| Papers [267-280] of 3182 :: [Page 20 of 228] | | Go to page : <— 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 —> | |
|
|
Janie Crawford's Emancipation, 2007.
An analysis of Janie's characterization in "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.
1,416 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses how in "Their Eyes Were Watching God," Hurston centers on the life of an African-American woman, Janie Crawford, to demonstrate women's bondage to the slavery system and a patriarchal society. The paper examines these themes of emancipation from a patriarchal African-American society and the path towards self-realization as an African-American woman. The paper asserts that despite the tedious path towards self-realization, Janie's marriage experiences of being subjugated by three men led to her eventual emancipation, wherein she was able to accept her being an individual and a woman.
From the Paper
"The African-American heritage in the American society has experienced a long history of bondage to the slavery system, which created the divide between the white and black Americans in the country. Among those who first experienced this bitter history of bondage to slavery was the writer Zora Neale Hurston, who was known for her writings depicting not only African-American slavery, but most specifically, the plight of African-American women during this time of strife."
| |
|
"Neither Black Nor White", 2007.
This paper discusses the novel "Neither Black Nor White: The Saga of an American Family, The Complete Story" by Joseph E. Holloway.
1,557 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 35.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines this historical novel that traces the lineage of a black immigrant slaveholding family. The paper shows how the novel is a documented case of the extreme situation of "colorism" in American culture, where the wavering ideas of color and how it was defined dictated the validity of lives. The paper portrays the life story of the Hadnot family and explores issues of black culture, history, Jim Crow and the concept of "colorism."
From the Paper
"The time span in the novel is from the 17th to the 20th century so the experiences of the individuals within it traverse the whole era of slavery in America as well as the social, political, economic and human rights issues that were faced by black slaves during and after the long difficult reformation and Jim Crow, and the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 70s. The people whose lives are intimately portrayed within the work lived through such extreme social conditions as the Colfax riots, and extreme segregation."
| |
|
Slavery, 2007.
This paper examines the lasting effects of African-American slavery in the United States.
1,188 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper identifies three types of resistance and five methods of defense that were employed by slaves. The paper also looks at three methods that were utilized by slave owners to elicit compliance and counteract the resistance of slaves. The paper portrays this constant power struggle where the identities of both slaves and slave owners were altered in a way that no other system could have altered them. The paper concludes with an analysis of the long term effects of slavery on American society.
From the Paper
"The era of African-American slavery in the United States was relatively short lived and yet it has produced an enduring and lasting legacy. As labor systems go, one of the most inefficient of systems is a forced labor system, as individuals engaged in it gain no benefit from their labor and the vested interest is held only by those in power. Slavery as it existed from the late 1700s to the end of the Civil War is a clear example of such a system. Due to the infrastructure of the system there were many examples of both active and passive resistance and defenses exhibited by the slave as well as many examples of methods of control exhibited by slave owners to squelch resistance and defense."
| |
|
Race, Class, and Economics, 2007.
A analysis of civil rights for African-Americans from an economic perspective.
937 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 23.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the quest for African-American civil rights as a movement for economic justice and opportunity as well. Several African-American philosophers' ideas are illustrated to show different outlooks on economic opportunity and prosperity in the US. Some leaders saw communism as a way to achieve economic parity with whites, while others felt it was necessary to work within the system through gaining a higher education. The role of African-American women in supporting households is also discussed.
From the Paper
"Early, on, advocates such as Cyril Brigg expressed the philosophy that Black nationalism must not be an ideology of territorial or race liberation alone, as advocated in the 'Back to Africa' movement of Marcus Garvey. Instead it must be an international working class movement of liberation founded upon Marxism and workers' rights--after all, American Black oppression was founded upon the capitalist needs of the slave trade. The American legislative system had proved a failure in winning Blacks their rights, thus a new system was required, and like Marx's workers, Blacks had nothing to lose but their chains, even less to lose than White workers (hence the greater attraction of more moderate trade unionism for Whites). "
| |
|
"Ray", 2007.
A review of the character of Ray Charles and the time in which he lived, as portrayed in the film "Ray," directed by Taylor Hackford.
1,089 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the 2004 film, "Ray," directed by Taylor Hackford. The paper discusses the story of the film and shows how the filmmakers reflected on the time in which Ray Charles lived. It discusses the background of the Civil Rights era and the changes it brought about and shows how this is seen in the film in the changing relationship between the performer and his audience.
From the Paper
"Ray Charles is not depicted as a saint but as a sometimes very difficult man, even without the drug problem that afflicted him for some time. The racism of the 1950s did not stop him from performing as he wished any more than had his blindness. In 1961, he decides that he will no longer play for segregated audiences in the South as he had before, since that was expected of performers at that time and in that part of the country. Because of his stand, though, another instance of racism is seen as his home state of Georgia bans him from performing at all. The film addresses this with a section at the end set in 1979 as the state give the singer an apology for this action, showing just as much that times have changed and that a segregated audiences is no longer possible. The central issue in the film is not racism or even the society of the time, though that background is recreated well for the film. Instead, the film offers "a potent sampling of Charles' demons, faults and addictions to go along with the charm, talent and strength of character" (McCarthy 3)."
| |
|
Harlem, 2007.
An analysis of the social and cultural changes in Harlem from 1920 to 1960.
4,680 words (approx. 18.7 pages), 23 sources, APA, £ 83.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the social times and the culture of New York's Harlem. It particularly focuses on the key influences on Harlem's social and cultural atmosphere from 1920 through 1960. It looks at the political, artistic, cultural figures and events of that period and discusses the social and political movements of the time. The paper describes how the area changed over these four decades.
From the Paper
"In addition, that exclusivity combined especially with and leading to a distinct African-American nationalism reinforced politically by Malcolm X and others, both encouraged and supported various key social, political, and cultural African American voices of change up to about 1960. At that point, the more mainstream, Southern-led Civil Rights movement increased substantially in nationwide activism and overall popularity, also subsuming Harlem-based, more cerebral, philosophically-based; intellectual and radical black movements arguably inflected with Harlem Renaissance era-ways of thinking. Its very uniqueness, however; geographically; historically; racially; politically; artistically; intellectually and otherwise, put(s) Harlem for better or worse well outside the American mainstream: then; now, and ever."
| |
|
Elvis and Black Music, 2007.
This paper looks at the influence of black music and culture on Elvis Presley.
3,985 words (approx. 15.9 pages), 15 sources, APA, £ 75.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in order to examine the genuine roots of Elvis's music and its close connection to African-American musical traditions, several areas must be explored. First the writer provides a closer look at the black musical tradition of Elvis's own period. The writer then offers an examination of musical blending of these various strains and influences that occurred within Elvis's early career and lifetime. The writer analyzes Elvis's childhood and the influence of black musical traditions upon his later music. Finally, this essay offers analysis of his actual musical contributions and legacy to black Southern culture, the growing civil rights movement of his day, and mainstream American culture in general, then and now.
From the Paper
"However many black musical; cultural, and other historians claim that Elvis's theft of their musical tradition is the epitome of the racism inherent within that era. The whole Elvis phenomenon in rock'n roll music yesterday and today only serves to further underscore, they contend, the foul way so many black writers and performers, such as Little Richard, were treated by the music industry in Elvis's own heyday. The enduring image of Elvis is a constant reflection of
Society's then-refusal to accept anything other than the non-threatening and subservient Negro. The legacy of Elvis as King of Rock and Roll has to be re-examined, those critics suggest, especially in the wake of better and more accurate scrutiny nowadays of the true origins of rock 'roll. These stem from deep African American musical traditions in blues and gospel music. Elvis himself admitted that his music is heavily influenced by the gospel of his childhood."
| |
|
History's Great Leaders, 2007.
Discussion of leaders and the personal characteristics that made them great.
3,096 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 62.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines a number of well-known leaders with an special focus on the traits they shared that are necessary in individuals who lead others. The paper further describes their leadership styles, the impact that they had or are having on leaders today, and the kinds of leadership tools that many of them used. This is followed by a brief literature review that addresses leadership and why it is crucial to have strong leaders in the world today. Some of the leaders discussed include General Colin Powell, who lived by the 18 rules of leadership which are listed in the paper. Dr. Martin Luther King's life and leadership role is also described. The paper concludes with a bullet point literature review.
From the Paper
" This is not only good in many instances when nothing happens on a large scale, but it can be very important to individuals that need good leadership for them to understand that a smoothly running business, life, or country usually does not experience large-scale happenings, although sometimes they are necessary when they are for the greater good, as will be seen. Those that crave excitement, danger, and risk-taking all of the time are not generally good candidates for most kinds of leadership because they try to change too many things too quickly and this stops them from stopping and thinking long-term about what it is that they might be affecting by their actions. Good leaders, however, have to be willing to 'make a fuss' when the need arises or when they see something that must be changed and cannot be changed through any other means."
| |
|
Rap Music, 2007.
A discussion of the background of gospel and rap music.
2,285 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the rise of rap music from its beginnings to its current broad appeal. The paper also gives a background of black gospel music, describing its history and popularity. The author then turns back to rap music, citing a study about who listens to rap and what the audience's opinions are on specific social issues that they feel are addressed through this genre of music. The paper also denounces several myths about rap and its lyrics. Finally, the paper explores whether whites who listen to rap may be less racist. The paper includes a questionnaire about rap music.
From the Paper
" Although rap is presently receiving a great deal of notoriety, black music has long been a part of American culture. Gospel music, for example, has defined black identity for generations and continues to do so. "Black gospel music is one of the new seminal genres of contemporary black culture which continually maintains its self-identity while it nourishes and enriches the mainstream of the world's cultural sources" (William-Jones 373). Black gospel music, a combination of West African and Afro-American music, dance, poetry and drama, includes contemporary black religious music of rural folk origins that celebrates the Christian experience of salvation and hope (William-Jones 376). For much of its 50 years as an underground form of music, gospel still remains among the least known or understood of many black cultural expressions today."
| |
|
Hurricane Katrina, Class and Race, 2007.
This paper discusses Hurricane Katrina and looks at the related social aspects of class and race.
1,905 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this essay, the writer notes that the Hurricane Katrina disaster will be discussed and debated for years, perhaps for a hundred years and more; and it can safely be assumed that an important part of the discussion will embrace the concepts of race and class. The writer maintains that one can easily imagine a sociology professor in the year 2025 pointing out that had a storm of such colossal intensity been approaching a city of mostly white, middle class and wealthy citizens, a different set of preparations and a wholly different outcome could be expected. This paper reviews and analyzes the social realities of New Orleans before and after Katrina's wrath, from several perspectives, including the theories of Karl Marx.
Outline:
Karl Marx
Katrina
From the Paper
"When considering the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers reported years ago that the levees around New Orleans - much of which is below sea level - were not structurally safe, one has to also consider the class issues within the political structure of the United States; in other words, is New Orleans a place that would have a high priority in the ruling class of Washington D.C.? The answer is no. And so, the Army Corps of Engineers would be (and was) more committed to working on the Florida Everglades' multi-billion dollar project (the president's brother being the governor of Florida) than retrofitting the levees in a city that traditionally votes Democratic, and is largely African American. These points are raised because Marx doesn't specifically talk a lot about "race" per se, but he does make it clear that class struggles have to do with issues that in the case of New Orleans, are largely ethnic."
| |
|
Richard Wright and John Griffin, 2006.
A comparison between Richard Wright and John Griffin.
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reviews, discusses and compares the authors, Richard Wright and John Griffin. The paper focuses on issues relating to being African-American, religion and education.
From the Paper
"He, like Wright, felt fenced in by the Jim Crow mentality that still existed in the South, a century after slavery had been abolished. Talking with black men as an equal, the black men finally told him the truth. They talked about how hard it was not to find a rest room, and to be denied the use of public facilities. The shoe-shine man in the French Quarter that Griffin had paid as a white man never recognized him, even when he revealed to him who he was. He felt the backlash of blacks when he tried to be polite to white people, and realized that blacks felt prejudice, as well. The hatred and fractured society the blacks (and whites) lived in, in the South, created what he called "fragmented individualism," created from having to think of oneself first as a member of a sick society, then as a person. This constant switching back and forth from the abnormal social life to a personal life where one could not remain true to oneself, created an individual with multiple personalities."
| |
|
Gangsta Rap Music, 2007.
This paper discusses gangsta rap music and violence towards women.
1,396 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article the writer notes that the term gangsta rap began its rise to popularity when the controversial single "Gangsta, Gangsta" by N.W.A. (Niggaz with Attitude) hit the Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. The writer explains that rap music is an expression of minorities' frustration with poverty, drugs, and sexual harassment, yet some includes explicit lyrics about violence and sexual abuse that many critics believe can easily mislead impressionable teens who are the main patrons of this type of music The writer maintains that gangsta rap music is essentially the vocalization of sentiments that have lived long within the political environment of the African-American community. The writer concludes that to feel empowered, African- American males attempt to keep women subordinate.
From the Paper
"African American men have historically enabled themselves with the power and authority to determine the black political agenda, and have consistently abused that power and defined the boundaries of the imagined black nation in terms of a sexual politics that institutionalized male domination and the subordination of the feminine. For example, Alexander Crummell suggested that one of African American women's main political duties was to protect their virtue and maintain sexual purity, and Stokely Carmichael asserted that the only position for women in his movement was prone."
"Ice Cube held women and gay men in contempt in "Amerikkka's Most Wanted," and in particular the fictional violence against women, with lyics such as "bitch-killah" in "The Nigga Ya Love to Hate," and the misogynistic "You Can't Fade Me," which is a venomous mother's -baby-father's-maybe tale that concludes with a murderous fantasy."
| |
|
Sexism and Racism, 2007.
An argument against the points made by Laurence Thomas in his article entitled "Sexism and Racism: Some Conceptual Differences."
1,112 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents the writer's personal response to the essay by Laurence Thomas, entitled "Sexism and Racism: Some Conceptual Differences." It argues that Thomas presents an impractical argument, an exercise in rhetoric and semantics, based on subjective analysis. The writer then points to numerous flaws in the specific points that Thomas tries to make and suggests that since Thomas' essay was written, attitudes have changed dramatically.
From the Paper
"And here is still another consideration: taking the position of a chauvinist in order to explain what sexism is ruins his argument in the first place. For example, on page 247 he says in the "traditional male role" a "real man" is one who "wears the pants around the house." This is an old-fashioned concept and has little to do with a man being "sexist" except for the fact that the writer himself seems to have chauvinistic ideas about the man-woman genre."
"Meanwhile, some of the arguments spelled out by Laurence Thomas have value, but others are completely innocuous. How can he say that "sexism" is "unlike racism" because it "lends itself to a morally unobjectionable description"? Both sexism and cultural bigotry are morally objectionable. Both are examples of the cultural confusion in our country."
| |
|
Americans of African and Asian Decent, 2007.
A comparison and contrast of the immigrant experiences of African-Americans and Asian-Americans.
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 21.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper highlights the commonalities and differences in the immigration and integration process of African and Asian-Americans. The focus is on the hardships endured by both groups. The author points out how both groups endured difficult voyages to reach America, although the Chinese paid a fee to come while the blacks were brought against their will. Also illustrated is the racism both groups endured upon their arrival to America, which often included violence. The author concludes that although both groups have gained freedom and rights in modern America, they still face prejudice and racism in various parts of their lives.
From the Paper
"Asian Americans and African Americans both had to immigrate to the United States, they were not native to the area. African Americans were some of the first immigrants to arrive; most of them were initially brought here against their will to serve as slaves in both the North and South of the eastern United States. There are records of slaves and free blacks living in the U.S. in the 1700s and by the early1800s, there were thousands of blacks working as slaves on the great plantations of the South."
|
|
|
