Monday, January 27, 2020

Drum And Bass History In Context Film Studies Essay

Drum And Bass History In Context Film Studies Essay Drum and Bass is an electronic music genre that that developed out of Jungle music. A shift of UK Breakbeat Hardcore and the rave scene of the mid-1990s. Drum and Bass has seen many transformations in its style, taking elements from, Hip hop, dancehall, funk, house, and techno. The genre is characterized by heavy bass and sub basslines as well as fast Breakbeats (a sampling of a percussion section as a drum loop), usually played between 160 and 180 beats per minute.The most renown break is known as the Amen break, a four bar sampled drum solo of the song Amen Brother by funk and soul band The Winstons. It has been extensively used in Hip hop as well as sampled based music and also became the basis for Drum and Bass and Jungle music. Drum and Bass was seen to have a more melodic form, differing from the rough style of Jungle. While Jungle seared to the unyielding sonic boom of Ragga another style was gently maturing behind closed studio doors. A soft more textural form of the Jungle equation which cross- matched spliced breaks with an ethereal ambience, cool jazziness and soulful twists. The complete antithesis to the jump up sonics of the rugged and raw Junglist soundtrack, this new home listening version or Drum and Bass as it was simply referred to by artists involved. However promoters and journalists soon added the word, ambient or intelligent to the depiction. The insinuations of the intelligent label caused ramifications throughout the scene. With Junglists arguing that the name implied that the jump up style of jungle was in some way brainless music for dim-witted people. It also had racial implications since the majority of jungle raves were largely dominated by black youths. However this new genre was t hought to be targeted towards a more middle class white audience. Ironically Drum n Bass was simply trying to keep the original ethos of jungle. Concerned with pushing the parameters of sound while engaging influences from the entire spectrum of music, Drum n Bass represented the very spirit of jungle since its earliest house incarnations.  [1]   Drum and Bass development of Breakbeat can be seen as far back as 1991. As T-Power has already suggested, Drum n Bass and Jungle were developing side by sideall along, although very much in the minority, the more mellow style of Drum n Bass was showing itself even during the Dark period.  [2]   One of the better known DJs to explore this development was L. T. J. Bukem. Alongside Fabio and Grooverider Bukem is known as one of the pioneering DJs of the rave scene. His tastes can be traced as far back as the jazzier endeavours of Giles Petersons Dingwall sessions. However by the time rave had hit Bukem was Djing a rare selection of Jazz Funk and prime House tracks to a growing mass of fans. In 1991 Bukem released his 3rd LP Demons Theme pressing up a dub plate to drop in his set; the track gripped the attention of the crowd immediately. Its mellowing vibes along with the rushing breaks and plush ambience created a fresh outlook within the dark ambience of rave. Early 1994 saw a tirade of people coming together to join forces with Bukem. Artists such as La Bello Blanco and Omni Trio began push forward the smooth vibes as established by Bukem. This more ambient style seemed equally at home in clubs as it did on a personal stereo. One of the scenes most influential labels came in the shape of Reinforced Records. Formed by Iain Barouille, Dego McFarlane, Gus Lawrence and Mark Clair who also created music as a collective under the name 4Hero, the label brought about a new level of sound. Boasting a roster of the scenes most influential figures Lemon D, Doc Scott, Goldie, L Double and Grooverider, together they fashioned a collection of tracks which would range from the other-worldly contortions of Peshays Protà ©gà © to the fractured Breakbeats of Doc Scotts Last Action hero.  [3]  Reinforceds approach to music resulted in a continuous ability to predict the next sonic development in Breakbeat science. This display of sound shifts of the future would redefine the Drum and Bass scene. By June 1994 4 hero unleashed their debut album Parallel Universe this was to be a cutting-edge. Dabbling with experimental Jazz, the album draw upon b-boy roots whilst incorporating strings, layered with clear-cut breaks. The album helped to coin a term which exposed the scenes incessant attraction with Jazz. Jazzstep becoming ever more prevalent towards the end of 1994 saw complex Breakbeat structures sounding increasingly similar to the rhythms of Jazz Fusion bands. The adoption of Jazzier vibes by Reinforced Records created a stir at the epicentre of the Drum and Bass scene. Artists such as Fabio would take very opportunity to weave together the jazzier tracks with his Breakbeat sets. Now with the arrival of this new Jazz element within Drum and Bass sound. However for fans of Drum and Bass this new sound could only be enjoyed via the experimental shows of pirate radio stations. This was until October of 1994, Fabio, Bukem, Kemistry and Storm along with an assortment of guests saw a creation of a Monday night session at Mars Bar in Londons west end. The night was proclaimed Speed, it was to become one of the countrys most important club nights. It not only gave a meeting place for likeminded Djs and producers it was also to be the new creative centre of Drum and Bass. However this particular night was far flung from the raging crowds of the old Jungle raves which often saw gatherings of up to 5000 people. Mars bar only had a capacity of a few hundred, paving the way for a whole new generation of Drum and Bass heads, Jungalists and Breakbeat enthusiasts. These were people who listened to Drum and Bass through pirate stations. Indeed Speed was to Drum and Bass what Roast had been to Jungle and Rage to Hardcore. Each week saw Fabio play their smooth and rolling breaks, Bukem on the oceanic tip, washing the crowd with lush string drive epics while Fabio took he vibe deeper into Jazz land. Intricate beats intertwined with strolling bass lines, counter tempos and off key refrains. Speed also saw the clothing style move away from the flesh-revealing lycra and designer casual chic. In its place was a style more in line with hiphop. 1995 finally saw the sound come to the forefront. As this new melodic style of Drum and Bass progressed it became progressively more supported by the media. That years Goldies Inner City Life had been released to universal acclaim, suddenly everyone wanted a piece of Drum and Bass. Some definitions Ambient jungle  Drum and bass tracks with an atmospheric feel/mood/style to them. Some have long intros or ambient breaks. The most popular example is  Bukems Horizons. Artcore / Intelligent  These were the tracks that were initially written in a backlash against the big ragga jungle scene. The term was used most famously for the series of React Compilations, which have included mixes by  Kemistry  andStorm. This was and still is a favourite style for  Good Looking Records   a label that was initially ignored as it did not base its music on the dancefloor. Darkside  The exact opposite to the optimistic and catchy hardcore anthems. Darkside takes in samples from horror movies, deep, dark basslines and screams. Has undergone some serious developements but an ever-present style throughout drum and bass history. Still popular with todays producers i.e.  Blue Sonics   Devil Inside. It is not so much characterised by the samples now but more by the general sound and feel of the beats and synths. Happy hardcore  This is what remains of the original hardcore style, after jungle split off in 1991/92 some DJs and ravers remained loyal to the manic pianos, cartoon samples and sped-up vocals. The music self-destructed to some extent by becoming stagnated and too repetitive, as a result it would appear to be fading fast in the UK but still retains a large following in other countries. Hardstep  A term borne out of Grooveriders seminal 1995 LP Hardstep Selection. Usually simple tracks with deep grinding basslines and minimal or simple Breakbeats. Jazzstep Another sub-genre for those artists who took in jazz influences for their productions. Originated with Alex Reece  but more recently publicised by Bristols  Roni Size Reprazent  and  4 Hero. Still a style going strong. Jump-up  The style for the dancefloor. Big, bad drums and strong basslines. Often utilise vocal samples so once you hear some tracks you never forget them. Most at home in a club or event and guaranteed to get people moving (even if its only head-nodding.) Ragga-jungle  The style of the originators. Many of the early jungle tunes took in ragga influences spawned one of jungles greatest chart successes: M-Beat feat. General LevysIncredible  and Shy FXs  Original Nuttah. The influence has died right down with the  Tribe Of Issachars Tribal Natty being a lone example of recent years.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Maru versus Moleka in Evoking the Sympathy of the Reader Essay

Maru and Moleka are two men of many similarities but also of vast differences. Maru and Moleka both lived in a small village, Dilepe, in Botswana. At first it seems like Maru and Moleka are inseparable, but the arrival of Margaret Cadmore clearly outlines the differences between the two men. Maru and Moleka are both leaders of men and have enormous influence over the people they come into contact with. This is stated on page one, where Bessie Head asks the rhetorical question ?who else is born the leader of men.., referring to Maru. Both men have incredible power for better or worse, and were able to destroy their friendship by their selfishness. Both decided on what to do, and took no consideration of what might be best for the other. With the arrival of the Masarwa, both parties? main goal was to win Margaret, and therefore the great friendship was at risk. Moleka is an energetic character and does things with enormous spirit and power. Maru though, never has any energy outbursts. He is a gentle, quiet, unchanging and loving person. This is shown on page twenty three, where Dikeledi compares Maru to Moleka. She calls Maru a God in his kindness towards people, unlike that swine.? That swine refers to Moleka, who seldom shows any kindness. People always know where they stand with Maru. He is, unlike Moleka, predictable and peaceful, but forceful. His unchanging personality and complete character is very independent and he knows exactly what he wants. Moleka, in contrast, has an incomplete personality. With the arrival of Margaret it seems to change and ?complete itself?. Although Moleka does not win Margaret, he does settle down with Dikeledi, and I would think that he becomes happy. Moleka is complex... ...ka showed his love in several ways. One of them is when he dined with all his Masarwa servants to show that they were not inferior. He also walked outside of the village pondering on what to do about this one woman. This showed his love, as he was the type of person who was only involved with women to sleep with them. Moleka supplied Margaret with a bed which Maru ruthlessly took away, but Maru, although he made her life uncomfortable, walked away the victor. Maru and Moleka were very similar before the arrival of Margaret. They lived in the same community and shared their interests and activities. With the Masarwa?s arrival came a titanic personality clash. Their differences started to grow, and new cracks appeared and grew, until their friendship collapsed. In the end Moleka changed, the friendship was shattered and Maru married the friendship?s doom.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Political Efficacy Essay

FACT: No Black person has ever been elected as president of the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   United States of America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FACT: In spite of Blacks’ considerable population in America, very   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   few Black Representatives are elected; if elected, they still   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   remain in low positions in the government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These concepts remain to be unsolved puzzles that need deeper attention. These lead me to do a research regarding the present situation of Blacks in their political system and their way of thinking and behaving with regards to political matters that concerns them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper focuses mainly on how the issue on political efficacy among Blacks largely affects the views of people around the world. The paper aims to answer the major question: What major factors affect trends and even inconsistency in political efficacy among Blacks?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on my research, there are six major causes on why Blacks have very low political efficacy compared to non-Blacks, namely: segregation, political cynicism, socio-economic status, and awareness of inequality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These issues among Blacks concern us all. We can recall that Blacks have been a great part of world history and have major contributions on the world’s culture. The Blacks are the representation of almost all the other races in the world. My point is, in our world today, the mirror of reality shows us the two divisions of the world: the Whites, and the rest of the world. What is happening to the Blacks in almost all terms of their lives is happening to the ‘rest of the world’. Despite of their great number compared to Whites, the Whites still out-numbered them in terms of political, economical, educational, social, and all other rights. This research on political efficacy can fill or clear the gap primarily between the Whites and the Blacks. This paper will present the effects of the factors of political efficacy (segregation, socio-economic status, etc.) on the Blacks so that when there comes a time that the government will make policies, they know how these policies may affect the Blacks. The paper will also focus on the involvement and behavior of non-Blacks that might affect or is already affecting Blacks’ behavior and concerns in politics. LITERATURE REVIEW   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Scholars even from the past have been interested in studying political behaviors of the Blacks. One of the primary reasons of their interest might be the paradox on the large population but low political efficacy among Blacks. â€Å"Sense of political efficacy, according to Campbell, is the feeling that individual political action does have, or can have an impact upon political process.† Political efficacy as a whole is about â€Å"the impact of the individual citizen: the citizen affects political and social processes through elections, lobbying and other way of influencing political actors who in turn are expected to be responsive to the citizens’ interests and implement policy through their work and decisions effectively.† (Schneider 2006, p.1) Scholars construct several theories regarding political efficacy and conduct vast number of researches such as interviews, surveys, and observations. They even consult differ ent books, magazines and journal publications about political efficacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Scholars present theories and go deeper to finding about the patterns, cause, behavioral conditions, internal and external factors that might be the key to explaining the issues on political efficacy among Blacks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ananat and Washington pointed that segregation has a negative impact on Black political efficacy. The more segregated the metro areas are, the less likely that its residents are represented in the United States House by an individual who is from the Democratic Party or who votes in accordance with the desires of Black residents on civil rights and other issues. â€Å"We do however find evidence that in more segregated areas, non-Blacks are more likely to hold negative views of Blacks and of the policies that aid Blacks†¦. As Blacks are a minority of the population, in all metro areas, this polarization could explain the finding that Black civic efficacy is decreasing in segregation.† (Ananat and Washington 2006, p.4)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Poverty and resultant environment of deprivation were the driving factors in low levels of political efficacy (Woodly p.2). Ananat and Washington also agree when they stated that lower income subgroups are less likely to vote. They even mention that Blacks in more segregated metropolitan areas are fare worse than their counterparts in less segregated areas on a variety of economic outcomes (2006 p.20 & 26).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Schley, R. Lyons, political cynicism is the belief that the government officials and authorities cannot be trusted. At all political levels of education, Black youth felt less politically efficacious and were more cynical than white youth. This has been remarkably constant across time and region.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Woodly argues that because of Blacks’ awareness of inequality, they are both less politically trusting and less politically efficacious. (Woodly p.27) The Clark tests found that Black children were more ambivalent about the racial identities than White and they identify themselves more closely with Whites. (Woodly p.11) This statement alone will show that Blacks tend to lose trust in the government on whether they will be given equal rights like the Whites as they give out their votes. These doubts will prove the unwillingness of the Blacks to vote. In this era of globalization, the media takes part in almost all the events that concerns the people’s view on everyday news and issues. Robinson (1976) argues that increase viewing of television programs increases the frustration with the political system and cynicism. Similarly, media use might also reduce the feeling of control held by the political institutions over the world. (Schneider 2006 p. 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From all these sources that I have gathered, I have observed one inconsistency in the work of Ananat and Washington. They stated that the more segregated Blacks are the more contact they have with other Blacks and the more likely they are to be able to influence Black political behavior. However, they also mention a contradicting statement that segregation decreases Black voter turnout and/or increases non-Black voter turnout resulting in a decrease in Black civic efficacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The problem with some writers is they did not consider the other factors that may have an effect on political efficacy of Blacks such as history, religious beliefs and family or tribes traditions. There are also statements and even researches that are not very much relevant to the topic. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the points of the authors in the different works related to my topic for us to view the bigger picture. THEORIES AND HYPOTHESES Factors of Political Efficacy in Blacks   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the effort of explaining the present situation and behavior of political efficacy among Blacks, we first explain some concepts that I have crossed referenced from a number of literatures and arguments that tackles the same concept of political efficacy (as given in the review of literature). And from these sources, I have derived these following certain points and factors wherein I believe political efficacy among Blacks can be further explained and in these factors I have given closer attention and consideration. Racial Segregation. In this study of political efficacy in Blacks, it is impossible not to consider the status and limitations of interactions of Blacks with other races; which gives the concept of segregation or racial segregation. Racial segregation is quite different from racial discrimination; the latter being ranging from individual actions to enforced discriminatory behavior. Racial segregation is typically the spatial and institutional separation of races; as exemplified by separate neighborhoods, attending different schools and receiving different social services (Wikipedia). Economic Status. Although economic status have numerous meanings and measures, its use and meaning will be in accordance with the context of income. In this study, we use poverty rates as the general measure of economic status; a measure that can be easily quantified and compared in the process of analysis. Political Cynicism. Literally, cynicism is the belief of using self-interest as the main motive of behavior (Wikipedia). In the political context, political cynicism can be defined as the belief that government officials and authorities can not be trusted (Woodly, p. 2). From this definition, we can plainly use political cynicism as a measure of external political inefficacy as suggested by opposition of the government and its policies. Self-esteem. In its common term, can literally and plainly mean trust to one’s self. In the context of this study, self-esteem will be constantly interrelated with self-efficacy and political efficacy as well. However, this does not mean that self efficacy and self-esteem are the same; it may even mean the opposite at times. Woody even supports the difference between the two and limited self-efficacy as the sense of competence or personal control of one’s self (Woody, p. 13). Institutional Inequality. Because this study is about the behavior of a certain race or identity, it can not be helped that certain clashes and conflicts are met in between this race and the environment. As we study the behavior of Blacks, we will also consider their interactions with the non-Blacks. Institutional inequality can be referred to as the dominance of non-Blacks over Blacks considering the imbalance in number of representations and policies in the government and other institutions.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Black Political Efficacy as a Whole   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the comparative works done in understanding the political efficacy on blacks in its current context, this paper addresses the matter as a byproduct and interrelation of numerous factors and events and not just a simple cause and effect phenomena.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although rigorous studies and measures were made in trying to explain black political efficacy as a whole, we now try to get a bigger picture by compiling these works and adding new factors into the matter such as the social events that may have affected the present situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As earlier discussed in this study, numerous inconsistencies and non-correlation of factors have been observed and given much attention. This includes the inconsistencies on segregation (of Blacks and Whites) and the matter itself of political efficacy in the work of Ananat and Washington(2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the work of Ananat and Washington (2006), it has been stated that the more blacks have contact with each other, the more likely they will influence political behavior (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 3). But then again, she then deduced that segregation or groupings of Blacks causes political inefficacy as prescribed by their voter-turnout (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). Judging these statements, we now turn on the assumption that there is a different driving factor that correlates segregation and political efficacy among Blacks. Having these views, we now look at another concept – political cynicism among Blacks. Although there may be relations between political cynicism and segregation, the relation is very vague. In another study (Woodly), political efficacy among Blacks was found to be quite varied among communities, may it be segregated from Whites or not. Having established the contrast between the two (segregation and political cynicism), political cynicism and Black political efficacy can now be correlated independent of segregation. Just form the definition itself of political cynicism; it is no longer a question that cynicism significantly correlates with low political efficacy; more particularly with external political efficacy. We can now eliminate segregation and p[political efficacy and take a much closer look at cynicism in further understanding this subject.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although segregation’s direct link with political efficacy has been disproven, we now look upon how it indirectly affects efficacy by being a variable in other considerable factors. In the same study between segregation and efficacy (Ananat and Washington 2006), economic status; as measured by rates of poverty; was tackled as it varies in segregated and non-segregated areas. To see the point of comparisons between segregation and economic status, we must first see how economic status and political efficacy relates to each other. Through additional studies, it was significantly concluded that political efficacy among Blacks decreases in communities of high poverty rates. These are supported by reports that lower income sub-groups are less likely to vote (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). This exemplifies that Blacks loses trust and hope in the political issues, government policies, and even in the government itself when they are in low income status. We now establish the trend that as economic status increase, political efficacy increases as well. We now go back to the comparisons between segregation and economic status among Blacks. The trend exhibits a very high correlation between being segregated and being of low economic status among Blacks, and vice versa (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). The opposite goes to Whites, the more they are in less contact with Blacks, the higher their economic status is (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 20). From here, we may deduce that in non-segregated areas where Whites interact more with Blacks, it seems that Whites are less productive or work-oriented. Intuitively, we can sense the concept of power-play between Blacks and Whites. And based on these assumptions, we can now introduce another factor into the matter of political efficacy among Blacks – the concept of institutional inequality. In this matter of institutional inequality, we may find that non-Blacks has the need to be segregated from and dominant over Blacks for social and economic efficiency, as supported by Ananat and Washington’s study. In the point of view of Black’s, this is very apparent and the effect to their economic actions has been proven. In metro areas where there are more job and income opportunities, it has been found that these are also the places where Blacks are the minority of the population (Ananat and Washington 2006, p. 4). This play of domination is not just in the context of the working office. In further studies, it seems that these trends have rooted from the pillars of the social community; more specifically from the childhood environment. In the findings of Kardiner and Ovesey (1951), it is significantly seen that Black children have negative evaluation of themselves, thus giving room for the concept of inequality. The more alarming idea in this study is that these children tend to start having cynicism tendencies at these young ages (Lyons 1970, p. 290). At these stages, studies have concluded that Black children derive their self-esteem by blaming the system or the government itself (McCarthy and Yancey 1971). These statements are supported by Hughes’ tests wherein the self-efficacy of these children; which is defined as competence and self-control; significantly scores lower than non-Black children. Relating this to political efficacy, we may find that this institutional inequality really does exist in the community. This then causes economic drops in the status of Black adults, and at the same time, develops the tendencies of children for political cynicism. Having laid all these factors into the way, this leads nowhere else but to the decreased political efficacy among Blacks. CONCLUSION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Political efficacy among Blacks is not simply a matter of societal chance and thinking; it has a more complicated nature wherein a number of factors constantly defy and support each other. Although there are already numerous studies concerning the political efficacy in Blacks, it is found that there may be points and arguments that need more detail and attention; and some may even be misinterpreted and incorrect. The interrelation between segregation and political efficacy, though thoroughly studied and measured, in the end is found to have no direct link after all. However, having a direct effect on economic status (segregated areas have lower economic use for Blacks), segregation is still a factor in this matter. Economic downfall (measured by poverty rates), turns out to be a good reason and explanation of being less efficacious. On the other hand, the concept of political cynicism has; no doubt; the most understandable direct relation with political efficacy in Blacks. Simply from its definition of opposition to the government, political inefficacy increase along with levels of cynicism. Institutional inequality, by being present in a number of ways, has a lot of bearing in the status of Blacks. Its evident effect in economic status is proven by giving more financial advantage to the dominating race or group. And in turn, having deflected economic outcomes, affects political efficacy of Blacks. Not only that, these imbalance in equality is a basis of varying self-esteem. obviously, those of the dominating class will have higher self-esteem than the â€Å"lower class†, which in this case are the Blacks. The status of Blacks in the community; though it may be ignored and jeopardized; is still should be of concern to each and everyone. Although this study of literature and points of different authors about political efficacy is not a substitute in solving the problem stated, I hope to lighten and broaden the points by trying to look in different perspectives in the hopes of clearing out conflicts that may be or is already there. Having scanned and analyzed the articles concerning political efficacy among Blacks, I also have done my part in further strengthening their arguments; and if needed; also try to clarify and correct some inconsistencies and conflicts for intellectual purposes. But most of all, this paper is intended for readers to understand the situation and thinking of fellow Blacks, so that in the future we may have a deeper knowledge and consideration in our actions as to how it may affect each and every one of us.   References Ananat, Elizabeth O. and Washington, Ebonya. 2006. â€Å"Segregation and Black Political Efficacy.† New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. Hughes, M. a. D. H. D. 1989. Self-Perceptions of Black Americans: Self-Esteem and Personal Efficacy. The American Journal of Sociology 95(1):132–159. Kardiner, A., and Ovesey, L. 1951. The Mark of Oppression. New York: Norton. Lyons, S. 1970. â€Å"The Political Socialization of Ghetto Children: Efficacy and cynicism.† Journal of Politics 32: 288-304. McCarthy, J. and W. L. Yancey. 1971. Reply to Washington by McCarthy and Yancey. American Journal of Sociology. 77: 590. Schneider, Daniel. â€Å"Extending Political Efficacy: Voters Perceptions of Efficacy of Elected Officials.† June 2006. http://www.stanford.edu/~danielsc/prop_nes_pilot_2006.pdf (November 30, 2007). Wikipedia. â€Å"Racial segregation.† December 3, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_segregation (December 3, 2007). Wikipedia. â€Å"Cynicism.† November 30, 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism (December 3, 2007). Woodly, Deva. â€Å"Black Youth Book Project: Political Efficacy Literature Review.† http://blackyouthproject.uchicago.edu/primers/reviews/efficacy.pdf (November 30, 2007).   

Friday, January 3, 2020

Breast Feeding Should Not Be Done Public While Others...

We live in a society where we have to follow a certain structure in our lives. If someone were to do something out of the ordinary it is considered to be a norm violation. Although, sometimes there could also be exceptions to those norm violations. Throughout this experience of committing my own norm validation and observing a few validations from people living their normal lives, I gained knowledge of how society reacts to these unusual norms. Society expects everyone to act a curtain way in their everyday lives. That is called folkways which are considered to be an everyday norm behavior; typically it is people who have kept their traditions going from past centuries. Another reason why people also behave certain ways could be because of their values and their beliefs. But not everyone accepts people s beliefs and values. For example, breast feeding is one of the biggest controversy topics I see today throughout social media. People argue that breast feeding should not be done in public while others disagree especially woman. Woman argue that it is a part of nature and it must be done whenever their child needs of it. Therefore, my first social observation, I witnessed a young woman, in her mid-twenties) breast feeding her baby girl during a mass celebration. I go to San Clemente Catholic Church every Sunday. Ever since the norm violation assignment was assigned I have realized that even though I am in a holy church there is a lot of norm violations happening. There wasShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Essay On Breastfeeding1297 Words   |  6 Pagesvictimized for breastfeeding in public places. They have, therefore, been forced to resort to an alternative way of feeding their infants because the public would not have it. It has become harder for women to breastfeed although history has shown it that is something that has been practiced for a long time. On one hand, women want to be allowed to breastfeed whenever the child is hungry no matter the place; whereas, the public is not very accepting of this public display of care and affection betweenRead MoreParenting Essay1792 Words   |  8 Pagesfacts to both opinions. One major issue in today’s society is whether to breast or bottle feed an infant. Another difficult issue is how to discipline a child. Some parents believe that spanking in certain situations is acceptable, and some view it as child abuse. Many parents believe religion is an essenti al part of growing into a moral person, and many do not. Family meals are important to some families, and unnecessary to others. Another big controversy is placing a child in daycare. Some couplesRead MoreBreastfeeding in Public3281 Words   |  14 PagesBreastfeeding in Public: A Woman’s Right or Crime Women were born blessed with the ability to offer the most natural and beautiful act a mother can do for her child. 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When she is awake, you take advantage of the waking time by: A) rocking and singing to Preslee. 3) Q: For the first week or so Preslee wasnt very hungry and actually lost a little weight. However, now Preslee has begun to feed heartily and gain some weight back. A: You try to make feeding time as pleasant and relaxing as possibleRead Moreeffect of parenting style on the academic development of children6694 Words   |  27 Pagesand opinions on the best ways to rear children, as well as differing levels of time and effort that parents are willing to invest in the rearing of their children. Parental investment starts soon after birth. These include the process of birth breast feeding, affirming the value of the baby’s cry as the parents. Nwafor (2009), states that many parents create their own style from a combination of factors, and these may evolve over time as the children develop their own personalities and move through