The Educational autobiography of tiffany merlo Essay

The Educational autobiography of tiffany merlo - Essay Example I am the oldest of three siblings and I was raised in East Flatbush Brooklyn. It is certainly not the most glamorous section of New York, but it is not the worst either. I was raised by my mother who was assisted by her parents. My mother was a stay at home mother. She only has a high school diploma and she received public assistance. My father is a college dropout and was employed by IMB as a computer developer. My parents were divorced and I must admit that my father was mostly absent during my formative years. I suppose that divorce was not so common in those days, and for those women who found themselves divorced, life was not easy. To say that my father has had no influence on my education and future goals is an understatement. In sum, I suppose that one would term us as a working class family. As I noted above, the area in which I was raised was hardly glamorous but it seemed to be home to a myriad of income families. The schools I attended were located in decent urban neighborhoods that consisted of a combination of homes and apartment buildings for low- income families. Life in my household, as in the other working class families in my neighborhood did not revolve around long verbal discussions. We were taught humility and obedience. Conversation with my mother and grandparents revolved around chores and making sure we minded our manners. I took direction well and was charged with the care of my younger siblings. Failure to adhere to the commandments of my family resulted in penalties that sometimes were physical. (Annette Lareau, 2003 Unequal childhoods , Pg. 107). Despite the lack of cerebral conversation at my dinner table it was always automatically understood that I would excel in my education. My mother and grandparents had high expectations for my siblings and me. I was always expected to complete my homework as soon as I returned home from school, to study and practice hard in preparation for upcoming exams, and to try my level best to receive A's and B's in my course work. I consider myself to be an exceptional student and credit these basic expectations with it. While attending elementary school 219, the classrooms were fully equipped with what seems to be up to date equipment, and the playgrounds had durable swing sets. There was a mural that represented the children of the school painted on the bricks with a whimsical appearance, and the ground was covered in smooth asphalt and cement space for children to run around, engage in creative drawing, play hop scotch, and to jump rope. Most of my teachers were Caucasian females with the exception of Ms. White and Ms. Murray, my African American first and fourth grade teachers and a small amount of male teachers who taught math and science solely. Humble and cooperative, I was an exceptional student that received high grades for my efforts. As adolescent, I found it easy to make new friends and fit into the diversity of my schools. I created my own identity as a student. I was valued a great deal amongst my peers and felt above average. I was very likeable, well mannered, and never was a trouble-making student. The teachers in my school focused on the smart students, or the students who were more engaged in the course work because they either participated more often or knew the answers. The quiet students did not participate often in class and thus, quickly forgotten until report cards are distributed. "In working class schools, work is following the

Body Theories, Practices and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Body Theories, Practices and Culture - Essay Example These enhancements have little to do with individual health. In Western cultures, body enhancement is used to strengthen individual image and personal marketability and celebrate the ability to achieve a better position in the consumer society. Enhancing yourself Humans are social beings, and society causes profound effects on the individual perceptions of self. The mass culture of consumerism, mass media and changing social norms impose new requirements on society members. Different cultures foster different norms of self-enhancement and wellbeing. In the Western society, slender tanned bodies operate as vehicles of marketable self, the drivers of seduction, and the instruments of achieving a strong competitive advantage (Featherstone 1991). When I decided that I wanted to get rid of a few kilos, I did not realize the underlying meaning of self-enhancement practices. One day, I looked into the mirror and felt that the picture in the mirror differed greatly from what I wanted to see. I thought that getting rid of a few kilograms and making my body tanned would give me a sense of huge personal satisfaction. I was never afraid of challenges; moreover, I always sought to accomplish challenging missions. I thought that body enhancement through ex ercise and tanning would improve my physical appearance. I also felt that self-enhancement would strengthen my confidence that I was able to achieve a better result, keep myself fit, and control my appetite. This being said, I went to a fitness club and, three months later, I could not recognize myself. Tanned, slim, and fit, I looked several years younger. Friends and relatives would look surprised and envious at how I looked. Undoubtedly, the strategy I used to enhance my body was more than an instrument of physical improvement. It was just a tiny element of the broader cultural movement, where individuals use their physical attributes to market themselves and acquire a better social position/ status. Understanding self-enhancement For the purpose of this analysis, the concept of self-enhancement should be defined and analyzed. Since the concept of enhancement is difficult to define, it is easier to see what enhancement is not. Enhancement is not used to treat physical illnesses ( DeGrazia 2005). It would be fair to assume that enhancement is a kind of intervention used â€Å"to improve human form or functioning beyond what is necessary to sustain and restore good health† (DeGrazia 2005, p.263). Simply stated, enhancement is never a response to medical needs; it is an instrument of enhancing individual abilities and physical form in the absence of clear medical needs (DeGrazia 2005). My decision to enhance the body had nothing to do with my physiological health. I felt perfect; what I needed was to fit in society’s body expectations. I wanted to exceed those expectations. I wanted to celebrate the cult of the human body. I wanted to make a positive difference and look better than the majority of my friends and peers. I know that body enhancement strategies like training and fitness are considered natural, positive, and virtuous (DeGrazia 2005). Fitness is the model of self-enhancement which, in most cases, lacks artificiality and is rarely conde mned by society (DeGrazia 2005). Thus, self-enhancement lacks medical focus, provides a sense of self-satisfaction, and creates a positive image and public perception of

The Difference in Race and Ethnicity Essay Example for Free

The Difference in Race and Ethnicity Essay I have had an opportunity to read three great short stories. The short stories were The Welcome Table, Country Lovers, and Child of the Americas. All of them were amazing stories, betraying ethnic challenges, and some responsibilities. I think overall, everyone should read those stories in order to get certain perspective on culture, and understanding on how they lived during the time frame in their life. I also think the short stories provide an understanding in some respects, of how racial divide was apparent during that timeframe. As far as a declarative statement on this matter, I would like to show examples of the literature readings as it correlates with the perspectives of the racial divide, segregation, and overall trials in which ethnic individuals have had to go through. The assertion, I would like to provide is that, short stories can be a direct reflection on time periods that are occurring in life in spite of it being fiction. Our ancestors lived in a time of slavery and segregation. There was no unity between mankind unless the skin color was the same. There was no equality between man and woman and there was no justification to why anyone would be treated superbly unless they were white. It was thought that black people were diseased, filthy and inferior. Over the years, it took people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , Rosa Parks, and Harriett Tubman to make a statement and help change the future for all other races, not just African Americans. Today, although racism still exists, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone for any reason to include race. The Literary works such as â€Å"Alice Walker’s The Welcome Table, Nadine Gordimer’s Country Lovers, and Aurora Levin’s Morales’s Child of the Americas† give feeling, and meaning to the different angles of racial segregation and acceptance. These literary pieces open one’s eyes and heart to what has been experienced by many if not by one personally. The Welcome Table by Alice Walker is a story about an old, African American woman who is looked down on by the white community. On her way to church, she was stared at with disgust, with pity and with fear. Once inside the church, it was made clear that she didn’t belong and was not welcomed there. â€Å"Under the old womans arms they raised their fists, flexed their muscular shoulders, and out she flew through the door, back under the cold blue sky† (Clugston. , 2010)Upon being thrown out, the old woman saw Jesus approaching and soon walked away with him. She walked herself to death and yet no one ever spoke of the ragged old women. No one cared what happened to her for she was just an old black woman who stepped in to the house of God, the God of the white race, a place in which she didn’t belong. It is stories like these that make you wonder of the cruelty that was endured by many in the past. Alice Walker made it clear in her short story the feeling and thought that many had toward African American. Her description of the old woman was strong enough to paint a vivid picture of what the woman looked like. â€Å"She was angular and lean and the color of poor gray Georgia earth, beaten by king cotton and the extreme weather† (Clugston, 2010). African Americans worked harder than everyone else on the farms of the past. They were owned by the white farmers during slavery and even after slavery was abolished, they still were employed by the white farmers. Walker makes it easier to understand that although slavery was no longer, segregation and hatred to all who were African American was still very strong. There was no acceptance from anyone regardless of the fact that most of the white families were taken care of or raised by African Americans. There was no sympathy, just disgust and disapproval. Unlike Walker’s piece, Country Lovers by Nadine Gordimer shows a slightly different side of race and segregation. In Walker’s piece, there was no acceptance, no love, no feeling of mutuality. Gordimer on the other hand, talks about children playing together in the yard and fields. Race having no impact on how they interact, the kids play together and get along like family. As the time goes on and the kids get older, they begin to go their separate ways. The white children are sent off to school while the black children begin to work around the house and farm. A white boy and black girl from the story grow up together as close friends. They establish a relationship that compares to no other. When the boy goes off to school, he continues to stay friends with the girl. As he gets older and he hangs out more with his white school friends, he hides his friendship with his childhood friend. The friendship between the two had bloomed to something more, it had bloomed into a secret love. What would the rest of his family or friends think or say had they known that he loved this girl? A black employee to the boy’s father like in â€Å"The Welcome Table,† black people were looked down and were only good and useful to tend to the fields and the house work. They were not meant for friendship or relationships; they are not accepted as social beings. They are strictly workers. At the end of the story, the sexual and loving relationship that once was, is brought to an end by the birth of a baby that was unwanted and denied by the white boy. He refuses to admit his love and to differ from the world around him. Why wouldn’t he profess his love for this girl now that they have a child together? I believe this piece shows how society plays such a great role in the actions, feelings, and thoughts of humans everywhere. Had racial segregation been something of a distant dream, would the outcome be the same. Why do people act based on the perception and thought of those around them? Race plays a major role in Gordimer’s story. It determines the outcome of the story from start to finish. How many people have gone through a situation of the sort? For those who do not know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of race, this story takes a very personal subject and ties it in emotionally. Many people have experienced love and parenthood. How would one feel if the love of their life denied them in front of everyone because of their skin color? What if their child was denied or killed because of what others would say or do? Losing someone is never easy but to lose someone over something uncontrollable like race, it is heartbreaking. Readers are able to relate and feel what this young black girl is feeling as she grows up and away from the boy she has always loved. The relationship starts as one that everyone can relate to; a story of friends and soon turns in to a heart-felt, pain stricken story of betrayal and solitude. It was not until after the Civil War that segregation became illegal. There were still many states that were fighting for complete desegregation but African Americans were able to do things that their ancestors could only dream (Cozzens, 1995). Although integration of races was put into order by law, people found other ways to show their disapproval for what they believed was the inferior race: African Americans. Political groups formed in retaliation to the integration laws that had been passed and were taking effect. In the 1960’s, following many Civil Rights movements, a group known as the Ku Klux Klan became very active and violent towards who they thought were un-American. This abuse and hatred was towards more than just African Americans, it went towards Jews, Catholics and immigrants as a whole (Newton, 2007) Knowing that African Americans were not the only ones in the world hated by the white American society, Aurora Levin’s Morales’s poem Child of the Americas the acceptance of one’s race regardless of the thoughts of society. In this poem, Morales describes herself as an American, Puerto Rican, Taina, Mestiza, Caribbean, European, African, and altogether, an immigrant (Clugston. , 2010). She goes on to talk about how she lives her life in a certain way particular to each individual race. Each piece lives within her and she is happy and proud of the person she is. In today’s society, many people are not happy with themselves and try to conform to what they feel is socially acceptable. Morales’s poem opens up the hearts and minds to those who are mixed or born outside of the United States. Many feel like outsiders, like they do not belong. Instead of being themselves and being happy whether they get the approval of all or not, many sell themselves short in order to please. I believe Morales’s poem paints a very clear and concise picture across the page. The poem show that no matter what society thinks, one will never be happy or satisfied without being happy or satisfied with oneself. Morales using very distinguishing actions that one could relate to being Hispanic or a â€Å"child of the Americas†. She uses everyday life experiences that many can relate to vice fictional ideas that would make ones imagination do all the work. It is almost as if she was speaking not only for herself but for every Latin American that lives in the United States. â€Å"I was born at the crossroads and I am whole† (Clugston. , 2010). â€Å"Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment discrimination on the bases of race and color, as well as national origin, sex, and religion. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government† (The U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2011). It is laws like these that keep our country somewhat free from races and cultures being treated as inferior. Although there are many different laws against racism, segregation and discrimination, it still occurs in today’s world. Each literary piece described above is different in many ways. There are underlying factors which give each story its own theme but at the end, race is represented very strongly within them all. Had the world not been so racial divided, would these storied have the same meaning? Would these pieces even exist? Race and how it is looked upon is the main theme that each story has in common. Although unconditional love, self-acceptance and social standing are also a theme within the three pieces, it is hard to look over the common denominator. Many times, writers can write about similar stories but different underlying themes change the way the stories are interpreted and what is taken from the story as a lesson learned. For example, had another write wrote a poem about being mixed in race but being widely accepted or being the popular person in society, the focus would be put on the social life vice the personal acceptance and gratification of being a happy individual that Morales shows in her piece. Had Walker’s piece been focused more towards Jesus and his acceptance of all regardless of race, the outcome of the story may have changed. The story may have revolved on praise and worship vice who treated the old woman poorly and why. As we learn to read and divulge in many different literary works, we learn to notice different themes and meanings behind each piece. Themes like race are very noticeable and very strong themes that get the wheels turning in the mind. Not many people can realize a theme in a story but the three pieces discussed in this paper all have very obvious and very strong themes that anyone and everyone can empathize and relate to. How can one read something of the sort and not relate or imagine feeling? It is nearly impossible especially since it is something that was fought for by many for years on end. It is something that many have witnessed or heard stories about; a part of history that will never be forgotten. Although literary works may be similar in theme or topic they are far from written the same way. The literary pieces discussed are all just as different as they are similar. Each work is written differently, conveys different emotions and reactions and overall expresses a different level of understanding. Point of view differs within each piece and with the difference it makes the reader’s perception of the story different. For example, Morales writes her piece using the first person point of view. It gives the reader a personal insight to what the writer is feeling and trying to express. Third person point of view leaves the readers mind open to visualization of many different things. There are many stories out in the world that touch base with issues such as racism, segregation, and discrimination. Whether in first person or third person; whether fact or fiction, these stories and poems all have share similar meaning and theme. Writers of racial themes put across the pain and chaos that these difference cause. Many people often times fail to see the pain behind things such as discrimination but through symbolism, metaphors, and other key literary terms these feelings, emotions and experiences are brought to light. Race is an issue that many people deal with on a day to day basis regardless what side of the spectrum they are on. Having read each piece of work, I can say that themes in each were very different yet strong and imaginative. A reader can never say that the imagination was not stimulated with the thought and understanding of each piece of work. Each piece establishes a sense of strength, love and personal experience throughout the piece. As a reader, I can say that after reading each piece I felt connected to the characters within whether it is imaginatively or realistically. Racism exists even to this day. We witness it through hate crimes committed in some of what are thought to be the safest places, like schools and churches. The Jena 6 controversy in Louisiana was a situation in which a white student was beaten up by a group of African American students after three nooses were left hanging on a tree where one of the African American students sat the day before. This tree was said to be a hangout for white students only (The case of the Jena six: black high school students charged with attempted murder for schoolyard fight after nooses are hung from tree [Radio series episode]., 2007). This controversy became a national headline in the news because many saw it as African Americans being portrayed as inferior and the root of all evil. People did not see any wrong from anyone else but the African Americans and vice versa. This and other such issues leave people with the feeling that racism and discrimination is something that is among us all and subject to come out when we least expect it. Can literary works like the ones discussed open up the eyes of the readers to the feelings that hatred and racial segregation causes? I believe that each one of these literary works has a strong racial theme and each one can impact a reader in a way that was not expected. As we become strong and more in depth readers, themes like these will become more vibrant and obvious to see. Race and ethnicity is nothing more than an exterior color and difference in geographical location (Hallam, 2004). The authors make it clear that these difference cause lots of separation and heartache. These themes not only educate on historical experience but on what should be put to rest as an unhappy and disapproving issue that is ongoing in society.

Assessing The Ethnic Inequality In Canada Sociology Essay

Assessing The Ethnic Inequality In Canada Sociology Essay Inequality, whether racial, ethnic, economic, political or social is a great concern everywhere in the world. This is because research has shown that inequality can lead to poverty and creation of social classes within a society. This theory was expounded by Karl Max in his Communist Manifesto in which he argued that the owners of the means of production, capitalists, exploit the poor or proletariats and accumulate wealth often leading to a class society. This paper summarizes the findings of a 2007 study, titled Ethnic Inequality in Canada: Economic and Health Dimensions, which was done by Ellen M. Gee, Karen M.Kobayashi and Steven G. Prus, and is available in the Canadian Journal of sociology. Other works will also be reviewed to secure a satisfactory understanding of the subject. Introduction Immigration into Canada totally changed the racial diversity of the Canadian population. In their study, Gee et al. (2007) noted that since the beginning of European immigration and settlements, the Canadian society has been ordered based on racial and ethnic dimensions. Ethnicity has occupied a central position in Canadians rising inequality (p.3). John Porter first studied this subject in 1965 and found that entry into the Canadian elite class was racially ranked and determined by income, ethnic prestige, and occupations. His findings found that, British-Canadians topped the group, French-Canadians took second position, and other European-Canadians were third while Blacks and Aboriginals-visible minorities occupied the bottom strata. Despite rapid changes in policy, regarding ethnic and racial discrimination and Canadas economic progress, aspects of ethnic inequality exist in Canada. Gee et al. (2007) examined ethnic inequalities in Canada now (their time of study being 2007). I summarize their findings on four key issues, namely; Economic Inequalities (income and occupations), Employment and home ownership, Health Inequality and the aspect of perceptions on discrimination and prejudice. Economic Inequalities Empirical examples show that, substantial and convincing studies have been done on ethnically or racially based economic inequalities in Canada. Well-studied areas on this subject include income disparities and inequality in occupations. Gee et al. (2007) summarized the various studies done on this subject. (Reitz and Banerjee 2007) concluded that visible minorities in Canada have higher poverty rates and lower comparable incomes than ethnic Canadians of European origin. Gee et al. (2007) noted that recent studies on ethnic/racial orientations of income inequalities show that, household incomes of Aboriginals and visible minorities are usually low than those of Canadians with a European Origin. This is despite the fact that such studies have been conducted by different researchers at different times and applying different racial classifications and control variables. They further noted that racial disparities in the household incomes of European-Canadians have nearly minimized. Additionally, they also found indications showing that Canadians of southern European origin earn lower incomes than Canadians of British origin, while Canadians of French Origin earned much far better (p.14). On occupations, (Nakhaie 1997 as quoted in Gee et al. 2007: 16) found that British-Canadians continue leading the class of Canadian elites, despite the fact that Canadians of other origins have made efforts to join the elite class over the years. Gee et al. (2007) also noted that the correlation between ethnicity/racism and occupation could be studied in two different ways. One way is by establishing whether certain ethnic groups are concentrated in specific occupations (based on division of labor). The other alternative is evaluating the position of racial groups in the Hierarchy or strata of prestigious occupations (p.17). Applying the first dimension, and using the male gender, studies showed that Aboriginals dominate the construction and building industries representing more than double of the Canadian male populations. They are extremely underrepresented in administrative and management occupations. Their women counterparts are represented in service jobs. They therefore conclud ed that, the Canadian labor force is more gendered than ethnically based. In terms of prestige of occupations, Jewish, British and Chinese Canadians top the hierarchy. Blacks, Greeks, Aboriginals and Portuguese Canadians occupy the lower strata in that order. In the case of the female gender, the picture does not change. In this case, ethnicity and racism outweighs gender (p.17). Employment and Home Ownership Li 2000 as quoted in Reitz and Banerjee (2007: 6) noted that the main economic problem that ethnic minority immigrants face in Canada is securing sufficient employment. This is associated with amicable reasons like, the entry effect-related to immigration problems and adjusting to the new environment (urban settlement), academic qualifications and racism. Ethnic minority immigrants experience more impediments than immigrants of European-origin (Reitz and Banerjee 2007: 6) Gee et al. (2007) asserted that findings show that in terms of home ownership, the picture is no different. It reflects the same strata as it is observed in household income levels and occupations. Osberg (2008: 33) noted that, despite the fact that much literature has ignored the role of interest rates, wealth distribution, and household incomes of the wealthy and focused on earning trends, Canada now has much information on economic and other social inequalities and broad conclusions are apparent. He concludes that data shows an increase in economic inequality in Canada today. Health Inequalities Better health care is one of the basic needs that all human beings aspire to get any ware in the world. Low household incomes are frequently linked with poor health. Despite intensified research and studies on health inequality in Canada, little attention has been directed at ethno-cultural disparities on health. Gee et al (2007) looked at both heath care access and health status. However much of the literature that they examined did not show a direct correlation between ethnicity and health status. In some instances data showed that, some recent immigrants, irregardless of race or ethnic group had better health than their Canadian-born counterparts. This healthy immigrant effect was however associated with the health requirements in the Canadian immigration act that locked out immigrants with chronic health conditions. Their studies concluded that Canadians whose mother tongue is non-English or non-French are economically disadvantaged. Recent visible immigrants are typically disadvantaged. Their analysis also found significant disparities in health status and utilization depending on country of immigrant and language. The health status of recent Immigrants declines as their years of stay in Canada increase. This is because they hardly report for medical checkups, due to the fear discriminat ion, prejudice, and low household incomes. Perceptions of Discrimination and Prejudice: A Barrier to Social Cohesion Ethnic and racial inequality might be less decisive if it is because of circumstances amicable to the visible minority, such as status of new immigrants, language differences, or academic and technical training not compliant with Canadian requirements. In other words, inequality would not be a threat to social cohesion if it were viewed as legitimate. The feeling of discrimination, prejudice and racism is another issue all together (Reitz and Banerjee 2007: 8). A 2002 Ethnic Diversity Survey, which sought to get views of individual experiences of ethnic and racial discrimination, showed that 35.9% of all the respondents consisting visible minorities reported cases of discrimination and prejudice compared with 10.6% of all Whites who responded to the Survey, of the visible minorities, blacks recorded the highest rate at 49.6%. (p. 8:9). The Visible minorities also reported incidences of perceived discrimination of their ethnic group. Despite improving economic status of immigrants as they cope up with Canadian environment and society an ethnic divide in perceptions of racial discrimination is eminent among immigrants with longer stay and experience in Canada. (p.9), this is even persistence among children. Cases of non-recognition of immigrant qualifications also abound, despite in some cases being equivalent to those of native Canadians. Failure to recognize foreign qualifications and experience are some of the barriers that visible minorities come across as they seek employment. Racial discrimination is viewed with skepticism in Canada, but the mutual covenant is that it exists and cannot be ignored. It is true that one of the effects of racial discrimination of minorities is its impact on the social cohesion of the Canadian society. Social cohesion generally means the capacity of a society to formulate, implement and adhere to policies that guide it. Lack of it may lead to conflicts and civil disorders as it happened in France and the United Kingdom. Other effects may be failure of a group to participate in making decisions and sometimes withdrawing its support for certain decisions or societal policies. Integrating ethnic minorities is an important issue in Canada. Social integration and social cohesion are mutually exclusive and cannot be separated. Proper social integration of minority ethnic groups in Canada is a sine qua non for a peaceful and prosperous society that is viewed by its occupants as a means to the achievement of their needs. This will strengthen the Canadian society; raise the spirit of inclusiveness, civic and voluntary participation in activities concerning human life. Conclusion Inequality is a social evil; no society is a friend to it. The above revelations reveal that forms of inequality based on ethnic considerations exist in Canada irregardless of how minute they are. This is a big concern to racial minorities. It is not only a challenge to the racial group that experience it, but also to the completely Canadian society in terms of forging a peaceful and an all inclusive society acceptable to all. The process of socially integrating ethnic minorities into Canadian society is often slower than that of European immigrants. This is often associated with their feeling of exclusion and perceived discrimination. Of emphasis is that economic integration should match social integration, none should supersede the other. Existing Canadian policies and legal structures are laudable against racial discrimination and economic inequality. This is possibly due to international conventions and pressure to eliminate global racism and ethnicity, but it is not clear whether they are sufficient in addressing the issues that affect minority ethnic groups in Canada. However, may consent is that ethnic prejudice and discrimination is a social construction that can only be changed by the subconscious minds of individuals-the way we think and see others. We should all join hands and fight ethnic inequality. We should judge others by their competence and content of their minds rather than the pigmentation of their skin. There shall be no solution to this race problem until, you yourselves, strike the blow for liberty-Marcus Garvey

American Homefront During World War II Essay -- American History

The American home front during World War II is recalled warmly in popular memory and cultural myth as a time of unprecedented national unity, years in which Americans stuck together in common cause. World War II brought many new ideas and changes to American life. Even though World War II brought no physical destruction to the United States mainland, it did affect American society. Every aspect of American life was altered by U.S. involvement in the war including demographics, the labor force, economics and cultural trends. During the Great Depression, the American birth rate had fallen to an all-time low due to delayed marriages and parenthood. In the 1940's, there was a population growth of 19 million, which doubled the rise of the 1930's. However, in 1957, America experienced a "baby boom", and by 1957 the population increased by 29 million. "The rising birthrate was the dominant factor affecting population growth" (text, 847). Along with the escalated birth rate was an upsurge of divorces due to problems with separation and infidelity. "In 1945, more than half a million marriages were dissolved" (Bailey, 147). The death rate was on the decline and life expectancy rose during this period. New medical developments were made with the federal funding of medical research in which penicillin and streptomycin were developed. These advancements in medicine cured many bacterial infections and severe illnesses. Later, in 1952, Jonas Salk introduced a polio vaccine. There was a vast migratory pattern of many Americans during this time period. During the 1940's, millions of African-Americans moved from the South to the North in search of industrial opportunities. As a result of this migration, a third of all black Amer... ...ing legend of the Good War" (Adams, 2). While the war changed the lives of every American, the most notable changes were that in demographics, the labor force, economic prosperity and cultural trends. Adams, Michael C.C. "The Best War Ever America and World War II" Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD 1994 Bailey, Ronald H. The Home Front, U.S.A. Time-Life Publishing, Chicago, IL. 1978 Bard, Mitchell G. The Complete Idiot's Guide to world War II, Macmillan Publishing, New York, New York, 1999 Duis, Perry 0 The War in American Culture, The University of Chicago Press, 1994 Schultz, Stanley K. American History 102 Civil War to the Present Copyright 1999 Board of regents of the University of Wisconsin http://us.history.wisc.edu/hist102/lectures/lecture21.html

Henry Ford :: essays research papers

Henry Ford was born on July 30, 1863 and died on April 7, 1947. Henry Ford was the son of William Ford, who had emigrated from Ireland in 1847 and settled on a farm in Dearborn, Michigan. Henry disliked farm life and had a natural aptitude for machinery. When he was 15 he went to Detroit and trained as a machinist. Henry Ford began to experiment with a horseless carriage in 1890 and completed his first car, the quadricycle, in about 1896. During the following years he tried unsuccessfully to get it into production. In 1903 he launched the Ford Motor Company with a capital of $100,000 of which $28,000 was in cash. By the time he had formulated his ideal of production: " The way to make automobiles is to make one automobile like another automobile, to make them all alike.He achieved spectacular success with the Model T Ford, introduced in 1809 and eventually produced in 1903 on the moving assembly line. Henry Ford was a major figure in the world's automobile industry for the next 15 years. His production methods were intensively studied and he also startled the world instituting (1914) the then high wage scale of $5 a day. Ford thus became a figure of legend, the native genius that could work miracles. He had considerable mechanical ability but his conclusions were reached intuitively rather than logically. He ran as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1918 and was narrowly defeated. In 1936 he and his son Edsel established the Ford Foundation, to which they bequeathed much of the company's stock.Henry Ford became a victim of his own success in that he clung to the Model T too long, refusing to recognize that its popularity was fading, and consequently lost first place in the automobile industry to General Motors in 1926. He had turned the presidency of the Ford Motor Company over to Edsel in 1919 but never gave Edsel effective authority. Edsel struggled vainly against this situation, and the frustrations of his position undoubtedly contributed to his death at the age of 50. Edsel's oldest son was released from the navy and made an executive vice-president.

Energy Drinks, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Essay

Energy drinks, also known as power boosters, are soft drinks that contain nutrients and good flavor. The name of some energy drinks are Red Bull, Rockstar, and Monster. These drinks help improve and boost energy levels. People who drink power beverages experience decrease in stress, muscle strain, and fatigue. Power beverages also help improve speed and reaction. Energy drinks should remain on the market because they help athletes, workers, and students maintain performance, endurance and momentum. The most accepted energy drink is Red Bull. Red Bull contains caffeine and sodium. Caffeine acts as a pick-me-up, giving people the feeling of being awake and alert. Sodium helps to prevent the body from losing water. These ingredients work together to increase energy levels in the human body. Red Bull commercials often feature athletes, students, and workers drinking its products. Some people prefer to drink diet energy drinks. Red Bull is the only brand that offers power drinks in diet, making it the most popular energy drink on the market. Monster Energy, second in popularity, is highly favored by the adult community. It is the energy drink of choice for most athletes. Monster largely relies on a high dosage of sugar and caffeine to boost the user’s energy level. After drinking one can of Monster, users experience a feeling that is similar to drinking three cups of coffee. Rock Star is available in fourteen different flavors and is preferred by the younger generation. People that like to party prefer Rock Star because it prevents them from getting tired. The increased amounts of sugar and vitamins in Rock Star help prevent low energy. This gives party goers power to keep going. Energy drinks are good for people because they keep the human body alert. Â