...class throughout this semester. Issues have ranged from social injustices, colonialism, and women’s rights. Some included personal tragedies concerning women of Aboriginal descent living in British Columbia. It has been quite emotional at times to actually read about the struggles that have taken place right here in British Columbia regarding immigrants and Aboriginal people. We even got to meet the author of Mercenary English, Mercedes Eng, in person to make the words of her story really come to life. However, not all of the books we have studied convey negative outlooks of certain problems being faced. There have been positive social changes, personal victories and many moments that make the reader believe things can be made right if an effort is put into it. This research essay will focus on the positive view portrayed in three books studied this semester which include: Mercenary English, Active Geographies-Women and Struggles on the Left Coast and the Unnatural and Accidental Women. The positive themes discussed will display triumphs on a personal level, meaningful change on a social stage and a look at how social activism deeply connects people together. Firstly, Mercenary English has a very unique way of showing social injustice, believed to be carried out in the eyes of its author Mercedes Eng. She writes about personal problems she faced, the negative issues surrounding aboriginal people in Canada and historical injustice against minorities. Her writing is powerful, emotional...
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...value-centered subject matter, which will draw more viewers. Latinos have generally been negatively stereotyped in the media as poor, uneducated, lazy, and violent. Another popular representation of Latinos is that they have poor language skills, and that they are gang members, teen mothers, illegal immigrants, drug dealers and traffickers, and common criminals. When it comes to stereotyping Latinos, the media tends to translate everything negatively. Comfortable sexuality is labeled as prostitution; having a lot of kids is associated with being impoverished and acting assertive is viewed as ‘macho’. I would say, however, that without a doubt, the most overwhelming Latino representation in the media deals with immigration. With states such as Arizona and Georgia establishing immigration laws and Latino Profiling Laws (specifically in Arizona), there has been a dramatic increase in anti-Latino activity and hate crimes as well as a growth in white supremacist hate groups. The internet is bombarded with images of White males holding picket signs and banners that...
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...Caught Between Cultures Gloria Anzaldúa’s The Homeland, Aztlán / El Otro México, explores the political and social impact of creating borders between places and their residents. Through use of her unique and diverse writing style, Anzaldúa is able to capture the struggle faced by displaced Mexicans and their posterity. Not only is she able to accurately portray their hardships, but she is also able to alienate her white audience by using both English and Spanish. This is done in a way that provides some insight into the cultural barriers that Mexican-Americans encounter. Her use of historical context illuminates the injustice that these people were subject to, while her incorporation of firsthand experiences and family history give the reader a more personal view of the trials and tribulations of a typical Mexican family. The combination of these different writing techniques make the reader empathize with the Mexican people’s struggle, by providing a new perspective on the conflict between Mexico and the United States and its impact. Anzaldúa uses a substantial amount of background information and history to provide context for her audience. She begins by explaining that the oldest evidence of human existence in the United States, is from the ancestors of the Chicanos, who settled there in 35,000 B.C. (Anzaldúa 41). This initial piece of history is important because it shows that the ancestors of the Chicanos were the first inhabitants of the land that is now modern day...
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...In the beginning of our country, no legislature was enacted for immigration. However, with time, many laws have passed, which has impacted the immigrants entering the U.S. Even though, illegal immigration has become a big issue in the United States, people who are attempting to come in legally are affected. These fears affect many asylum seekers who are seeking refuge due to persecution in their own countries. Asylum seekers are being detained or deported, which at times is in violation of their human rights. Due to many injustices asylum seekers face, it is difficult for them to pursue refuge. The detaining of asylum seekers has become a growing concern within the United States. As stated by the Department of Homeland Security, “(DHS) detains thousands of noncitizens who pose no flight risk or threat to public safety while they are awaiting deportation proceedings” (Immigration Policy). However, detaining a person who has come to the U.S. to seek protection because their own country failed to provide it, constitutes a violation of human rights. Asylum seekers are individuals that have passed through traumatizing circumstances, in which they feel threatened or endangered. By having asylum seekers detained, it can ultimately drive them to edge in which can have a negative impact on the economy. The detention of asylum seekers comes at...
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...able to trust a president who was not voted into office. Lyndon B. Johnson took office and sworn to continue the liberal agenda of Kennedy and called for a “Great Society” to end poverty and racial injustice (pg. 146). The Great society was a set of domestic programs proposed or enacted in the United States on the initiative of Johnson. The two main goals of the Great Society social reforms were the elimination of poverty and of the racial injustice. New Major spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation were launched during this period. Civil Rights Act, Medicare, Housing and Urban Development, Elementary and Secondary Education Act were a few programs enacted with Johnsons Great Society. The Great Society in scope and sweep resembled the New Deal domestic agenda of Franklin Roosevelt, but differed sharply in types of programs. “Johnson’s political genius also ensured passage of the new civil rights laws, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 gave the federal government the power to sue to desegregate public accommodations and schools” (pg. 148). The law prohibited job discrimination based on race and encouraged the passing of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to sue to compliance. The Civil Rights act was the beginning of social change throughout the country. Woman’s rights came into the forefront after the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Although Women’s rights and Women’s rights advocated had been present since the 1890s...
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...A Baptist policy on immigration and asylum seekers The world currently faces a global refugee crisis with up to 40 million displaced people (the majority of whom are women and children). Australia currently accepts around 13,750 refugees each year as part of total planned annual immigration of around 182,000 people. This paper identifies social and political problems relating to asylum seekers and refugees. It examines the biblical teaching on a responsible Christian approach to asylum seekers and refugees, and discusses some of the ways in which Australian Baptists have responded to the challenges of immigration and asylum seekers. It concludes with a new policy proposal for the consideration of Australian Baptist Ministries, the various State and Territory Baptist Unions, and local churches. There is also a guide to further information. The situation facing Australia today Immigration policy is one of the two most bitterly contested issues in Australian politics, and has been for more than ten years. People who seek asylum by boat, and various policy instruments designed to deter both asylum seekers and people smugglers, have been at the heart of an increasingly contentious public and political discussion in Australia for more than a decade. The debate has polarised large sections of the Australian community and prevented many politicians from engaging in a constructive policy dialogue. With little to differentiate their product, especially on economic and employment...
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...American minors were born to at least one immigrant parent, while the other 12% were born outside the United States (Zong & Batalova, 2017). The injustice and prejudice of minorities can all come to a stop if we take this matter and unite to spread the importance of multiculturalism. First generations and future generations ahead should not be discriminated for their identity, they should not have inadequate advantages while their privileged peers have more, and foremost they should not have any sort of discrimination against them due to their ancestry. A subcategory of racism is colorism and it has a correlation with our overall identity in society (Cohen, 1999). Colorism is defined...
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...internationalisation of social work The current processes of globalisation and internationalisation have nowadays reached virtually every corner of the world. There are numerous critics of current economic and political system that are opposed by as numerous apologists. Although both sides present diametrally contrary standpoints, one has to agree that both of them have valid and reasonable arguments. Without engaging in endless discussion whether the ongoing globalisation process is right or wrong, it is necessary to state that it is inevitable and affecting lives of people all around the world. In such situation, socio-economic problems are no longer constrained within borders of single country or region, but affect social/economical system of virtually every other country in the world. The contemporary economics and politics in individual countries are so densely interconnected that it is impossible to deal with local problems without taking "all the variables" into account. This is the reason why practice of social work has to be adapted to cope with new and complex social problems that are emerging as a side-effect of worldwide globalisation. There are numerous examples of global political or economic changes causing social problems that require international solutions. Probably one of the most noted is widespread exploitation of cheap workforce in developing countries by large multinational companies. Such practice causes great social injustices and is often infringing...
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...Study the following. Family, Marriage, Monogamy, Polygamy (Polygyny & Polyandry) Endogamous/ anti-miscegenation laws, ruled unconstitutional in the US in 1967, 15% of new marriages are interracial. Nuclear and Extended Families Theoretical Explanations of Family: 1. T. Parson’s Theory: Complementary, Different Roles of Family and personality stabilization; 2. Feminist Perspective: Conflict Orientation sees family as an institution of injustice. Feminists challenged ‘sexual division of labor in modern societies’. Jessie Bernard’s The Future of Marriage (1982) identifies his and her marriage, gendered institution. Explain these. 3. Betty Friedan The Feminine Mystique highlights women’s marginalization. Marriage & Divorce Rates- Reasons for stable marriage rates and high divorce rates Gay Marriage – what are civil unions and domestic partnerships? Immigration and Family Patterns- one third of US population is from immigration which will affect family patterns in the US. Transnationalism is ___. Social Class and Child-Rearing- Studies & findings by Melvin Kohn and Annette Lareau. Economy, Culture, and Family Formation- what is Moynihan Report? Findings of Julius Wilson? Arlie Hochschild findings on “family-friendly” policies. Chapter 14: Economy, Agricultural revolution & Industrial Revolution (mass production) Marxist definition of reserve army of labor; scientific management Information Revolution – automation; emotional labor. ...
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...Illegal Immigration Kenneth Brogan COMM 215 24 AUG 2014 Ryan Oba Illegal Immigration Why does the U.S continue to ban every illegal immigrant in America? How would you feel being a child shoved into a vehicle hidden and smuggled into the U.S not knowing where you're going or what's going to happen next? Once you arrive into the U.S you're surrounded by officers pushing and shoving you into buses taking you to these installations that seem to be built and ran like concentration camps. In today's society, the way that Immigration is handled in the U.S is a serious issue and us as people need to put a stop to this unfair treatment. If the U.S doesn't provide education, many immigrants become violent, causing more crime. They may use illegal drugs, causing crime rates to rise and harming themselves in the process; in the long run will harm the immigrants, because they will face a difficult life in terms of conscience and knowing what they did and the possibility of being deported. If the U.S provides education for immigrants, they can get better jobs to fuel the economy. Many are willing to work for less money than any American citizen will ever think of because jobs in their country pay far less than most low-paying jobs. I'm not saying they have to be paid minimum wage but putting them on the payroll and paying taxes will increase the economy. Denying health care to people is denying them what they need to survive and to be healthy. This...
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...The typical 18th-century American mob justices, the gruesome legacy of racial intimidation and lynching was characterized by conflicting social fears, blatant prejudices, and insensitivity where rioting incidences of burning buildings, increased black oppression and even brutal murder of police was rampant. This section explores lynching history, injustices, and racialization of African Americans in the US states, especially the south. Several theories have been instituted to provide an understanding of the underlying causes of lynching in the African American perspective. In addition, it explores how lynching research studies reconnect into understanding modern inequalities and racial injustices. African Americans became the most vulnerable group after the reconstruction era. Many cases of lynched black Americans were reported. According to research studies,...
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...Gonzalez !2 Section One: Call To Family, Community & Participation Indeed, Roe v. Wade rests on such faulty reasoning that even many legal scholars in favor of abortion rights criticize the ruling. The role of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution faithfully, not to create arbitrary new rights at the expense of old ones nor to adopt legislation by judicial fiat. The Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to guarantee specific rights with specific clauses. Lacking a textual or historical basis, this right to privacy depends largely on the Court that created it. Since the Constitution fails to specify the existence or extent of a general right to privacy. Any secondary right that falls under its protection, such as abortion, must necessarily rely on the whim of the current Supreme Court majority. Whether the availability of abortion is a good or bad outcome is closely related to the legal issue but a separate question. Attitudes change. Laws change. Even constitutions change. If the national consensus is that abortion is a fundamental right that ought to be protected, then this view has numerous ways to manifest itself, whether through state legislatures, the federal government or even a constitutional amendment. Roe v. Wade has many defenders, especially among those who support its outcome making fewer restrictions on abortion access. Arguing that women should have the right to do with their own bodies as they see fit. This is a serious consideration...
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...The offensive use of the word “boat people” is used within Australian society, taken from the Australian Government as an instrument to “other” individuals trying to enter Australia to seek asylum. To help comprehend the complex phenomenon of “others”, it is comparable to stereotyping, used to uphold social order. Richard Dyer (Hall, Evans & Nixon 2013) debates that “we represent people and places that are different from us with a representational practice, which we call stereotyping, which involves feelings, attitudes and emotions, and it also provokes fears and anxieties”. This ‘othering’ is a preface for the Australian Government to disregard their human rights responsibility, proclaiming that it is good for Australia. “Stop the boats” is the slogan and catchphrase the Australian Government and Australian society use when discussion of and around asylum seekers issues. This has triggered asylum seekers to be seen as a political concern instead of a humanitarian issue. Asylum seekers are used for political advance, playing on racial stereotypes or ‘others’ to strike fear within the Australian society. As the political concerns rage on, the public restrain understanding and compassion for asylum seekers. With...
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...food, safe environment mental treatment, substance abuse, counseling, or chronic conditions in need of medical treatment. The goal of human service workers is to improve public health, safety and economic circumstances for their community. Many community members need help attaining the basic essentials. Among these are developmentally disabled person, elderly, veterans, immigrants, refugees, substance abusers, and crime victims and offenders (CPD, n.d). The fundamental values of the human service profession include respecting the dignity and welfare of all people, promoting self-determination, honoring cultural diversity; advocating for social justice; and acting with integrity, honesty, genuine, and objectivity (NOHS, n.d). he range of problems facing human service clients are poverty, child welfare healthcare, economic injustice, social problems, mental illness, and unemployment. Poverty continues to...
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...a group of people such as those that guard the US-Mexico border, has the control to categorize and separate others by race, ethnicity, gender, and or class, oppression exists. Oppression is a system, such as the organizational structure of a border, that maintains an advantage based on social group memberships. The operation and administration of policies and laws regarding the border are used to control on individual, institutional, and cultural levels. The US-Mexico border embodies and establishes an “us vs. them” mentality with parameters of inclusion and exclusion, creating the ability to marginalize and oppress those trying to cross over. However, from this despicable truth, social transformation is brewing and forming in the suffering of artists existing in the midst of this oppression. Through their experiences, they create art that not only reflects their culture and ethnicity, but also celebrates the very category that is used to marginalize and control, bringing awareness to their plight. Gloria Anzaldua an author and poet, brings awareness to borders in her essay “How to Tame a Wild Tongue” from Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza (1987), using her talent as a means for social transformation. Anzaldúa posits there is more to a border than a simple divide and borders can exist in both actual and implied spaces. Through her poetry and prose Anzaldua cultivates cultural appreciation and calls for public awareness of the oppressed, specifically speaking to her...
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