reasons for their arrival and the effect that Westerners had on Chinese religious and social traditions and customs. China's relationship to Great Britain at the time, is also discussed.
From the Paper
"For many years, the Jesuits held Western dominance in China, mostly because they were more tolerant and open to Chinese religious and social traditions and customs. But in the mid 17the century, the Vatican in Rome became aware of what was occurring in China under the influence of the Jesuits and soon intervened with a very strict doctrinal approach to teaching Christianity. The emperor of China, the Manchu K'ang Hsi, a rather enlightened ruler for 17th century China, went against the Vatican and declared that the Jesuits' teaching style was appropriate for his people as long as it accommodated Chinese tradition. However, by the first decades of the 18th century, the Chinese monarchy evicted all Christian missionaries except for those individuals who contributed scientifically to the country."
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English Only Legislation in America, 2006.
This paper explores whether English-only legislation is a viable option in America today.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that English-only legislation in America does not recognize current national realities. Multi-lingualism is a fact in the United States, a result of a multi-ethnic population. This paper also explores why some minority groups are more reluctant to learn English, and the cultural implications of language. Finally, a comparison is made to previous generations of immigrants and their desire to integrate via the English language.
From the Paper
"However, the mainstream America of earlier times (and this is not just a linguistic problem) no longer exists. And identity and selfhood, which immigrants to America once strove, but do not always strive as much today, to make American through and through, run much deeper than just words one speaks, reads, writes, and understands. A real solution to the "English Only' dilemma (although probably equally impractical within America today) would be to discover ways, if any still exist, of recreating the burning incentive immigrants once felt to learn English quickly and well, in order to assimilate into mainstream American life. Perhaps, in today's fragmented, fractured (politically; socially; ideologically; and in terms of race and class, not just in terms of language) America, those incentives, for myriad reasons beyond the scope of this paper, have vanished. That, it seems, is the actual problem in America today. Multilingualism is just a symptom of that problem."
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| Essay # 74969 |
temporarily unavailable
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Women in 20th Century Russia, 2006.
A look at the role of woman in Russia.
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the abuse and suffering women in Russia endured during the 1900s. This paper also discusses how sexual harassment and domestic violence against women increased at an alarming rate while most turned a blind eye.
From the Paper
"Among a young wife's responsibility was producing a new generation (95). Until she had a surviving child, she was not considered a full member of the household. Women were expected to work throughout their entire pregnancy, only given two to five days after the baby was born. Their husbands usually demanded sex only a couple of weeks after delivery. The difficult deliveries, rapid return to sex and hard work in the fields soon after birth were very difficult on the women and often led to collapsed uterus (18) and other physical problems. This painful condition would be semi-cured by the midwife. Despite how difficult it was to have enough food, a woman became pregnant many times, in some cases up to the age of 50."
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Adolescent Childbearing in Africa, 2006.
A review of pregnancy, HIV and STDs in African adolescents.
1,682 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the adolescent sexual and reproductive behavior in Africa and the increasing incidents of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. It also discusses the suffering caused by childhood marriage and immediate post pubertal childbearing in females as young as 10 years of age.
Contents
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Behavior in Africa
Early Childbearing in Africa
Health Risks for Adolescents with Sexual Activity and Childbearing
Social and Economic Risks of Early Childbearing
What Can be Done?
From the Paper
"Contributing to both problems is the manner in which adolescent sexual activity in the region is changing. Aside from the fertility issue, Dijamba noted that most young women in Kinshasa, subject of a study by Dijamba, now engage in sporadic, nonsteady types of relationships, despite the fact that premarital chastity was still widely accepted as the norm, at least in Congo (Pillai & Barton, 1998). Dijamba noted that "exposure to mass media, formal education, delay in marriage, and other changes in social and economic environment may have reduced the role that traditional norms and values play on female socialization and union formation" (2003, p. 237+).
Dijamba affirmed the high rate of premarital sexual activity in developing counties is of concern because of the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). UNICEF (2002) provides the information that 5.2 million people acquire HIV each year, with more than half being young people between ages 15 and 25. In addition, a UNAIDS (2002) report noted that the situation is "more alarming in Africa, a continent that is home to 70% of the adults and 80% of the children living with HIV in the world today" (quoted by Kiragu and Zabin, 1998, p. 210+)."
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Globalization and the Extinction of Small Languages, 2006.
A discussion of the effects of globalization on the world's small language groups and their cultures.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper examines globalization as the most important reason why small languages are dying out. Some believe that small languages fade into oblivion because local communities and educators do not stress the significance of keeping these indigenous languages alive. The author argues that youth is the vehicle through which languages can be kept alive and transferred to the next generation. The author argues, however, that most young adults are not really interested in preserving local languages or culture. Due to vast exposure, they have come under the spell of stronger languages and culture which is the primary reason we fail to notice the beauty and richness of local languages.
From the Paper
"The writer goes to explain why any language, strong or weak, big or small, minor or major is important. "It is not merely a writer's conceit to think that the human world is made of words and to remember that no two words in all the world's languages are alike. Of all the arts and sciences made by man, none equals a language, for only a language in its living entirety can describe a unique and irreplaceable world." (p. 43) He describes an experience where he realized that indigenous languages are far more colorful and expressive than the well-known widely spoken ones. Shorris comes to see why the existence of small languages is important and realizes that the extinction of these languages would be a huge loss to articulation and expression. "
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Hindu Marriage, 2006.
An examination of the Hindu view of marriage as demonstrated through marriage customs and rituals.
1,155 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Hindu outlook on marriage as reflected in the elaborate traditions and rituals surrounding the marriage ceremony. Hindu marriage is further described as both an important means to foster love for the entire extended family, and as a means of spiritual growth for the couple. The three main parts of the marriage ceremony are described, including the pre-ceremony, the ceremony proper, and the conclusion of the ceremony. The author contends that the elaborateness of the rituals serve as a reminder of the importance of the marriage both to their families and the couples' own spiritual lives for the remainder of their union.
From the Paper
"A Hindu marriage ceremony can be divided into three main parts: the pre-ceremony, the ceremony proper, and the conclusion of the ceremony. The pre-ceremony includes a reception that is held by the bride's parents for the groom and his parents at the entrance of the marriage hall. After this first reception, the bride's father meets the groom on the stage, and gives several presents to the couple. The daughter is then given away by the bride's parents (Hinduism.co.za). Pre-marriage ceremonies can also include Pair Pana (where sweets and gold coins are exchanged), and Milni (where sweets, ornaments and token money are exchanged) (Mypurohith). The bride's feet and palms are decorated with Mahendi before the ceremony (Vivaaha.org)."
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