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Ernest Gaines' "A Lesson before Dying", 2008.
A summary and analysis of Ernest J. Gaines' novel, "A Lesson before Dying".
1,022 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes and analyzes Ernest J. Gaines' novel about a black man unjustly sentenced to death because the legal system of the Jim Crow South is so prejudiced the white jurors selected to judge him cannot see the truth. The paper relates that the story begins in a world where there has been a profound breakdown of all communication systems but by the end of the novel the two main protagonists are able to communicate by finding common ground and points of connection and, as a result, have changed within. The paper concludes that, although society has not changed by the end of the novel and the transformation experienced by the main characters is not enough to heal the world, the message of the story is still positive and inspiring enough for the reader to keep in his or her mind, long after closing the book.
From the Paper
"Even though Grant does not consider himself a believer, culturally the two men also share a common childhood education in religion, which they have begun to doubt or reject. Jefferson has to ask Grant if Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, during one of their first conversations. At the beginning of the novel, Grant rejects Christianity as a white invention. But by the end of the novel, he asks his students to pray on the day when Jefferson is scheduled to die. The unjust death of Jesus becomes a metaphor for both men, of the wrongful death of Jefferson and the suffering of all black men and women. Grant becomes impressed by the strong faith of the religious people of the nation, such as the Reverend Ambrose. He gradually becomes impressed by how the black men and women of his community are able to keep their faith, even when they live in a world of injustice. Christmas is a palpable presence in the novel, as Grant feels loneliest during Christmas. Jefferson dies around Easter-time. The Christian calendar underlines the similarities between the two men, and their common, eventually shared faith. Over the course of the novel, the men discover as they have more and more in common, even in small aspects of their lives and childhood. The two men used to listen to the same radio program as children, and Grant gives Jefferson a radio to connect him to positive memories, and to a sense of his culture outside of the prison. He brings gifts from his students, and also a pencil and paper, to give Jefferson the dignity of being able to express his innermost feelings. Jefferson feels like a beast, but self-expression brings back his sense of humanity. Words and writing have always been very important to Grant, and the come to be equally important to Jefferson."
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American Ethnic Literature, 2008.
Looks at what is meant by the genre of American ethnic literature.
1,295 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that ethnic authors use their personal experiences to illustrate the troubles and discrimination they have faced in an attempt to gain the understanding of readers and to perhaps change some long-held ideals and falsehoods. The paper then points out that American ethnic literature is a strong and vital part of American literature. The paper uses the writings of prize-wining African-American women to exemplify American ethnic literature: Poet Gwendolyn Brooks (Pulitzer Prize for Poetry), Alice Walker (Pulitzer Prize) and Toni Morrison (Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize).
From the Paper
"Another perspective all ethnic literatures seem to share are their views of traditional American values, such as equality and freedom, and that is not surprising. Ethnic writers, like anyone else, desire those values, but it is difficult to support them traditionally when they are not applied to your race or circumstances, and much of their writing reflects that. Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" is an excellent example of these values, and how they are missing in many ethnic lives. She writes, "I never had an education myself. After second grade the school was closed down.""
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Racial Discrimination, 2008.
A review of the subject of racial discrimination.
1,690 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper states that, under Title VII laws in the US, it is illegal to discriminate against individuals based on color or race. The paper then explains that discrimination often falls under two categories, including disparate treatment or "disparate acts" and then goes on to discuss the difference between these two categories. Next, the paper discusses a case involving disparate treatment and explains why the employer in the case should be held liable for discrimination. The paper cites several case studies supporting this conclusion.
From the Paper
"The more easily defined of the two is "disparate treatment" (Greenberg, 2002) because it involves outright discrimination against the employee, such as not hiring someone because they are of a particular race. "Disparate impact" is less easily distinguished, but typically involves a policy whether written or unwritten in a company whereby someone may be excluded from certain positions or availabilities, even though the policy may not have been intentionally designed to accomplish this (Greenberg, 2002; Harris, Henderson & William, 2005). The case described for this paper involves the question of "disparate treatment", with Doe arguing the company manager Bigot treated him harshly and in a discriminatory manner. When he reported his discomfort to the appropriate entities within the corporation, they did not respond to his complaints, but rather suggested it was just "the way" Bigot acted with new employees. Even if this were true, it is likely a court would rule in favor of Doe, the employee, because the statements made by his manager were related to his race or orientation, and because they affected Doe in a negative manner. The company should be held liable because no one took action to correct or investigation the employee's complaint."
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Martin Luther King, 2008.
An essay on the life of Martin Luther King.
884 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the life of Martin Luther King and his contribution to society. The paper concludes that, as a result of King's efforts, the Civil Rights Movement plunged forward, and accomplished much in the way of rights, rights for minorities, for the poor, and for victims of war.
From the Paper
"King himself was a humble man, once quoted as saying, "I am fundamentally a clergyman, a Baptist Preacher," and preach is what he did most of his life (Lischer, 1997, 1). King is often recognized by his "I have a dream" speech, given during the Civil Rights Movement, a speech that called to action all those that would sit idly by and allow racial discrimination to permeate even modern society. Many people admire King for his courageous endeavors and faith. Lischer (1997) admires the works of King, referring to him in some ways as a divine preacher, stating King "occupies a place in the hierarchy of the divine cosmos as the one who is authorized to proclaim God's lordship over other powers" (p. 17). Such words are not to be taken lightly"
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Affirmative Action, 2008.
Reviews the history of affirmative action legislation in the U.S.
1,115 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in 1961, President John F. Kennedy created the President's Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity, the precursor of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The paper also explains that the intent of the Civil Rights Act, signed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, was to help partially redress the wrongs inflicted upon black Americans by slavery. The paper relates that the resistance by many states to their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 led to many now famous Supreme Court decisions such as "Brown v. Board of Education". The paper concludes that, today, automatic race-based hiring and educational institution admissions are undermining some of its very worthwhile and justified intentions.
From the Paper
"The administration of President Richard Nixon was forced to balance the competing interests of ensuring Affirmative Action compliance with the concept of fundamental fairness guaranteed by the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, pursuant to which white students and white employment applicants had claimed "reverse" racial discrimination in connection with their rejection. After years of failed attempts to integrate certain industries, particularly those controlled by powerful unions, President Nixon issued plans like the 1969 "Philadelphia Order" to break unlawful resistance to Equal Employment Opportunity goals in the construction industry."
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Los Angeles Riots Cause and Effect, 2008.
An analysis of the cause and effects of the Los Angeles Riots.
999 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper elucidates the reasons for the Los Angeles riots and discusses the causes and underlying principles. The acquittal of the three police officers of the beating of Rodney King is stated as being one of the main triggers of these riots but, as the paper discusses at length, there were also many other social and political causes. The paper recognizes that there remains a deeply-rooted resentment felt by African Americans because of socio-political and economic inequity.
From the Paper
"Comparing the 1965 Watts Riots and the 1992 Rodney King Riots, there are several coincidental (?) parallels. Both instance involved white Anglo police officers; there was an African-American motorist as the victim, and there was a beating that occurred on an African-American. Rodney King and Marquette Frye, instead on being suspects in a traffic violation, became "martyrs" in the eyes of the African-American community. Especially with the Rodney King affair, he became the symbol of political, social and economic oppressions faced by African-Americans not only in the Los Angeles area but the United States too. To make matters worse, the 1992 riots were "purposefully defined this civil disorder as a rebellion, as opposed to a riot, because of the gaping disparity in economic opportunity and in treatment by the criminal justice system of poor residents in South-Central Los Angeles, the site of the conflagration (Watts, 2003). Feeling always the underdog with repressive laws, neighborhood segregation, disparity in income and outright disgust for the color of their skin by the Anglos, African-Americans went on a rampage to vent all the pent-up anger within. "In other situations, the anger and frustration was expressed by pulling white motorists from cars and trucks and brutally beating and kicking them. In one such case, Reginald Oliver Denny, was pulled from his truck as he stopped to prevent hitting looters who filled the street."
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Improving Student Attendance, 2008.
A discussion on the poor attendance at West Side Junior High School in East Chicago and recommendations for improvement.
909 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper addresses the problem of poor school attendance at West Side Junior High School in East Chicago. The paper highlights the reasons for the poor attendance and offers possible solutions to theproblem. The paper recommends that the problems can only be improved with the co-operation and participation of the entire school community.
From the Paper
"All of these strategies are positive reinforcement strategies, rather than negative reinforcement strategies like suspending students ("Attendance Incentives," 2007, NY State Education Department). It is important that students retain a positive attitude to school and to the potential of adults to help them during this crucial development period. In a recent study of high-performing schools that were once low-performing schools, one of the most common features was that students helped develop the school's vision and norms, and assumed responsibility for translating the school's purpose to the community. The students also planned school celebrations and community events when attendance as a school improved ."
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Broken Windows Do Not Make or Break Law Enforcement Efforts, 2008.
An examination of the 'broken windows' theory of the causes of crime.
1,135 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the 'broken windows' theory of the causes of crime. The paper explains that 'broken windows' criminology theory maintains that a lack of respect for the physical environment and the law leads to even more socially disruptive criminal activity. The paper points out that the 'broken windows' theory was one of the most highly publicized components of the law-and-order New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's attempt to wage war on crime during the 1990s. The paper then looks at how the theory attempts to attribute the causes of neighborhood decay to ignoring the "little problems" like graffiti, litter, shattered glass, which "creates a sense of irreversible decline" that leads law-abiding residents to abandon their residences and non-criminal prospective residents to stay away from apparently decaying communities.
From the Paper
"However, the presence of committed activists and the joint efforts between the communities and law enforcement may have been one of the causes of the decline in crime, not the more rigorous policing of minor offenses in and of itself. The drop in crime in New York City has a complex array of causes, economic and demographic, as well as sociological and political, and the 'broken windows' enforcement policies may not be the cause of the drop."
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Veteran Teacher Impact On Competency Test Scores, 2008.
A research study that analyze the impact that veteran teachers have on the test scores in reading and mathematics of African-American students in Georgia.
9,082 words (approx. 36.3 pages), 34 sources, APA, $ 188.95
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Abstract
This research paper attempts to determine whether veteran teachers have a statistical significance on the test scores in reading and mathematics of African-American students. The research focuses on eighth grade students in the State of Georgia. It discusses the relationship between teacher retention in the state and the test results that eighth grade African-American students achieve. The paper contains many graphs and figures.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Methodology
Key Terms
Research Questions
Literature Review
Results of the Study
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The methodology employed in this research is one of a qualitative nature and has been conducted through the means of a review of peer-reviewed academic literature written by experts in this subject area. Qualitative research originally involved isolation of variables studied from the rest of the world and then setting up of an experiment where the independent variable was changed and the changes that occurred to the dependent variable or variables were recorded. However, anthropologists pointed out human behavior cannot be realistically studied outside of the social context in which it takes place. Furthermore, the findings in scientific research depends greatly upon the individual's frame of reference, therefore if it is people that are being studied the meaning from the individual's point of view must be discovered. Qualitative research is typically analyzed inductively, or in other words, evidence is not sought out to prove or disprove hypotheses, but instead the researcher builds the abstractions upon the particulars of research that have been gathered and then grouped together."
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Comparing Gullah and Kamtok, 2008.
A comparative study of the orthographic structure, tenses and syntax between Gullah and Kamtok.
1,133 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of the orthographic structure, tenses and syntax between Gullah and Kamtok. The paper also reviews phonology. The paper then explores the structures of Gullah and Kamtok sentences with a strong emphasis on the verb tenses to facilitate both languages. The paper examines how the tenses and sentences are organized in a way that facilitates output in both languages. The paper then presents the results of the study that reveal how written forms of these languages relate not only to their pronunciation, but to other levels of linguistic knowledge. The researcher provides a meta-analysis of data collected from linguistic studies of the English languages, including reviews of the Gullah, Kamtok, influence of Cameroon, Pidgin, Creole and many other derivative languages, all of which have their foundation in British English, Creole, or African phonology and orthography. The researcher predicts the results of this study will help explain the commonality of communication, and assert whether a universal standard of syntax, tense, pronunciation and meaning may be derived from the research gathered.
Outline:
Introduction
- Background to Study
- Research Questions
Preliminary Review of the Literature
- Limitations of Study
Study Summary
From the Paper
"The English language derived from Europe and moved to many regions including to Africa. Here, English mixed with many local languages, giving birth to what we now know as Kamtok. The African languages as they were, also migrated to an English speaking country, mixed with English giving birth to Gullah. Noting this, it is important to point out these migrations had differing destinations, with English moving from Europe to Africa to create Kamtok, and from Africa to the U.S. to produce Gullah."
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Dred Scott, 2008.
A descriptive essay on the life of Dred Scott and the influence he had on society.
1,885 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Dred Scott, one of the most significant figures of African- American history. The paper relates that Scott's first trial began in 1847, after which he continued to fight for his freedom and continued until nine months before his death. The paper states that this is significant not only in terms of African-American history, but also in terms of its influence on the country as a whole and continues to be influential in the country even today.
From the Paper
"In terms of the war being fought in Iraq, the country is similarly deprived of its critical thinking skills. Grave injustices in the war-torn country are ignored or accepted as necessary sacrifices in the name of "preserving" the American way of life. Historical events such as the Dred Scott case should serve as historical lessons in critical thinking and in preventing history from repeating itself. However, Americans appear to be unable to learn from history or to prevent their emotions from overriding their reason. This lack of critical thinking is what keeps arrogant and unconstitutional leaders such as Judge Taney and current leaders such as John Ashcroft in position to infest the United States with unconstitutional rulings."
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Angela Davis's Political Views, 2008.
A description of the political role played by Angela Davis and the impact that she had on society.
1,621 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The paper is an overview of the history of Angela Davis, her biographical details, the type of childhood she experienced that may have contributed to her political views in adulthood, her role in organizations such as the Community and Black Panther parties, the Civil Rights movement, and her fateful encounter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The paper concludes with an assessment of Davis' accomplishments, how her role is viewed by the public and an analysis of its relevance for African-American society.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This legacy, though, discounts Davis's wide range of contributions to the Civil Rights movement and her subsequent work to further the condition of black people throughout the country. For example, carefully citing the historical basis of how blacks were treated in the United States, Davis railed against the "terroristic use of rape in order to put black women in their place" and the need for African Americans to celebrate and embrace black culture as a means of sustaining their sense of community is a hostile land. According to Hart (1994), Davis's activism was scholarly in its approach and even her detractors found themselves at a loss when confronted with the facts. For example, this author reports that, "In 1981 Angela Davis looked at how the larger birth control movement, comprised mainly of white, middle class women, neglected to address the needs of African-American women. Davis also condemned the racist and 'classist' slant of the American birth control movement for its stress on eugenics"
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