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Caribbean Culture and Cultural Imperialism, 2007.
A discussion on whether the Caribbean society is too receptive and diverse for its own good.
1,633 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Caribbean culture and at how its dynamic polyglot, diverse nature - and its ability, and even willingness, to accommodate different cultures and ethno-social traditions - has actually made it vulnerable on a number of profound levels. It explains that the Caribbean nations have shown a marked inability to throw off the cultural, linguistic and educational encrustations of the European nations which took over the region generations ago and which re-shaped their new fiefdoms in ways that effectively did away with pre-European values, codes, religions and dialects. The paper also looks at how many Caribbean young people attend English or French schools and prepare themselves for entry into a "global village" that is controlled by the very ethno-racial groups which turned their own lands "upside-down" in the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. In essence, the paper shows that by looking at the fragmented nature of the Caribbean world and by looking at the impress of foreign language upon its peoples and formal structures, a region is revealed that has lost much of its ability to marshal its forces against external imperialistic forces. The writer believes that the Caribbean must start doing a better job of privileging its indigenous traditions and dialects or it will finally, ineradicably, lose them forever.
From the Paper
"Many observers are of the view that the Caribbean is a melting pot; that it is a place wherein European and non-European types "creolize" and thereby shed their different historical-national identities in favor of one that is "West Indian" in nature. This argument, however, has been vigorously challenged by others who assert that the Caribbean is really a collection of different regions which have their own unique, distinctive features. Simply put, while there may be regional similarities vis-a-vis food, music, dance, dress and a host of other elements, there are many more (or at least as many more) differences as there are similarities (Allahar, p.1-2). Simply put, Allahar appears to be to arguing two things: firstly, West Indian/Caribbean is diverse; secondly, despite this diversity, the region has certain societal features that distinguish it from other regions and which bind together its disparate elements."
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Caribbean Cultural Diversity, 2007.
A discussion of the diverse Caribbean society and the impact of globalization.
1,214 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines creolization, globalization, and cultural imperialism in Caribbean society. It explains that each country in the Caribbean has such diversity in its ethnic, religious, social, and national practices that it can be considered as a separate country and that people in the Caribbean cannot even agree on what it would mean to be patriotic. The paper notes that the basic problem is that, instead of thinking of culture, one has to consider the Caribbean in terms of numerous subcultures and that this means that there is no possibility for a united and integrated community, and no way that the Caribbean can relate as a whole to the global community. The paper also highlights the fact that whereas colonialism imposed division on the Caribbean, the exact opposite problem is imminent at the present time because of globalization. In conclusion, the paper shows that the Caribbean is made up of numerous subcultures that are actually small cultures which are relatively isolated from one another, and while there are similarities between those subcultures they are marked by too many differences to ever be brought together in unity. Whereas the process of creolization is effective for mixing the subcultures into a general form, globalization has the potential to completely destroy those subcultures.
From the Paper
"Caribbean intellectuals are quite aware of the forces of globalization and of the need to situate their communities on the world scale. According to Gyssels (2001, p. 1), these intellectuals "have been working out ideals of trans-nationalism and multiculturalism, and have studied the dialectic connection between the colonies and the ex-colonies". Other attempt are being made in the Caribbean to protect, promote and preserve the elements of the cultural heritage such as the Carnival in Trinidad (Scher, 2002). Critical reflection on creolization is basic to the quest for identity because authentic cultures are in danger of being lost through the process of globalization and in great part because of the technological superiority of Western countries."
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Culture and Ethnocentrism, 2008.
This paper argues that a definition or concept of culture will never be free of ethnocentrism or prejudice.
1,283 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how generalizations about the features of culture will always have traces of ethnocentrism or prejudice. The paper discusses how culture is ultimately subjective and inter-subjective. The paper explains that culture and definitions of culture are ultimately created by individuals that will have some form of prejudice influencing their arguments.
From the Paper
"Culture is one of the most commonly used terms in anthropology and sociology. However, there is a great deal of disagreement about the nature of culture. Researchers even have difficulty in defining culture effectively. For example, in "Theories of Culture" Roger M Keesing argues, that the concept of culture currently has no meaning because definitions used to describe it are either too narrow or too broad (Keesing 1974: 73)."
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Inter-Cultural Harmony, 2008.
This paper discusses that no matter how enlightened the participants, inter-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective.
1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer argues that inter-cultural or cross-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective simply because human beings' (and how they react to the gestures and communicative strategies of others) are the most volatile and unpredictable variable of all when it comes to assessing the possible problems and rewards of a communication exchange. With that in mind, the paper explores why cross-cultural communication is so difficult. The paper also looks at some arguments which insist that inter-cultural exchanges can be harmonious and "worry-free" if enough training and education is provided. Finally, the writer concludes by reiterating why there will always be certain difficulties in cross-cultural communication and the paper finishes by suggesting that such tensions are just a "part of life" and must be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.
From the Paper
""Following this premise to its logical conclusion, it is clear that biological determinism, ecological factors, and simple evolution really are insufficient to wholly explain the nuances of each society - or at least to the satisfaction of a trained social scientist. Going further, each and every human being is a remarkably complex creature that will respond differently to essentially the same stimuli; consequently, it is impossible to avoid cross-cultural miscommunication because comments or gestures that someone else from the same culture finds tolerable might spark a highly unpleasant response from someone else who is also from that culture. In the end, the variables which constrain smooth cross-cultural communication are at least as numerable as there are people in the world.
"Still, some experts believe that cross-cultural communication does not have to be hampered by differences in background or by differences in perspective."
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African Cultural Retention, 2008.
This paper explores the question: Are African Americans destroying African culture?
765 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that African culture retention is noticeable in many aspects of the American lifestyle. The author points out that the African heritage for U.S. blacks survived the vicious system of slavery, despite attempts to remove remnants of African culture from the slaves and to instill a European/white culture so that they could be more accepting of their situation. The paper relates that some distorted cultural practices such as violence, sometimes labeled as "African", are not even remotely related to any kind of link with the cultural diversity of the African continent. The author concludes that the issue of African cultural retention and the destruction of the African-American society is so intertwined that it is sometimes hard to examine them separately.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tenets of African Culture In the United States
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The retention component has also been used to damage the influence of African culture; for example acts of violence or family structure, and or social interactions have sometimes been linked to the African culture, or the travesty of slavery, or even more so, the cultural practices in Africa concerning relationships, marriage, and relationships. Liberating African American cultural identity will show that the African influence or content of this identity, although not in a pure form, offers a significant amount of positive influences."
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Persian Influence on Islamic Civilization, 2008.
This paper is a theoretical, descriptive and analytical historical review pf the major aspects of the Persian (modern Iran) influence on the Islamic civilization.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Persian Empire created great civilizations before the rise of Islam. The author points out that the Persian presence within the Islamic populace influenced many core aspects of the Muslim society: the realm and formation of government, architecture, music, medicine, linguistics, literature, clothing and fashion and other areas of cultural, economical, political and social significance. The paper states that, unlike general notions perpetrated by Western civilizations, the Islamic civilization, which was a global civilization that integrated individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds who worked together to create knowledge within the arts and sciences, was not marred with war and terrorism. The author believes that the modern view of the Persian Empire is marred with subjective criticisms and linkages between Iran and terrorism.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Persian Culture; How is this Influence Explained: A General Overview
Figure 1: Iran's Cultural Dimensions
Scientific Contribution to Islamic Civilization: The Influence of the Persian Empire, Especially in the Field of Medicine
Figure 2: An Overview of the Persian Influence on Islamic Scientific Processes (Using an Input/Output Model)
Conclusion: State-Sponsored Terrorism and Iran
From the Paper
"Fields of medicine strongly influenced by Iranian scientist include but are not limited to physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology. There influence has been likened to changes in the understanding of medicine that took place between prehistoric times to the present, this is a rather profound statement, since "the torch of medicine was in the hands of Muslims in historical periods from ancient Athens to the Renaissance", but Iranian scientist have still managed to make remarkable progress in medicine. Scientist form the Persian sphere have had such a profound impact on Islamic medical research, that many medical scientist considered authorities in the field have evolved in the Islamic Civilization, but are Persian. Nabipour highlighted a few renowned scientists such as Rhazes (865 - 925 A.D.)who has one of the most authoritative books on smallpox and measles."
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Immigrants in Toronto, 2008.
This paper provides a report on immigrants in Toronto and discusses the suburbanization of immigration.
1,191 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a comparison and contrast of two distinct Toronto electoral districts; one in the downtown core that has served as a traditional immigration reception area, and one in the suburbs. The writer points out that their social compositions is important for what it reveals the changing ethnic demographics of Canadian society. The writer looks at how these changes are shaping the urban landscape of the major cities. This essay argues that a comparative analysis of these two districts reveals the suburbanization of immigration in Canada, as now established immigrants seek to migrate internally within the city from the downtown to the suburbs. The writer maintains that this intra-migration is complemented by direct settlement of new immigrants from abroad into Toronto's suburbs, effectively bypassing neighbourhoods such as the famous Kensington Market that were defined by successive waves of immigration for much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Outline:
Introduction
Social Composition: A Comparative Analysis of the Numbers
Ethnic Groups and Visible Minorities in the Landscape
Commentary
From the Paper
"Thus, it may be argued that many of the visible signs of immigrant presence in this area are remnants of past settlement, and that the former immigrant settlers in this district have moved elsewhere in Toronto. Indeed, the fact that the Italian population in York West is more than double that of "Little Italy" suggests that many former Italian immigrants and/or their children may have moved from the downtown to the suburbs. In contrast to "Little Italy" which seems to be a "shell" of its former self, the Chinatown neighbourhood of Trinity-Spadina reveals how dominant this one ethnic group is in the visible landscape of the district; a visual dominance that reflects its 52.2 percent of the district's visible minority population."
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Slavery, Stereotypes and Society, 2008.
A critical analysis of the adaptive flexibility model in its application to the African-Caribbean family.
1,931 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
The paper critically examines the adaptive flexibility model and argues that while this model possesses strengths, the model is flawed to the extent that it diminishes the radical impact of slavery upon the social and cultural development of the African-Caribbean family. The paper contends that a more balanced analysis would recognize both the reality of the impact of slavery upon later generations of African-Caribbeans, as well as the capacity of these families to define their own lives, often in resistance to this oppression.
Outline:
Introduction
Revisionism and the Adaptive Flexibility Model
From the Paper
"It is significant that even today scholarly research on the African Caribbean family focuses to an extraordinary degree upon the impact of slavery on this population. Much of the early history of the Caribbean is defined by its economic role as the largest English, and for a brief period the largest world, producer of sugar (Floyd 1981, p.38). To harvest the sugar cane, the English planters found that they needed far more field workers than could be obtained from the deported criminal classes of Britain and Ireland."
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The Chumash: Seafarers of Southern California, 2007.
A study of the Chumash, a seafaring Native American tribe of Southern California and their possible connection with ancient Polynesian seafarers.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Native American tribe of Southern California, the Chumash, one of the few New World peoples who regularly navigated the ocean. The paper points out that they built plank canoes, unlike most other North American native tribes whose canoes were of an unsophisticated hollowed-out tree trunk design. Only Polynesian seafarers from the distant South Pacific were thought to use similar plank boats to explore and colonize the various islands of the Pacific over a thousand or more years ago. The paper draws a possible connection between the two peoples according to both linguistic and archaeological evidence. From a purely linguistic standpoint, the Chumash word for plank canoe, "tomolo", may be derived from the Polynesian word "tumu-raa'au", referring to the wooden plank boats used by Polynesian explorers. The paper concludes that these findings regarding the Chumash wood plank canoe may open the door to seeing Native American culture in a whole new light, and even call into question old orthodoxies about migration patterns.
From the Paper
"Due to the vast size of the area that eventually became known as California, there were at one time or another dozens of small Native American tribes who inhabited the region, differing widely in language, culture and lifestyle, due to the great variety of environmental conditions they found themselves in (desert, mountain, seacoast, etc.) The Chumash are a Native American tribe who historically made their home along the southern coastal regions of California, stretching roughly from the vicinity of what is now Santa Barbara in the north down to Ventura in the south, but (to a lesser degree) even extending as far south as what is now Malibu ("Chumash.") They also lived on the three largest of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. The Channel Islands, located about 20 miles off the coast near present day Santa Barbara, are the largest offshore islands on the West Coast of North America ("Channel Islands.") This offshore presence was unique to the Chumash among California Indian tribes and will have a central place in the subsequent examination of their seafaring abilities and possible trans-Pacific origins."
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Learning and Tolerating the Homeless Culture, 2007.
A discussion of cultural and social differences.
1,804 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses a series of conversations the writer recently had with a homeless person. The paper explains how these interactions provided an opportunity for learning about someone else's culture, an opportunity to understand individual as well as cultural differences, an opportunity to enjoy shared experiences, and a chance to grasp the day-to-day exigencies of this individual's life. The paper further explores a number of themes - culture shock, stereotyping and various theoretical concepts. In conclusion, the paper shows that people who are different from ourselves may seem frightening at first glance, but their humanity becomes more and more undeniable the more we allow ourselves to understand and appreciate the cultures within which they operate.
From the Paper
"To begin with, this writer conducted a series of sit-down interviews with a homeless person residing in the local community. Initially, the contact was strictly visual as the writer sought to gain a sense of the man and a sense of what his state of mind was. Not long thereafter, however, a verbal line of communication was opened - largely because I offered to buy him a cup of coffee and because I made it clear to him that his life story was of interest to me. During the course of our conversation at the local Starbucks, I became self-conscious and vaguely uncomfortable - not least of all because a number of people took to staring at the odd couple in their midst."
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Archaeoastronomy, 2007.
This paper discuses archaeoastronomy using sites from Mesoamerica as examples.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that archaeoastronomy is the study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures. The author points out that many of the great monuments and ceremonial constructions of early civilizations, such as the Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt, were astronomically aligned. The paper relates that many of the major structures of Mesoamerica have been found to have an astronomical connection. The author states that the astronomical knowledge of these ancient people from different parts of the world were not connected in any known way yet they undertook some similar approaches to studying the skies and to building monumental structures with astronomical purposes. The paper examines the Mesoamerican sites of the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, the Toltec, the Mayan, the Zapotec and the Aztec civilizations.
From the Paper
"The links between the Olmec and the later Maya are numerous, and some believe that the Olmec may have been Maya speakers. Olmec emerged around 1,500 B.C. and came to dominate most of Mesoamerica. Olmec-style monumental art and architecture developed in the northwestern and southeastern edges of the lowlands. Much of this monumental art shows squat figures topped by rounded hats as a key feature of this art. In the southern lowlands during the Classic period, progressive growth and increasing complexity were the norm."
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Cultural Anthropology Critique, 2008.
This paper provides a critique of three articles: Richa Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Faranak Miraftab's "Can You Belly Dance?" and Oyeronke Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects".
1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This critical review comments on the themes, methodological challenges, suggestions and perspectives in the three articles: Nagar's "Exploring Methodological Borderlands through Oral Narratives", Miraftab's "Can you Belly Dance?" and Oyewumi's "Visualizing the Body: Western Theories and African Subjects". The writer maintains that these articles all fall within the tradition of feminist contributions to the re-evaluation of difficult challenges that arise within the fields of social anthropology and ethnography. Each adopts a very different approach, but all are thought-provoking, especially because none of the authors is a typical social anthropologist. The writer concludes that all three articles offer different insights and advice. However, the three are welcome voices, in that they smash the typical stereotype of white, Western, usually male cultural anthropologists.
From the Paper
"This traditional situation is subverted by the women researchers in these three articles. For example, Nagar is a young, unmarried woman, from a lower-middle class Hindu family in India, who has affiliations with Western universities, as well as a white boyfriend in the USA. She is multilingual, well educated and a part of the elite in the sense of being globally mobile and funded to do research. In that sense, she is entirely different from the people she researches. On the other hand, when she researches the Asian community of Dar Es Salaam, she has sufficient common ground with some of them - e.g. being Asian, being Hindu, sharing languages, ability to adopt approved clothing styles, such as salwaar kameez, or a sari, depending on context - that she can frequently be accepted by these communities as an insider. This positions her vis-a-vis the communities she studies in an utterly different position than if she had been a white, American man, who quite obviously could not simply don a sari and blend into a social group of Asians in Dar es Salaam! This unusual situation on the one hand puts her in a much less powerful - for example, the American male would probably not be sexually propositioned by an interviewee. However, her entree into these communities must surely enable her to gain more understanding of the communities."
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