Black Social Movements Essay Example for Free

Black Social Movements Essay The political and social structure of the United States can be difficult to comprehend. How does one rationalize that in 1776, America declared its independence from England by stating, in part that â€Å"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,† yet, in 1818, in the very same country, Frederick Douglass is born a slave? (Jefferson, 2004 p. 612; Library). It appears that under certain circumstances, it is not self-evident that the Right to Liberty is unalienable. Fortunately, America has progressed, and while it would be difficult to support the position that Blacks have arrived at a point of complete equity with Whites, it is safe to say that giant strides have been made, but these strides have required action in the form of organized social movements. Blumer (1939) stated that â€Å"social movements can be viewed as collective enterprises to establish a new order of life. They have their inception in the condition of unrest, and derive their motive power on one hand from dissatisfaction with the current form of life, and on the other hand, from wishes and hopes for a new scheme or system of living† (p. 199). This analysis captures the meaning and significance of today’s Black social movements: that while the Black community now enjoys an increased equality and level of privilege when compared with what it was allowed in the recent past, there remains significant ground to be covered before true parity can be reached. The awareness of this need within the Black community has created both unrest and dissatisfaction, but past successes in the fight for social equality have nurtured a desire for even more change. One of the most influential areas of modern, American society is the media—specifically television—and it is here that an important social movement can be traced: the increased inclusion of Blacks on T. V. During the 1950’s, shows like I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand all premiered (List of years in television). Each of these shows featured characters and storylines that dealt with an America that was portrayed as White. Moving into the 1960’s, a time of great advances in the Nation’s struggle for racial equality, the television fare featured the premier of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Green Acres, and the original Star Trek (List of years in television). This decade’s entertainment also featured a predominantly White world-view; however, Star Trek’s promise â€Å"to go where no man has gone before† was as much a testament to the people, issues, and possibilities that were at the forefront of social improvement as it was a reference to space travel (Star Trek: The Original Series). To the credit of Star Trek’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, his multi-racial, multi-gender crew, included Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura, a stunning, articulate, high-ranking, black woman whose role it was to keep lines of communication open. This was a step in the right direction for Blacks as it allowed White America to absorb a new concept: Blacks are intelligent, responsible, and worthy of authority; they do not exist merely to dust, clear tables, and act as the butt of jokes. Currently, the face of television has become far more diverse, and there are networks such as BET (Black Entertainment Television) that cater to and feature Blacks. It is my belief that the change that has taken place in television media over the last half-century can be attributed to the increased awareness of those who once had sole control of the medium (Whites), coupled with the increase in buying power of Blacks, and the desire on the part of Blacks to assume command of part of television (e. g. BET). The fact that Blacks desire greater representation and control within television media is part of the ongoing, modern social movement towards equality that the Black community embraces. What does this all mean? Primarily, it means that social changes come about slowly, pushed by two forces: natural social change, and active social movements. It was natural that at some point someone would include a character like Lieutenant Uhura in a series, but along with this natural progression, more action was needed. There was only one Uhura on television, but there were thousands of Black women like her out in the world. This is why networks such as BET are so important: they represent an active social movement in the Black community; an insistence that part of the focus, part of the power, and part of the control be in the hands of Blacks. It may be true that our Nation’s Declaration of Independence seemed to say one thing but represent another; however, Frederick Douglass survived the mixed message and went on to contribute significantly to American history and ideals. Today’s Blacks are aware of a truth Douglass understood: that to make strides, one must work within the framework of the majority, while never doubting the singular strength of an individual’s effect on a nation. Without the early encouragement of his Master’s wife, Douglass may not have been introduced to the desire to learn, but that desire led Douglass to greater pursuits (Douglass, 2004, pp. 62-65). The Black community is now represented in local, state, and federal government: a sign that the community is working individually (i. e. running and voting), and within the framework of the majority (i. e. the established government and its rules) to improve its position within the United States of America. Schools are filled with a variety of ethnicities, both in front of the classroom and seated within it, and Blacks are embracing the need to educate themselves to ensure better jobs, financial success, and future opportunities. Essentially, the focus of today’s Black social movements can be viewed as those actions that fall within the context of the majority’s framework and are designed to allow members of the Black community greater parity within this frameowrk. At the same time, these actions are being encouraged and supported on an individual by individual basis, so that the overall strength of each person can be added to the collective, and both might benefit from natural social change as well as active social movements. References Blumer, H. (1939). Collective behavior. In R. E. Park (Ed. ), An outline f the principles of Sociology. (pp. 199). New York, NY: Barnes and Noble. Douglass, F. (2004). Learning to read and write. In Comley, N. , Hamilto, D. , Klaus, C. H. , Scholes, R. , Sommers, N. (Eds. ), Fields of reading: motives for writing. (pp. 62-66). Boston, Mass. : Bedford. Jefferson, T. (2004). The Declaration of Independence. In Comley, N. , Hamilto, D. , Klaus, C. H. , Scholes, R. , Sommers, N. (Eds. ), Fields of reading: motives for writing. (pp. 612-615). Boston, Mass. : Bedford. Library of Congress, The. The Frederick Douglass papers. Timeline. Retrieved September 12, 2006, from http://rs6. loc. gov/ammem/doughtml/timeline. html. List of years in television. (2006, September 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 12, 2006, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/ List_of_years_in_television. Star Trek: The Original Series. (2006, September 11). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 12, 2006, from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/ Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series.

Use of Literary Techniques in Miltons Sonnet Essay -- Milton Sonnet

Use of Literary Techniques in Milton's Sonnet At the prime of his life, Milton was struck with blindness. As a result of this tragedy, Milton created a sonnet about his blindness. He questioned the meaning of this tragedy, of the future, and God for his blindness within the sonnet. Within Milton's sonnet about his blindness: figurative language, personification, his intent and prosody are adopted to   convey his questions and heart felt acceptance of his blindness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Milton uses figurative language to express his grievances and discontent. He reflects upon his life and "how my light is spent," or the time he had his sight. Milton then expresses the feeling of the "dark world and wide" of the blind as his introduction to his questions. He begins to question his writing that only death can take away ("...one talent which is death to hide.."),   "lodged... useless" within him because of his new blindness. As a result, Milton begins to question God, "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?" Milton wonders as to the meaning of his blindness; Does God want him to continue to write, even with his blindness, or what does God really mean? At first his tone seems harsh, but his feelings are redirected as he answers his own questions in time. His last question to God, was answered by himself as he realizes that he cannot blame God for his actions. His figurative language from the point he begins to question, up to where he begins to answer his own questions are full of implications of his thought. These implications must be picked out in order to make sense of the feeling and statement Milton is trying to make. ... ... He has accepted the fact that he is blind and has answered his own thoughts on God. Milton believes that he must make a choice to go on with his writing or "stand and wait," as he must bear the burden and continue or stop.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, Milton uses many literary techniques to express himself as he confronts his feelings with blindness within this sonnet. The uses of figurative language to introduce the dilemma and to personification for change to the solution of his problems are effectively used to contrast the mood. His prosody and intention with words creates an imaginative thought process and detail towards the sonnet. Overall, his techniques combine to convey the theme of acceptance and realization. Milton has inferred that whether or not he continues to write depends on himself and serving God.

Harnessing the Science of Persuasion Article Critique/Analysis

Harnessing the Science of Persuasion Article Critique/Analysis I chose to critique the article â€Å"Harnessing the Science of Persuasion† by Robert B. Cialdini. As an undergraduate I was planning on a profession in the medical field, and I enjoy exploring how the science and business worlds correlate. In this article, Cialdini describes six scientific/psychological factors that contribute to enhancing one’s ability to increase influence on others. I interpret that pure motives are the main success factor in building influence at the underlying theme of Cialdini’s principles. I can only be as persuasive as I am sincere in my desires to know, and help others. In this paper I will overview some of the principles that Cialdini presents, and apply them to my strategy for my personal, and professional advancement. Liking/Similarity Though the conscious mind may seek diversity, there is an undeniable human behavioral trait to associate with people who are â€Å"like me†. At first glance this principle suggests that we should stick to doing business with people who look, act, believe similarly to how we do and avoid other people because we will not be successful with them. I feel that I have always had an ability to relate to people, whether it is in line at a Motley Crew concert, or in an executive meeting. I believe that humans are more similar than different. The skill is identifying common ground quickly in interactions, because everyone is in a hurry. I have attempted and will continue to apply this principal in my business interactions by showing a little personality in the first few seconds that I interact with my customers. The trick is to do this without being perceived as smug or an apathetic. I can say a quick line from a song that is stuck in my head, and say â€Å"sorry I’ll try to focus better throughout the remainder of this transaction;† or asking a detailed question about a project that the customer is working on. It is important to adjust the tone, and etiquette to the person, and situation that is presented. I have found that when the person that I joked around with comes back, they seek me out to help them more often than not. Like all of Cialdini’s principles these techniques ill only work if I am sincerely interested in the person that I’m interacting with. Humans are very skilled at detecting apathy, so if I have to fake it, it’s better to not to try. Consistency/Commitment I am a pretty witty, creative guy, as such I am fairly successful with the principle of liking/similarity as stated above. I honestly struggle with the principle of consistency. Consistency, as discussed by Cialdini, describes influencing others to firmly commit to do what you desire of them. This principle is mostly applicable in my interactions with my co-workers. I place such a high emphasis on relationships with people that I often leave the opportunity open to be taken advantage of. I have many responsibilities that go unaccomplished if I consistently do the job of a co-worker. In today’s business culture, hierarchal flowcharts are decreasing in authoritative efficacy, and behavior is influenced more strongly by persuasion skills. Getting people to buy in and commit to it because it is in the best interest of the customer, the company, and the person you are trying to convince is the goal of consistency. There are levels of commitment. A person can mentally commit, verbally commit to the issuer of the request, or publicly commit in front of peers. Each increased level of commitment results in higher likelihood that the person will keep their word. The challenge in applying this principle for me is to not come across as overbearing, or not willing to lead by example. I will apply this principle by discussing with my co-workers their desires to do a good job. I will ask those whom I direct to explain their thoughts about how we should best serve our customers, and apply their suggestions as best I can to procedural changes. I will also better describe the process from the perspective of people who work primarily inside the store, so that we can all better understand and assist each other. The success of consistency, perhaps even more so than the principle of liking, is dependent on motives. If it is perceived that you are more interested in throwing your authority around than working for the common good, resentment and non-compliance will result. I will avoid resentment by expressing sincere gratitude, and praise for a job well done. I will also show a willingness to go outside, and help when appropriate. I have read a few articles about enhancing persuasion in business, and to be honest, most of them come across as phony ways to trick people to do what you want. Cialdini certainly has some elements of convincing people that they want to do what you desire, but he introduces the idea that these techniques only really work if you have pure motives. I really like the idea that being an effective/persuasive leader starts with being an honest/authentic person.

Indian Democracy - 1376 Words

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, aptly defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, aptly defined democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people. This definition clearly underlines the basic tenet that, in this- form of government, people are supreme. The ultimate power is in their hands and they exercise it in the form of electing their representatives at the time of elections. In modern times this type of democracy, which is representative in nature, is most suitable. The other type, the direct democracy in which the people themselves enact and implement laws and run†¦show more content†¦are preserved and further strengthened. They help in the formation of public opinion as well. Thus, political parties see that there is nothing against the spirit of democracy, freedom, equality and social justice. In the absence of political parties, we cannot think of smooth and effective functioning of a democracy. Different political parties may have different ideologies but they all aim at the good of the people and the country. The party system in India has been a great factor in giving meaning and life to democracy. With the passage of time, a new and healthy relationship has developed between the ruling party and the opposition parties on the one hand and between the public and the political parties on the other. It is because of the enlightened Indian voters and political parties in opposition that the government and the party in power have been more responsive and accountable to the people and their representatives. Obviously, democracy is not a one-sided game and it needs two or more players in the form of rulin g party, parties in opposition and the electorate. Liberty, equality, justice and fraternity are the very cornerstones of democracy. They are not available under dictatorship and utilitarian forms of government. Without freedom of speech, expression of faith, profession, and association, etc. democracy is meaningless. Similarly, right to own property is one of the fundamental rights under democracy. The Indian Constitution offers all theShow MoreRelatedIndian Democracy1640 Words   |  7 Pages India’s experiment with democracy has, through the years, proven to be a success. There is an established Constitution that is fair to all the people living in the country, the power of the leadership is vested within the people, and the people are able to voice their opinions without fear. These factors create the foundation on which a democratic nation can stand and continue to build on in. 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There was a law, stating that only white males with a good portion of land could vote in the presidential election. Andrew Jackson thought this system was so unfair, he created a new way to govern the citizens of the newly