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American Identity, 2008.
A discussion of how an American identity has developed from the essentials set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
1,211 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explores how the two beliefs in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and that any government derives its power from the people form the essence of what it means to be an American. With this as basis, the American identity is not a single identity at all but a varied one applicable to people from different backgrounds, races, classes, and cultures. The writer explains that there is a belief system based on equality, fairness, optimism, the rule of law, and a sense of self-reliance that connects such diverse groups Southerners, Americans of the Northeast, and Americans of the Far West, and that freedom to make personal choices is the real key to the American identity.
From the Paper
"Certainly, much of American history tests the first premise, for to state it is one thing, while to live it is another. When the United States was formed, some were clearly more equal than others in spite of the rhetoric. Still, a belief in equality has been and remains a central belief in the American identity, even if the reality sometimes fails to match the ideal. As can be seen with reference to the second basic tenet, Americans from the first have also distrusted the power of government and do so even if they believe in that power to effect beneficial change. One can see distrust of government throughout the political spectrum in America."
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Altruism, 2008.
Discusses several different sociological theories that explain altruism.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses altruism and some of the sociological theories that are used to explain acts of altruism. The paper maintains that only the social-cognitive theory of altruism can explain why there are so many examples of extreme, yet commonly shared moments of altruism, where people risk their lives to help others, as well as examples of people in the same society that show extreme selfishness. The paper discusses the firefighters and citizens that risked their lives to save strangers in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th in New York City as examples of altruism and the lack of aid given victims of Hurricane Katrina as an example of selfishness. Social-cognitive theory is used to explain both types of responses.
From the Paper
"Philosopher Peter Unger points out that while most people would argue that it is a moral obligation for a person to jump into a river and muddy their clothes to save a drowning child, if they are physically capable of doing so, millions refuse to give to charity. "The Envelope. In your mail, there's something from UNICEF. After reading it through you correctly believe that, unless you soon send in a check for $100, then, instead of each living many more years, over thirty more children will die soon". But people throw the UNICEF envelope out and buy a new pair of shoes instead."
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"Amusing Ourselves to Death", 2008.
An in-depth review of Neil Postman's book "Amusing Ourselves to Death".
2,040 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Neil Postman, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" uses examples from the 1980s to illustrate how we are dependent on highly glamorized and frequently over entertaining renditions of the occurrences in our lives and culture. The paper explains his argument that because information has become so plentiful, the individual has much less ability to realistically act to change it and so the message is only of value if it is entertaining. The paper analyzes how important the subject matter is to the study of culture and society and why. The paper also determines the contribution this book makes to sociology and which audience will enjoy or benefit from this book. Finally, the paper questions whether the subject matter would benefit from a more modern rendition of the work.
From the Paper
"War, murder, terrorism, random and premeditated violence, religion and in the more modern, as one small example of the evolution, even dangerous high speed police chases have become the stuff of entertainment. Our culture has effectively desensitized ourselves to the element of humanity in all these issues and more frequently see them as a way to sell the modern human condition to itself. Seeking a way to engage viewers the media as well as the entertainers themselves have marketed the world condition, with all its poignant dramatic moments and made it more closely resemble fiction."
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The Effects of the Media, 2008.
A discussion of the positive and negative effects of the media.
1,124 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the media has made a magical difference in African people's political, economic and social lives, improved learning and caused joint ventures in publishing and broadcasting to flourish. The paper then discusses how the media has encouraged aggressive behavior in children, reduced young girls' global self-esteem and encouraged war. The paper concludes, therefore, that the media produces both positive and negative effects on people.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Communication has vastly expanded as media forms have diversified in recent times. Through globalization and democratization, communication through the various media has been a blessing to the economy and culture of African countries. Online communication has transformed the mere information consumer of old into a content producer today. Media literacy has become a component and approach in the educational curriculum of all 50 States. But this immense and unprecedented expansion of communication has negative effects. Studies showed that prolonged exposure to violence in the media inclined male viewers to physical and verbal aggression. "
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Pittsburgh, 2008.
This paper discusses the city of Pittsburgh and looks at its history, society and dialect.
3,288 words (approx. 13.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the city of Pittsburgh has long been known as a 'steel' tough city filled with a variety of individuals who are as rough and coarse as the city itself. The writer points out that this perception of Pittsburgh and its inhabitants began to change in the early 1980s with the decline of the steel production for which the city was famous. Pittsburgh, from the time of the Civil War until those early 1980s, was a city filled with steel mills and other factories whose sole purpose was to provide America and the world with the steel it needed to fuel unprecedented growth. The writer then looks at the dialect that developed in Pittsburgh. The writer discusses that with competition and a decline in the need for steel, Pittsburgh had to transform itself from a city of steel mills to a city that provides (primarily) services such as healthcare and medical expertise.
From the Paper
"Another important factor in this continued use of Pittsburghese is the media's use of the same words and pronunciations. Many of the immigrants were poor and uneducated and easily fell into the same patterns of language usage as those around them, both at work and at home. Many of them were unable to read, but importantly, they wanted more for their children and because of the available work, they were able to provide the children with the opportunity to become educated. Because the media continued to use the same phrases as they had used earlier, even the now educated offspring spoke in the same manner."
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Business Research, 2008.
Explores the issue of believability in business research.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that believability in research for business has become both easier and more difficult as a result of the Internet. While many sources are more easily accessible, the fact that Internet publication has become widely accessible to the public often makes it difficult to find serious, valid research resources. The author relates that research itself is focused upon studying questions and uncertainties rather than answers; therefore, the question is rather appropriateness than truth. The paper stresses that an important point to consider in terms of currency is that the business world as well as management theory is changing rapidly.
From the Paper
"Other researchers suggest factors such as quality assessment metrics. These can be divided into three categories: content-based, context-based, and rating-based metrics. For content-based metrics, information is measured against a set of generally accepted criteria for that information. A research article on a certain topic for example would then be measured against the existing and accepted criteria for that article. Peer-reviewed articles fall into this category. Context-based metrics use meta-information to make its assessments of validity."
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Baseball and the Films, 2008.
Discusses the importance of baseball to America's culture as reflected in the films "The Rookie", "Field of Dreams" and "A League of their Own".
4,195 words (approx. 16.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 112.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper examines how the long held national sense of baseball as 'America's pastime' first came to be, and how and why this sense of baseball remains strongly with us today. The writer also describes how combined, implied social and political importance of baseball to the American psyche and realization of the "American Dream" is powerfully and vividly reflected in films like "The Rookie"; "Field of Dreams", and "A League of their Own".
From the Paper
"As this film convincingly conveys, especially through its portrayals of the various ups and downs, but ultimately the cohesive teamwork and shared integrity among the Peaches themselves, that playing baseball one's very best, whatever one's gender, can and does bring out the best in oneself and others. The teammates each grow stronger, wiser and more determined and confident through their struggles to be self-actualizing through baseball which for women back then was indeed to achieve the near impossible."
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Benefits of Plastic Surgery, 2008.
This paper discusses the psychological benefits of plastic or cosmetic surgery and argues that they outweigh the health risks.
2,283 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that it is common knowledge that many people find it desirable to undergo surgery for facelifts and other kinds of "corrective" surgery. However, the writer points out that what is not perhaps as well known is that many people have "cosmetic" surgery for reasons that go well beyond vanity. Some have plastic surgery to eliminate severe facial deformities; some go under the knife to deal with the erosion of their self-esteem, while others get plastic surgery to repair a bothersome physical feature. This paper takes the position that while there are definitely risks involved in plastic surgery proceedings, in most cases the potential good that came come from the surgery is well worth the medical risk. And further, the writer maintains that the science of corrective surgery has reached the point where the risks are minimized and the results are very worth the risks. Still, it is very important for the patient to do his or her homework prior to going into cosmetic surgery. The material presented in this paper explains why advance research is vital.
From the Paper
"There have been instances in which people undergoing plastic surgery have been injured or killed. Two women died in New York in the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital after undergoing plastic surgery in 2003, Shute explains; the hospital was fined $20,000 for "egregious violations" of safety procedures because of those deaths. In Florida there were eight deaths of plastic surgery patients over an 18-month period in 2003-2004; as a result, Shute continues, the health officials in Florida imposed a three-month ban on surgeries that combine liposuction and tummy tucks. What happens during cosmetic surgery that can cause death? According to this article people can and do get infections, especially when they go abroad to places like the Dominican Republic or Mexico for "cut-rate" surgery; in some foreign countries the attention to sterile, clean surgical conditions is perhaps not as great as it should be."
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Poetry as Social Challenge, 2008.
This paper looks at poetry as a social challenge, concentrating on the work of poets Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in any situation of social or indeed personal upheaval, artists and writers play a central role in shaping the collective consciousness of their environment. Langston Hughes and Adrienne Rich are no exceptions. The writer maintains that while Hughes takes a less angry position than Rich, both poets in their own way call people to political action, and to an awareness of issues that need to be addressed in the society from which they emerge. Another interesting fact about these poets is that they do not write only about social problems, but also do so from an intensely personal viewpoint. The writer discusses that as a black man, Hughes focuses his work mainly on African Americans, while Rich's work revolves mainly around feminism and women's issues. The writer concludes that as such, both poets use their own experience and feelings about the respective lives and issues facing blacks and women in the society of their time.
From the Paper
"Hughes therefore acted as an inspirational force not only to poets, but also to readers, to reshape the familiar into something new and sparkling. He did this not only via the words his used in his work, but also through the innovative and exciting forms he used. In this, he particularly targeted the black community in calling them from cultural complacency. Like he challenged established forms of poetry, Hughes also challenged the complacency that would keep the black community from achieving equality and freedom in society.
"Hughes used his art as a platform for cultivating cultural pride. His emphasis on the lower-class black situation in his work however earned him little respect from the black press, who criticized him harshly for this. Still, this poetry also led to the poet's establishment as an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance. By emphasizing the situations both he and many others suffered in their daily lives, one of Hughes' aims can be seen as calling the black culture towards a type of rebellion against such a situation in a country that prides itself on its orientation towards opportunity."
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Homelessness in the United States, 2008.
This paper examines and discusses the issue of homelessness in the U.S.
5,977 words (approx. 23.9 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 142.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that within the United States, homelessness is defined as the lack of a dwelling or structure in which to reside. People who are homeless are also often unemployed, and many of them are disabled and/or have problems and struggles with drugs and alcohol. This paper explores the issue of homeless in the United States and, in particular, in the state of Massachusetts. Various issues that surround homelessness or that relate to it are also addressed so that a complete picture of the issue, how important it is, and who it affects may be seen. The writer maintains that the issue of homelessness is not one that will go away without help from the government and concerned citizens alike. The writer concludes that with effort, however, the issue can be lessened so that fewer and fewer people must spend their days and nights on the streets or in shelters, with nothing to call their own.
Outline:
The Definition of Homelessness
Historical Background of Homelessness
The Causes of Homelessness
The Emotional Implications of Homelessness
Help for Homelessness
From the Paper
"There is a long list of concerns over homelessness. It is important to touch on the main concerns here. The first one is the fiscal burden created by the high homelessness rate. When people are unemployed, there is a tremendous waste of productive power. The potential national output is not realized in a country where many of the people who could work are not working. It also hurts others, since the homeless and their families often live off of the state and/or off of the handouts of other people. This takes valuable resources away from others, and away from the national output.
"Another concern is the loss of freedom that homelessness creates. Some of the homeless are also socially excluded from many activities because they do not have the money or the status to participate. People who lack employment are often ridiculed or seen as being lazy, and this helps push them farther away from the rest of society. It causes a loss of freedom not just for them but for their families as well."
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