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The Development of Jazz and Blues, 2007.
This paper discusses the development of jazz and the blues in America.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer introduces, discusses, and analyzes the development of jazz and the blues. The roots of these two forms of American music are traced. The author also explores the influence of African-American slave music on these forms of music. Several notable jazz and blues artists are discussed. The author concludes by stating jazz and blues are popular forms of music throughout the world.
From the Paper
"Some of the more recognizable blues artists include Robert Johnson, Billie Holiday, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton, Son House, T-Model Ford, Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Muddy Waters, and Leadbelly (Gioia). Many jazz musicians have influenced the music and become famous in their own right, too. Early musicians include Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. Jazz continues to evolve today, with "smooth jazz" gaining in popularity, and modern influential artists include Wynton Marsalis and Kenny G. Advocates included many black and white writers of the times, such as Richard Wright and Langston Hughes, who recognized the importance of the music and helped spread interest about it around the world."
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Racial Issues in "Glory", 2007.
An analysis of racial prejudice in the film "Glory".
1,424 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the film "Glory" directed by Edward Zwick. Specifically, it discusses the ideological message of the film using formalist analysis supported by research on the film and its filmmaker. The writer proposes that race seems to be the only issue in Edward Zwick's classic film "Glory". The paper examines the film's depiction of the racial tension that exists in the army unit, in the other fighting units, and in the nation as a whole. The paper concludes that the film graphically illustrates those tensions for the viewer, and indicates a country torn not only by war, but also by racial prejudice and stereotypes.
From the Paper
"Many scenes throughout the film indicate the tensions between blacks and whites. It is quite clear not only the Confederates hate blacks. Many of the white soldiers and officers also dislike the African Americans, and do not want to work with them. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, has to convince his friend to lead the regiment with him, and there are scenes of the black soldiers marching through Boston to the jeers of the crowds and other soldiers. One graphic scene during the men's training shows how the Irish Sergeant Major holds the new recruits in contempt. He calls them monkeys and animals, and treats them just the same. He is vulgar and prejudiced, and it takes a reprimand from Shaw to calm him just a little. Much of the U.S. population at the time held the same ideas as the Sergeant Major, and so, simply because of their race, blacks were seen as not trainable, animalistic, and dimwitted."
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Race and the Death Penalty, 2007.
This paper questions the impact of race on death penalty verdicts in America.
5,065 words (approx. 20.3 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 127.95
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Abstract
The subject of this paper is how race impacts capital punishment verdicts issued by US courts. The author believes that capital punishment is powered by a system of justice that is heavily stacked against people of color. The writer cites several cases that show race as an issue in a death penalty verdicts. Additional statistics are presented that show African-Americans are executed more frequently than whites. The paper includes an extensive literature review. The author concludes that the public should be aware of the facts involved in this issue.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Conceptualization
Methodology
Research Design
Study Group / Sample Population
Conclusion
From the Paper
"And, Adams continues, of the 221 people "executed for interracial murders, 189 - ninety-four percent - have been black." Is there a pattern of blatant racial bias reflected in these data? Adams insists that "racism...pervades America's criminal justice system," and she wonders, "How is it that racism, as one of the most deplorable features of contemporary society, is able to establish a position in the purported beacon of objectivity and neutrality that is the law?" In her research article, Adams argues that since the death penalty was "reinvented" (Furman v. Georgia in 1972), the "arbitrariness and caprice" of the "pre-Furman" era is back. "
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Class and Culture, 2007.
This paper discusses class and culture in the post-World War II years in America.
1,285 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This article concerns the sexual liberation of women on one hand, and the oppression of women based on race on the other. The writer maintains that while both co-exist in a woman, the woman is being offered more and more options, and at times she is encouraged to make her own choices too. The writer discusses women and the problems that they face, whether it is the acquisition of a birth control pill that would afford them freedom from an unwanted child, or whether it is to escape from the poverty in which they have to live. The writer concludes that branding and labeling an individual as being on welfare must be stopped and today, people must learn to accept the fact that there are people less fortunate than themselves.
From the Paper
"It also became evident to women, for the first time, that they could forge an actual identity of their own, and act against the existing gender roles. Girls were being encouraged, through these all girl groups, to be advocators of their own sexual prerogatives, and to actually start courting the boy they preferred. Sexual liberation had arrived in America, and women were encouraged to even dump their boyfriends if they preferred to. To rebel was no longer a fantasy; women started to feel that they could indeed rebel against accepted social norms."
"When conservatism re-emerged during the 1970s, the fact that those welfare recipients who could avail of aid because they were unemployed, or unwed, sparked huge resentments and protests among the general public, because the feeling among the 'hardworking' whites was that their hard earned money would be paid off as welfare to a 'promiscuous black woman' with several children."
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"Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston, 2007.
This paper analyzes the character of Sykes in Zora Neale Hurston's novel, "Sweat."
1,368 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat" is usually read as a story of Delia and her troubles. The paper demonstrates, however, how it is also Sykes' story. The paper portrays how Sykes, the otherwise tyrant husband of Delia, suffers from an extreme loss of pride that resulted from the kind of economic and social conditions the black community faced during the early decades of the 20th century. The paper shows how, stripped of his pride, Sykes uses Delia to vent his frustration and anger. The paper points out how Sykes could have improved this situation by altering his mental state, his mindset and his behavior. The paper concludes that with a positive frame of mind, sometimes even the impossible turns a lot easier.
From the Paper
"The story opens with Delia sorting clothes as Sykes returns from a day with his mistress, Bertha. On the one hand we have Delia who is condemned to "sweat, sweat, sweat! Work and sweat, cry and sweat, pray and sweat!" (75) And on the other, you have Sykes who ridicules his wife, torments her and represents oppression and still gallivants with his mistress. So on the surface, Delia is the victim and she really is. But when we study the life situation in which Sykes had found himself, we could see how the circumstances were torturing and tormenting his pride and his masculine self. He wanted to be the provider for his family but still Delia got to be the chief breadwinner. This was something Sykes couldn't come to terms with and hence his behavior. By this, we absolutely do not want to justify Sykes' behavior but rather we want to be able to study the other side of the situation shown in the story."
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Equality in African-American Literature, 2007.
An examinarion of works by Booker T. Washington, Zora Neale Hurston and Ralph Ellison that describe African-Americans' needs for equality and freedom.
1,042 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how African-Americans' repeated struggles to obtain freedom from Southern slavery as well as their quest for social, economic and educational equality with whites, have been starkly and vividly described by a number of African-American authors. It points out that among these are the black educational leader Booker T. Washington; the novelist, short story writer and essayist Zora Neale Hurston and the novelist Ralph Ellison. The paper analyzes Washington's "The Atlanta Exposition", Hurston's "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" and Ellison's "Battle Royal" in terms of depictions of the African-American struggle toward equality, freedom and self-actualization.
From the Paper
"The "gradualism" argued for by Washington, in what is known now as his "Atlanta Compromise Speech", as a way of blacks' slowly gaining equality with whites through vocational education, pleased Washington's, mostly Southern white, audience at the 1894 Atlanta Exposition. Southern whites, worried about losing economic ground to former slaves, were happy to accept Washington's views of gradual progress for blacks through vocational education, although in hindsight this was not the best way for blacks to achieve equality with whites."
"Zora Neale Hurston's essay "How It feels to be Colored Me" (1928), is written from the perspective of a 20th century African American woman, who feels, more than 60 years after the abolition of slavery, sanguine about being black in America."
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Cases Reflecting Disparate Impact, 2007.
This paper describes disparate impact, which occurs when an employer uses employment practices that have a negative impact on a protected class.
1,063 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper presents several cases that demonstrate disparate impact and treatment in the workplace. The paper defines disparate impact and treatment as when an employer uses employment practices that have a negative impact on a protected class. Such practices can include tests, academic requirements, and physical necessities. The specific cases are highlighted for their importance to this issue and their verdicts are clearly presented.
Outline:
Disparate Impact
Disparate Treatment
Case Overview: Patricia Hill V. Forum Health
The Final Rule: Patricia Hill V. Forum Health
Implications in Today's Business Environment: Patricia Hill V. Forum Health
From the Paper
"The first case in history to examine disparate impact, Griggs V. Duke Power Co. made its way to the Supreme Court of the land. First heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, African American employees of the Duke Power Company brought a class action suit against their employer (Griggs, 1971). At the time, the power company required employees to hold a high school diploma and satisfactory scores on an intelligence test (Griggs, 1971). During times of heated racial debate, these requirements were put in place for positions previously held only by Caucasian employees (Griggs, 1971). While the District Court dismissed their case, Griggs V. Duke Power went on to an appellate court, where the decision was reversed, but the diploma and test requirement practices were upheld (Griggs, 1971). "
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Affirmative Action, 2007.
A discussion on affirmative action in the 21st century as a tool for racial justice.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the extent to which American society may require affirmative action policies in various fields, including education and the workforce, to achieve racial justice and end inequality. The writer proposes that society has not yet achieved a color blind, or gender neutral, society. The writer argues that, with respect to access to equal opportunity, while many organizations promote equal opportunity and fair employment, there is still ample evidence suggesting that women and minorities are not afforded equal opportunities, particularly in the American corporate world.
Outline:
Introduction
Evidence Against Equality and the Need for Affirmative Action
White Skin Privileges
Affirmative Action to Promote Equality
Conclusions
References
From the Paper
"Early in his work the author argues that whites have experienced a "power deflation" as blacks and other minorities have attempted to claim social status and equality in corporate society (p. 12). The integrity of black interests is therefore "compromised" as more and more the focus is on restoring white supremacy and power (Walter, p. 249). Walter's argues that to focus the effort against white conservatism measures are necessary that will promote greater equality, including incorporation of affirmative action programs to help facilitate greater true equality and legitimize the needs of the black community. Elimination of affirmative action programs according to Walters would perhaps put this country at risk for never changing from how it is now, unequal and conservative in nature (Walters, 2003)."
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Two African-American Plays, 2007.
This paper explores African-American manhood and social- economic obstacles in two plays by African-American playwrights: Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman" and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the African-American male protagonists in Amiri Baraka's "Dutchman" and Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun". The paper looks at how the protagonist Walter, from 'A Raisin in the Sun" and the protagonist Clay, from "Dutchman", both seek to claim their manhood, despite the social and economic obstacles vigorously enforced by a hostile, white-dominated American society. The author analyzes the contexts and nature of Walter's confrontation with Karl Lindner in "A Raisin in the Sun" and Clay's defensive, violent response to Lula's verbal sexual/gender assaults in Baraka's "Dutchman". The paper concludes that both of these male characters do achieve a temporary and ephemeral degree of manhood but neither of these plays ends on a completely hopeful note.
From the Paper
"However, as the true extent of Lula's hostility towards him becomes apparent, it also becomes clear to Clay that whatever playfulness of flirtation he attempts, as a man, will do nothing to mitigate Lula's hostility toward him as a black man, and particularly a black man endeavoring to be seen as an individual apart from his race. Now, however, with her victim confined to the below-the-ground crucible of the subway, Lula taunts Clay into criticizing whites in general, thereby bringing about the reactions on the part of others in the subway car that seal his fate."
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"Kindred", 2006.
A review of Octavia Butler's "Kindred".
1,623 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler and discusses how this modern-day slave narrative brings into sharp focus the reality that we cannot escape history. The paper further discusses how the culture of our ancestors has clearly changed, but just as we carry on the bloodlines and genetic information from our ancestors, we also carry forward the remnants of their culture.
From the Paper
"By entering into the role of a slave, Dana begins to negotiate and develop the ethic of compromise within her own head. She is perfectly aware that killing her "owner," Rufus, would bring no legal action in the modern world, nor would it likely bear any guilt on her psyche. However, she has become keenly aware from her second visit to Maryland that Rufus is not just any slave owner, he happens to be the man who will eventually father the first ancestor listed in her family tree. The repercussions of killing him would then logically lead to Dana and the rest of her family simply never coming into existence. Begrudgingly Dana accepts this knowledge and learns to survive in the same way that Alice, one of the house slaves, survives. At first Dana didn't understand how Alice could tolerate, and even express mild affection toward, Rufus after learning that Rufus had sold off three of Alice's children. Eventually Dana understands the complex relationship that all of the slaves have with Rufus through the knowledge that she must protect someone who does her harm ironically for her own protection. In the end, however, Dana comes to a full realization of the situation, and after her ancestor has been born and safely sent away from the plantation, she finally is placed in a situation where she must kill Rufus. Dana realizes that she cannot accept slavery no matter how kind or well-intentioned the slave owner is. "A slave was a slave. Anything could be done to her," Dana thinks as she sinks the knife into Rufus' side (Butler 284)."
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Postmodernist Literature, 2006.
A discussion regarding the representation (or the deconstruction) of national culture in the postmodernist fiction of the United States.
2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews four novels from the perspective of the representation or deconstruction of national culture in the USA. The four books this paper discusses are Philip Roth's 'Portnoy's Complaint', Kurt Vonnegut's 'Cat's Cradle', Saul Bellow's 'Herzog' and Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man'.
From the Paper
"That "vanished frontier" is perhaps Vonnegut's allusion to the loss of the idealism that America once represented. "The highest form of treason is to say Americans aren't loved wherever they go, whatever they do," Minton added on page 98. "
"Vonnegut's postmodernism style throughout this book is a quasi-cynical but not entirely exaggerated representation of America; the folly of religion, for example, is shown in numerous passages. On page 4-5, God liked people "in sailboats much better than He liked people in motorboats." And on page 2, humanity is organized into teams to do "God's will" but those teams never discover "what they are doing." Hence, God is a mystery, and writers like Vonnegut have license to muse over society's clumsy attempt to define and categorize Him for their own future salvation from themselves. "
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"Black Boy", 2007.
An analysis of the book "Black Boy" by Richard Wright, with a focus on the author's relationship with his mother and grandmother.
1,379 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how "Black Boy" is the autobiographical story of author Richard Wright as he grew up in Mississippi and other southern towns. The paper portrays the gripping story of hatred, prejudice and determination. The paper looks at the story that shows how the support of his family, especially his mother, kept Wright determined to make something of himself although his religious grandmother never thought much of him and helped to cast doubt on his future as a writer. This, however, provided him with the tools to make up his own mind and express his feelings. The paper stresses how, in his life, both women influenced him in differing ways and molded him into the man he became.
From the Paper
"Wright's life as a young boy painted his entire life, and much of that came from the influence of his family (good and bad). His mother was very strict with him, but loved him and usually supported the things he wanted to do. However, she was not afraid to backhand him if she felt it was necessary. Early in the book he writes, "She [his mother] slapped me and I cried. Later, grudgingly, she told me that Granny came of Irish, Scotch, and French stock in which Negro blood had somewhere and somehow been infused" (Wright 48). He lives in a world of secrets kept by the grownups, from murder to why whites hate blacks so much, and that affects his adult life, too. He does not like the secrets, and develops an inquisitive mind that wants to know more and questions just about everything. This will certainly enhance his career as a writer, for it allows him to look at a question from all sides and assess its' meaning before he makes up his mind and writes about it."
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