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Alice Walker & Ralph Ellison, 2006.
A review, discussion and analysis of the lives of two African-American writers, Alice Walker and Ralph Ellison.
3,565 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the literary forces that influenced the lives and work of two African-American writers, Alice Walker and Ralph Ellison. The paper further compares the similarities and differences between the work of these two authors.
Contents:
Introduction
Alice Walker, During & Post Civil Rights
Alice Walker's Literary Influences
Langston Hughes
Zora Neale Hurston
Pre-Civil Rights; Ralph Ellison's Literary Influences
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The mutual appreciation and love between the two was made permanent when Walker wrote Langston Hughes: American Poet, and explained in the "Author's Note" that in Hughes' books, she "encountered a spirit very like my own: a spirit that loves people, enjoys variety, hungers for diversity and change." She liked his poetry, she wrote in "Author's Note," but "even more compelling for me was his autobiographical writing, especially The Big Sea and I Wonder as I Wander" (Walker 36). The literary world is full of writers who "are reluctant to write about how hard it can sometimes be to understand parents and society and the way the world is organized," Walker explained, "but not Langston." And moreover, because Hughes wrote "so honestly about his struggles with his parents, and the often-puzzling cruelties of other human beings," Walker continued in her "Author's Note," she believed she could "trust him as a writer who still remembered the world of childhood."
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The Influence of African-American Women, 2006.
A discussion on "When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America" written by Paula Giddings.
948 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Giddings' works and the motivations for and the face of feminist movements in the 1960s and 70s. It highlights the influence and impact that black women have had on racial and sexual issues in America. The author of the paper offers a personal opinion on the state of racial and gender equality in a modern, progressive world.
From the Paper
"Another surprising aspect of this black influence was that many radical white organizations still did not accept female members or support feminist ideas. Here are groups working for societal change and they still do not take women's concerns seriously. That is disturbing and even laughable that an organization dedicated to change was so deeply entrenched in male values that they could not accept women at a time when they were violently opposed to most aspects of modern society. How could they possibly have any remote hope of changing anything in society when they could not, or would not, alter their own prejudices and macho, sexist ideals?"
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African-American Poetry, 2007.
An examination of various African-American poems throughout American history, focusing on the era of slavery.
2,158 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines African-American poetry from many eras in American history. The writer explores several poems and discusses their meaning and impact on society. The paper focuses on the spirit of the African-American people through the decades of slavery and the way that their spirit survived through learning to read and write and find solace in poetry.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Types of African-American Poetry
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The above passage from the same poem provides the reader with the understanding that Hughes does not anticipate he will always be relegated to the kitchen for his meals and that there will come a time where he will eat at the table with the house guests. It is a protest against the treatment of his race while showing pride and refusal to believe he is the lesser person he is treated like when he is sent to the kitchen to eat. One of the most important things to note is the perseverance of African Americans during those early years (Baker, 1982). An example of this strength can be see in the fact that it was illegal to teach African Americans to read and write, yet many of them refused to give up and often traded favors, food, or clothing for learning the craft. They knew if they could read and write they would be better equipped to work toward eventual freedom."
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Affirmative Action, 2006.
A discussion regarding the history, social impact and efficacy of affirmative action policies.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the history of affirmative action and how it has evolved over the years. The paper looks at the impact that affirmative action has on society and the actual success or failure of such a policy.
From the Paper
"In terms of how federal Affirmative Action policies and guidelines are supposed to accomplish these goals, the process was/is intended to be slow but steady. Affirmative Action policies and guidelines would facilitate opportunities for equal entry, for blacks, other minorities, and other protected groups, into housing, jobs and higher education institutions until, little by little, America's keen consciousness of racial differences (the basis of discrimination) would lessen and eventually disappear: in neighborhoods; in colleges; universities; graduate and professional schools; and workplaces (Dworkin; Harris & Narayan; Sabbagh). In this respect, up to now, Affirmative Action has been partly successful, although not entirely successful. Still, some genuine gains have been made (Marable). As Marable also reminds us, however "These impressive gains were not a result of voluntary actions" (p. 36), and likely never would have been made at all, except for Affirmative Action policies and guidelines."
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Housing Equality, 2007.
This paper explores the history of racial discrimination in America, with a focus on African-American housing.
4,372 words (approx. 17.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 115.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how one area of life that illustrates America's struggle with racial issues is epitomized in the country's history of housing regulations. The paper explores how until the Civil War, African-Americans who were not slaves living in the North faced a variety of discriminatory practices that made it difficult for them to find both jobs and adequate housing. The paper describes the Jim Crow laws that regulated where Negroes could and could not go, whether and where they could go to school and a host of other regulations that specifically singled them out as second-class citizens. The paper explains that change occurred when society saw Black men come back from World War II and the Korean Conflict being treated as second-class citizens in the country they had just fought for.
From the Paper
"As a country, the United States has struggled with the issue of race since its earliest days. While most people do not think of slavery when they think of early colonial America, the Ship bringing settlers to Jamestown, Virginia, included 20 African slaves. They were the first African slaves on the North American continent (Thomas Gale, PAGE). For the rest of the country's history, including to some extent to this day, the United States would struggle with race relations. The United States, a country that prides itself on living the ideals of liberty, equality and freedom, has spent most of its past struggling putting into action the words from the Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal."
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"Manchild in the Promised Land", 2007.
This paper examines the autobiographical "Manchild in the Promised Land" by African-American writer, Claude Brown.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the novel "Manchild in the Promised Land" by the African-American writer Claude Brown, tells the story of Claude and his family after their move from the South to the Northern "Promised Land" of New York City. The paper depicts how the novel reflects American culture in the struggles of a young black man in a drug, alcohol and crime-infested urban environment. The paper demonstrates how Claude was the exception to most black youths like him who remained in Harlem and therefore would be destined to adult lives of crime. The paper portrays how the author managed to rise above his early poor circumstances and succeed in life, despite the inequality of opportunities for all in urban America.
From the Paper
"The autobiographical story that Claude Brown tells within his Manchild in the Promised Land reflects realities of American culture in many key ways, e.g., in terms of the hopefulness that Americans typically bring, historically speaking, to new places and new beginnings (e.g., the Massachusetts Bay Colony; westward expansion; the northward migration of blacks after Abolition and the passage of the 13th Amendment). Claude's own family's migration takes place during a mid-20th century wave of migration of Southern blacks, from places like Georgia (where Claude's family comes from); Alabama, and Mississippi, to the big cities in search of better jobs; less racial prejudice, and a better way of life."
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'A Raisin in the Sun', 2006.
A review of Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun'.
992 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the play 'A Raisin in the Sun', by Lorraine Hansberry. According to the paper, 'A Raisin in the Sun' is about the dreams that people have. More specifically, it is about the dreams of people who do not have the opportunity to pursue those dreams. The paper reports how the main theme of the play is deciding what to do with a large sum of money that is won by one of the characters.
From the Paper
"He then describes the life his son will have. This description is partly about material possessions like their house with a gardener and a black Chrysler. However, Walter also describes how his son will be able to go to any school that he wants to and that his son will be able to be anything that he wants to be. As Walter says, "Just tell me, what it is you want to be--and you'll be it" (Hansberry 94). This shows that Walter's dream is linked to his desire for his son to be proud of him and for his son to have opportunities in life. Mama's dream is not to change as much as the others. Instead, she just wants her family to live in a safe neighborhood and have a home they can be proud of. The interesting thing about all of these dreams is that they are all worthwhile. All three of the characters have valuable uses for the money and want to use it to better their own futures. "
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The Song of Solomon, 2007.
This paper analyzes the saga of African-Americans in "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper describes "Song of Solomon" as a dynamic story of shifting values and awakening consciousness of a network of African-Americans that are bound to the common theme of finding their true selves in the midst of the residual damage left from the days of slavery. The paper explains that, while each character faces a different set of challenges, their heritage is intertwined through blood, friendship and their individual drive to uncover who they are and where they belong in their culture. The story is told through the eyes of Milkman, a boy with deep insecurity and confusion about his identity. The paper highlights the ultimate consequence of generations of racism that cause the unfortunate circumstances of Milkman's life.
From the Paper
"Milkman, through whose eyes the story is told, was breast-fed by his mother until he was a young boy, far longer than what is normally considered acceptable. A "friend" saw the little boy at his mother's breast, and dubbed him "Milkman," a label that stuck throughout his life. The nickname, as well as having one short leg, contributed to young Milkman's already deep insecurity and confusion about his identity. By the time he reaches adulthood, Milkman is angry, judgmental and indifferent, almost disconnected from his own spirit. Milkman's story is a man's search for his own personal values, and how each person in his life provides a piece to the puzzle of his true character."
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The African-American Landscape, 2006.
This paper describes the landscape of African-American life since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that African-Americans have gained many achievements over the last thirty years; however, as a whole, they lag behind the white community in education, continue to struggle economically and continue to be stereotyped by the mainstream society. The author points out that, although there has been a striking growth in opportunities for black athletes and entertainers, they are marked by stereotyping and limitations. The paper relates that, although the number of blacks who are affluent, college educated, business-owners, corporate executives or elected officials has grown considerably, there are many other African-Americans who are stuck in areas of concentrated poverty, joblessness and without the means to form and maintain stable families and provide for their children.
From the Paper
"Although blacks have fared better on television and in films than before the Civil Rights Movement, there are still few parts that are written specifically for African Americans, and most leading roles are usually confined to escapist "situation comedies" that many critics claim simply affirm their right to be caricatured as sharply as whites. Performer Ben Vereen complained that casting directors were too eager to cast him in the role of janitor. One Hollywood agent claimed that most directors tend to cast African American actors in roles of "druggies, athletes or men struggling out of the ghetto...""
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Race and Ethnicity, 2007.
A discussion on the use of race and ethnicity as a vehicle for discrimination.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how race and ethnicity have been one of the major factors in discriminating against other human beings. The paper suggests that political leaders, religious scholars and champions of different causes have always looked for some common factor that can unite them against their rivals and give them an advantage over the others. The paper gives some examples of this and discusses its consequences.
From the Paper
"[Gates, 1991] points out that the subconscious and subtle prejudice built over the years is the greatest obstacles to black's progress today. Negative stereotyping has the effects which are not easily understood. By stereotyping one basically closes his or her eyes and the person is not judged. In stereotyping, if a person does not fit the stereotype, people look for excuses for this departure from the stereotype. The result is that a rightfully entitled person is denied many opportunities and the psychological effects on the individual and the stigmatized group are enormous."
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The Color of Our Skin, 2007.
The paper analyzes the novel "Rule of the Bone" by Russell Banks.
1,087 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on the issue of racial identity in the compelling novel "Rule of the Bone." The paper discusses how the character, Bone, develops from a troubled teen who views everything around him in terms of racial identities to a young man who is confident in himself and his ideals. The paper shows that when he stops looking at people as "black" or "white" and begins to see them as they really are, simply human just like himself, he begins to develop his own personality and identity. The paper explains that this helps him mature into a strong, independent young man. The paper emphasizes Bone's realization throughout the novel that race and color are not important values in life.
From the Paper
"Bone's development as a character is closely tied to his evolving understanding of race and "whiteness." By the end of the book, he totally understands it is his race that has saved him from I-Man's fate, whether he likes it or not. After I-Man's death, he thinks to himself, "That was the other thing that had me all twisted up. Whiteness. Even more than being Doc's son it was my white skin that'd saved me from being blown away like Prince Shabba and I-Man" (Banks 342). Thus, Bone understands his whiteness sets him apart from some of the people he admires most in life."
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African-American Colleges, 2007.
A comparison of the differences in academic achievement between African-Americans and White Americans at college.
2,809 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses academic achievement and gender issues at historically African-American colleges. Specifically, the paper addresses the issue of the educational gap between African-Americans and White Americans and due to this, the differences in job opportunities between the groups. The paper concludes by suggesting reasons for the lower academic achievement at African-American colleges and suggests ways to counteract the problem.
From the Paper
"In recent decades, despite the Civil Rights Movement and integration, the prospects of many African-American men have noticeably worsened. As a group, African-American males have been described with "terms such as crisis, at-risk, marginal, and endangered." The frequency with which members of this group drop out of school, land in low-paying, dead end jobs, end up on drugs, or in prison, has alarmed all the experts - educators, social workers, physicians, criminologists, and politicians. On average, African-American males earn seventy-three percent of what White males make. They are considered less desirable as employees. Those with college degrees typically earn less than Whites with only a high school diploma. The life expectancy of Black men has actually declined - the only group in America to have done so. African-American males from the age of fifteen to the age of twenty-four are eight times more likely to be murdered than White men of the same age! Black males are more likely to die infancy, and to suffer serious health problems like high blood pressure, AIDS, and diabetes in later life."
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