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Biracial Families, 2005.
A look at the melting pot phenomenon of the United States of America.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the biracial relationships and families prevalent in the United States today. According to this paper, this is a result of the melting pot phenomenon whereby many people from varying backgrounds acquire a new label -- "American" -- which by itself indicates no cultural or racial heritage.
From the Paper
"Biracial families have been a growing trend in the United States. During the first half of the 20th century such families were uncommon, in part because many states had laws against African-Americans and Caucasians marrying (Fobanjong, 2001). However, between the years of 1978 and 1992 number of children identified as biracial by the National Center for Health Statistics showed an increase of over 50%, from under 64,000 to over 133,000. However, some experts believe that number to be low, and in the 2000 Census, people identifying them as biracial made up about 2.5% of the population. Over 40% of them were children (Harris, 2002).
Some people believe that biracial families face significant obstacles that other families do not have to deal with. Some studies have suggested that biracial children struggle with racial identity, social acceptance, a tendency to be isolated, academic and behavioral problems, and doubts about what career path to follow."
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Japanese Culture, 2006.
A look at Japanese culture focusing on the teachings of The Buddha.
3,123 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper researches Japanese culture, a culture primarily based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as The Buddha, in his work "The Eightfold Path". According to this paper, The Buddha was not Japanese but, probably, Nepalese and while he is believed to have lived from 543 to 483 B.C.E., some hold that he lived a century later.
Contents:
How Buddhism Creates a Unique "Built Environment"
Japanese Ritual is What Transforms 'Nothing' Into 'Something.'
Smaller Artifacts and Buddhism/Spirituality
Symbolic Carvings on Useful Items: Synthesis
Borrowing From Another Asian Culture
The Final Frontier of Spirituality: Metaphysics and Quantum Physics
Synthesis
From the Paper
"Like so much else in Japanese culture, it is not what it seems, but rather a symbolic combination of the mundane (hair ornamentation) with the sublime, or, as Jones puts it, "transforming the ordinary object into something extraordinary. The object's relationship with its surroundings and its own purpose are integral to kazari" (Jones, 2003, p. 4626), a fact that brings this, too, into the metaphysical realm suggested by the brief passage from The Eightfold Path.
The genius of the Japanese is also cited as their ability to incorporate elements from other cultures and make them not only their own, but central to the Japanese way of life. "Most aspects of Japanese culture came at one time from China--the tea ceremony, for example--and ... shows Japan's fascination with China in the 15th and 16th centuries"
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War and Human Nature, 2006.
A look at the reasons we go to war.
2,320 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at human behaviour in relation to war and the argument that war has continued through the ages because many human beings throughout the world, live in a state of spiritual emptiness. According to this paper, their lives lack meaning and purpose, and because of this emptiness which they long to fill, they accept the myth that war is something grand and noble.
Contents:
Introduction
Religion
Ethology/Sociobiology
From the Paper
"Are human beings violent by nature? Many people think so and point out the violent crime, child abuse, sexual assault, and most of all war as evidence. However, all this phenomena is the result of aggression, so the question is really whether human beings have a genetic predisposition to be aggressive. Maybe aggression is survival mechanism from prehistoric times that once helped us but now works against us. In this essay we will explore three areas of the belief that man's fundamental nature is violent, in religion, ethology/sociobiology, and anthropology/social psychology. We will argue that explanations of nurture are far more compelling than explanations of nature and that human being are not naturally violent.
Religion. Christian orthodoxy (but not all Christian religions subscribe) teaches that man is born evil and violent because of the actions of Adam and Eve who are supposed to have been the first two people who ever lived. Because of their disobedience to God, or "original sin," all their descendants, that is, all humankind is condemned and guilty too. We are born with "sin on our souls" and cannot help being violent. This belief is quite widespread. Most researchers agree that humanity did not begin with two specific people, but bands or families who developed into communities and societies. Then, there is the problem in the story of the talking snake that recommends sin to the first woman. No such creature has ever existed since only human beings develop symbol systems of language and assign meanings to sounds (words). The story is an allegory and not an historical account; that is, Adam and Eve is fiction, a story that teaches important moral truths and uses a talking animal as one of its characters. What the story teaches is a topic for another essay. But debunking the story is not the point here. The point is that teaching people from early childhood that they are born with an evil nature is damaging to a person's self image and sense of identity. If we think of ourselves as peaceful, we will generally behave in a peaceful manner. If we think of ourselves as basically violent, we will act out that belief in violent ways."
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Africa, 2006.
An analysis of the African economy.
2,453 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the economy of Africa. The paper begins by analyzing Africa's population, particularly in regards to the size of the country and the wealth of the individual. It then looks at the wealth of Africa, the land, and examines African economy and its growth. It discusses reasons for the level of the economy as it is today.
Table of Contents:
Bases of Wealth
The Gold Standard Is Tarnished
Is There Any Equilibrium In The African Economy?
African Economic Growth
Solution To The Problem
Supply And Demand
Development Through Oil
Reasons For Failure
Conclusion
From the Paper
"SAPs require liberalizing interest rates and increased government borrowing; in Africa, the oligopolistic banking sector causes higher interest rates. These are then coupled with an unstable political situation, monetary devaluation, and trade liberalization (often, a worsening of the balance of imports and exports), making the situation even worse. Trade liberalization fails because export markets are more competitive today than when the emerging Asian nations industrialized, making it more difficult to compete in exports. Since the Asian nations already specialize in low-cost labor-intensive goods, there is little room for African goods, forcing Africa to continue to rely on commodities."
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Minority Groups, 2006.
A discussion on the effects of stereotyping.
2,908 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses negative and positive stereotyping of minority groups. It focuses mainly on African-Americans in the United States. The paper explores literature on the topic and expands on the cyclical effects of negative stereotyping. The author contends that social awareness and the rise of successful African-Americans will break the negative stereotype image.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Introduction
Literature on Black Studies and Stereotyping
Analysis and Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"United States is a rich country, richest in the whole world. We go in all corners of the world to help the poor, impose our version of democracy on Iraq and Afghanistan and other countries and spend billions and trillions on these noble endeavors. The plight of poor, the blacks, the Hispanics however goes unnoticed. The truth is that America has failed to develop a social support system for the unemployed, the sick and the poor, while this type of system work across the border in Canada and also in Western Europe. The reason of this negligent behavior might lie in the racial origin of the poor. "
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"Lost Sister", 2006.
A description of the poem "Lost Sister" by Cathy Song.
1,283 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses a poem "Lost Sister" which is found in a poem collection called "Picture Bride" written by Cathy Song. The paper describes the ways in which the poem collection describes Asian immigrants' concerns with their decisions to migrate to the United States. The poem, "Lost Sister," more specifically compares the contradictions in Chinese and American cultures faced by a Chinese immigrant woman.
From the Paper
"By acknowledging that jade stone can only be found in several mountains in China and nearby, Song applies the stone to symbolize China, the nation and its culture. Further, by describing the preciousness of jade stone to Chinese people in line 6-9, Song conveys that Chinese culture is very important to Chinese people. They hold their culture so strongly that they pass it on to their descendants and it becomes the family's identity, as stated in lines 3-4. Identifying themselves as Chinese not only shows their pride in being as valuable as jade stone, but also their power to make impossible goals become achievable as they can "move mountains" (line 7). The significance of the word "daughters" in line 3 is an image relating to the intense connection between Chinese women and their identities as Chinese."
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Rousseau and Burke: The French Revolution, 2006.
A study of Edmund Burke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, proponents of the French revolution.
2,611 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at two proponents of the French revolution, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Edmund Burke, their background, their achievements and their views on the revolution. Rousseau and Burke both supported the revolution, but for different reasons. This paper discusses their similarities and their differences.
Contents:
Rousseau
Burke
Conclusions
From the Paper
"According to Rousseau, society's negative effect on generally good men focuses on society's mutation of "amour de soi," a positive self-love, into "amour-propre," or pride. Rousseau argued that amour de soi generates the instinctive human desire for self-preservation, in conjunction with the uniquely human power of reason. To differentiate, amour-propre is not natural but artificial and forces man to compare himself to others, thus creating unwarranted fear and allowing men to take pleasure in the pain or weakness of others. Revolution for Rousseau, however, as an essential force to combat the negative influences of society stems from amour de soi, so it is pure in Rousseau's eyes.
In his work "Discourse on the Arts and Sciences" Rousseau touched on a different angle associated with revolution. Rousseau asserted that the arts and sciences had not been a boon at all to mankind, because both studies were advanced not in response to human needs but as the result of pride and vanity - amour proper. Also, the opportunities arts and sciences engendered for idleness and luxury led directly and continue to lead directly to the corruption of man. Rousseau wrote in "Discourse on the Arts and Sciences" that the evolution of knowledge had rendered governments increasingly powerful and had destroyed individual liberty. Rousseau determined that corporeal progress had actually undermined the possibility of sincere friendship, replacing it with jealousy, fear and suspicion - more evidence of amour proper."
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Behavioral Implications of Developmental Changes, 2006.
A look at how human behavior has developed over thousands of years.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the developmental changes that have occurred among homo sapiens in the last two millennia and how these changes have influenced human behavior. In order to understand these behavioral changes, this paper reviews the nature of human behavior and the occurrences leading up to, and influencing the change in human behavior.
Introduction
Nature of Human Behavior
Effects of Development on Human Behavior
Evolutionary Ecology's Contribution to Human Behavior
Bipedalism
Brain Size
Language Development
Current Behavioral Implications Modern Humans
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Human behavior is more complex and varied than behavior exhibited by other organisms, however the basic processes share between humans and non-humans is not much different (Barnes-Holmes, et. al, 2003). Darwin suggests that no fundamental difference exists between man's behavior and other higher mammals with respect to certain mental abilities, suggesting that a continuity of sorts exist between the two and hence comparisons can be made between humans and non-humans with respect to behavior.
Others including Skinner shy away from non human studies believing but do suggest that such studies are useful for "assessing what behaviors and traits are distinctly human vs. those that are not" (Skinner, 1969: 101). For purposes of this evolution primarily human behaviors and traits will be explored in relation to developmental patterns over time. Human behavior will be examined as a direct correlate to developmental changes that have occurred in human beings since the dawn of time. "
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Narrative Theory, 2006.
A description and analysis of the narrative theory (communication as story-telling) in human beings.
874 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the narrative theory of human beings as story-telling creatures. It discusses the success or failures in communication as depending upon the perceptions of the stories told by the narrator. The paper focuses on and analyzes Murdoch's communication with the Chinese and discusses this particular case in terms of understanding from both sides, successes and failures.
From the Paper
"The manifestation of this perception could be seen in the Chinese retaliatory boycotts to Mr. Murdoch's enterprises. After Murdoch's purchase of Hong Kong's Star TV network, private ownership of satellite dishes was banned. This extreme retaliation shows how important the audience is in narrative theory. The narrator should therefore very carefully assess the audience and its concerns before entering the communication process. Cultural differences further complicate the matter, as misunderstanding occurs very easily, as was the case with the Murdoch situation."
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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, $ 40.95
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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, $ 40.95
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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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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, $ 26.95
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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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