Race and ethnicity in the United States Census Essay

The media is an industry where the competition is intense and it has been used by the government individuals, organizations, institutions, society, and family etc. for various purposes. However, due to the increasing competition in the industry, many at times the functions and duties which the media owes to the society are significantly overlooked. There are various functions of the media some will be discussed later on in this paper. The aim of the media has to a fearfully large extent shifted from fulfilling its roles to the society, rather their focus is often on how much entertainment they can offer to their audience and how much money they can make and how quickly they can make it. Entertainment and money making is definitely key in the existence, survival and growth of this industry, nevertheless, this should not be achieved by inappropriately portraying a group’s identity in any form. DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS Construction – To make or create, by putting together ideas, components or arguments. Group Identity – This refers to a person’s sense of belonging to a group. Media- Are communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data or promotional messages are disseminated. Media includes every broadcasting and narrow casting medium such as newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax and internet (business dictionary, 2015). THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY BY TAJFEL & TURNER (1979) This theory was propounded in order to understand the psychological reasons and basis for inter- group discrimination. The components of this theory goes thus: Categorization- This is the process of putting ourselves and others into categories, our self-image is associated with the categories we belong to. Identification – This is the process by which we associate ourselves with certain groups of people. Nevertheless there are some groups we don’t want to be identified with (out groups) and there are some we would want to be identified with (in groups). Comparison- This is the process through which we compare our groups with other groups, thereby creating a positive bias towards the groups in which we are members of. This aspect of this work will focus on two salient functions of the media amidst the various ones there are. Social heritage function- The onus lies on the media to transmit positive racial and ethnic values about every existing race and ethnic group. The act of highlighting and spotlighting the various negativities of races and ethnic groups should be avoided. Surveillance function- This is the duty the media owes to the society in circulating news and information when necessary, the media is responsible for providing information about events. THE CONSTRUCTION OF GROUP IDENTITY BY HOLLYWOOD (A STUDY OF THE LATINO RACE) There are five acclaimed races in the world: 1) Mongoloid (Asian and American Indian) 2) Caucasoid (European) 3) Australoid (Australian and oceanic) 4) Negroid (East African black). 5) Capoid (South African black) The Latinos could be said to belong to the Mongoloid race and most of the 315 million people who live in the United States of America are either immigrants or have ancestry to another country. In actual fact, the only truly American people are the Native ones. This country is based on the idea of migration in pursuit of a better social and economic life. According to U. S. Census Bureau (2012), there are roughly 52 million Hispanics/Latinos living in the United States, representing approximately 16. 7% of the total population of United States of America, and making them the nation’s largest ethnic minority. Among Hispanic subgroups, Mexicans rated as the largest at 63%, followed by Puerto Ricans (9. 2%), Cubans (3. 5%), Salvadorans (3. 3%), Dominicans (2. 8%), and the remaining 18. 2% were Colombians, Guatemalans, Portuguese, Honduras, Ecuadorians, Peruvians, Brazilian. The main reason for their migration has been either that they are politically endangered or have financial problems. For instance the Cubans who ended up in America wanted to escape from the political conditions in their country. Escaping from the communist government practiced in Cuba, they were considered as ‘political refugees’ in America for three and a half decades until 1995. As a result of America’s opposition to the Cuban government, they were treated in America better than almost any other ethnic group. This has also been partly because of their high level of education and professionalism before migration (Martins, 2006 as seen in Mousavi & Sadeghi, 2013). Latinos, Mexicans in particular, mostly live in the Southwest; almost half in California and Texas. Puerto Ricans are mostly in the East and Cubans are in Florida. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, legal Hispanic household income is only 75 percent of White American income. There is also a high rate of poverty and unemployment among them, and their socio economic status is at a low level. The cause for this situation is partially their jobs being the lowest paid ones, their low education level, and employment discrimination (Camarillo and Bonilla, 2001). They are present in the news, advertisements, election campaigns, political debates, television and films. The common major feature that is present in all of these portrayals is the problems related to them that should be solved and not to be glorified, exaggerated or exploited by Hollywood. Before now African Americans were more likely to be portrayed as domestic workers in Hollywood. African Americans played major roles in television sitcoms such as â€Å"Beulah† in the 1950’s and â€Å"Gone with the wind† in 1939. In recent times Latinos have increasingly replaced African Americans as Hollywood domestics. Hollywood has presented an incorrect reality of the Latino people to the American people and to the world at large, it has exaggerated a poor image of this particular race. Although the Latinos who live in America get more roles to play in Hollywood, most of these roles are mentioned in the next paragraph. The Latino female is often presented as a temptress, vamp, lustful, promiscuous, unfaithful, manipulative, of loose morals or submissive at times in relation to a white male fantasy, low class, serving the whites. A list of Ten Latino Female artists who have played the role of a maid in Hollywood Movies/series. Jennifer Lopez – Maid in Manhattan, 2002 Aida Linares- Clueless, 1995 Lupe Ontiveros- As good as it gets, 1997 (She has played an estimate of 150 maid roles on television). Consuela-Family Guy, 2005-till present Nadine Valesquez-My name is Earl, 2005-2009 Paz Vega- Spanglish, 2004 Kate Del Castillo- La misma Luna, 2007 Adriana Barraza- Babel, 2006 Catalina Saavedra, The maid, 2009 Roselyn Sanchez, Devious Maids, 2013- till present Pania Ramirez – Devious Maids, 2013 till present THE MEDIA, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE INITIATIVE (MDSCI)’S SIX YEAR STUDY REVEALS SOME STATISTICS. Among the racial and ethnic groups studied in the Media, Diversity, and Social Change Initiative’s report, released August 2014, Latinos made up only 4. 9% of movie characters across 100 of 2013’s top-grossing films. According to the U. S. Census Bureau’s estimates, there are roughly 52 million Latinos in the U. S. as of July 1, 2011, or just over 16% of the current U. S. population. That number is on track to reach 132. 8 million — or about 30% of the U. S. population — by July 1, 2050. LATINOS THAT ARE DEPICTED IN TOP-GROSSING MOVIES ARE MOSTLY NAKED. While the study does note that â€Å"Hispanic females (37. 3%) were more likely to be featured in popular films than were white females (29. 6%) or Asian females (32%),† Latinas are also more likely than females among any of the other groups studied (37. 5%, to be precise) to be shown partially dressed or nude on the big screen. LATINOS ARE ALSO HIGHLY LIKELY TO BE SEXUALIZED. The sexualization of Latinos does not stop with women. Latino men were the most likely among the studied groups (16. 5%) to be depicted wearing â€Å"tight, alluring or revealing clothing. † DANGERS OF THE NEGATIVE PORTRAYAL OF RACE & ETHNICITY BY THE MEDIA ?Since there is a tendency to believe what is represented or depicted by the media; as particular races or ethnic groups are often negatively portrayed, others who are not acquainted with such group of people are bound to believe they are actually the way the media has presented them. ? Another danger of negative portrayals of race/ethnic groups by the media is that the younger ones from such groups may not be able to see themselves better than the way the media has portrayed them. For example if a race is continually depicted as a maid or as vulgar murderer the younger generation of such groups may not see anything wrong with being that way and could actually end up as same. ? This particular race have existing challenges of employment, poor education; the continuous depictions as such does not help solve these problems, but only worsens them. ?It could be difficult for people who are negatively portrayed to keep relationships with or amongst other races who are depicted as superior to them. THE NOLLYWOOD CONSTRUCT OF ETHNICITY (A STUDY OF THE YORUBA, AND NORTHERN NIGERIANS) The founding fathers of Yoruba films in Nigeria i. e. Herbert Ogunde, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) Based their works on the constructive values of the Yoruba ethnic group without leaving their audience entertained. In recent times Nollywood has neglected the transfer of social heritage function in the production of Yoruba films. More often than necessary abusive statements, raining of curses and the invention of such and rascality has been synonymous with Yoruba films. The very rich Yoruba culture which the world could learn from is often being tarnished by our film industry. However there are various Yoruba producers who focus on spreading the positivity of the Yoruba culture i. e. Tunde Kelani, Tade Ogidan, Yinka Afolayan. Men from the Northern part of Nigeria are also often times portrayed as either a gateman or the security man of a well-established family. The character who could actually be Yoruba speaks like a man from the north to convince the audience that the gateman is a man from the Northern part of the Country. Little does Nollywood know that many of the gatemen in Lagos which I can speak for are not even Nigerians. I have observed that most of the gatemen/security men in reality are actually from Niger Republic many of them look like Nigerian Northerners, are able to speak Hausa language but they are not Nigerians. RECOMMENDATIONS ? Every race has some sort of value and norms that could be positive, the media should hereby seek out such and spread them. ?The media needs to respect the fact that every human person has dignity and should be portrayed as such. ?They never should never assume that a particular race or ethnicity is less than the other, regardless of the socio economic status of such groups. ?The media should seek to solve the challenges faced by some races and ethnic groups rather than exploit them. ?The media should be reminded that they are socially responsible to the society, thus they should be mindful of what they feed the society with.

Effects of Reconstruction on African Americans Essay

Reconstruction had a large impact on African Americans. It was a gateway period for African Americans into American society as equals. Many changes were made that helped them gain rights and acceptance, but it wasn’t an easy change. In the early years of reconstruction, black codes restricted African Americans greatly (Document D), but as reconstruction went on, various acts were passed to help African Americans gain passage into every day society (Document A). From 1865-1866, the Southern governments put Black Codes into place. These were laws that targeted blacks as unequals in society to try and regain white supremacy. Blacks couldn’t vote, purchase land, testify in court against a white man, bear arms (Document D), etc. Blacks were also forced to sign heavy-laboring contracts for work. Black Codes also sparked the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, who killed and lynched large numbers of African Americans and their families (Document G). Radical Republicans began to take action to give southern blacks equal rights in society. In 1866, the Civil Rights Act was passed that granted African Americans national citizenship and entitled them to sue and be sued, give evidence, and buy/sell/inherit land (Document H). Two years later in 1868, the 14th Amendment was ratified which made blacks both national citizens and citizens of the states that they resided (Document I). States now could not discriminate against blacks. From 1867-1877, Radical Republicans led Congress to many new laws promoting equality. The 15th Amendment was passed in 1870 granting black males the right to vote. Thomas Mundy Peterson was the first African American to vote under provisions of the latter (Document E). He voted in a municipal election in Perth Amboy in the same year, 1870. The KKK Act of 1871 made the infringement by private individuals of a person’s civil and political rights a federal crime. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 gave protection to blacks against segregation in public accommodations. Blacks were finally able to participate in southern politics. State constitutional conventions now had black delegates, southern blacks were elected to varied important state and local offices, and all state legislatures had black members. Some of the statewide offices held were governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, superintendent of education, state treasurer, senators, and representatives (Document C). Reconstruction introduced sharecropping to the black community. Sharecropping was a system in that blacks rented a plot of land and paid to the plantation owner a certain percentage of the cotton crop, work animals, fertilizer, and seed (Document H). Sharecropping became a system that croppers were greatly exploited in a variety of ways. Planters had a great advantage in the system. They charged high prices and outrageous interest rates for food and clothing purchased by sharecroppers on credit at the plantation store. Various organizations emerged like the Freedman’s Bureau to help African Americans in education, finding respected jobs, and establishing a place in society. The Freedman’s Bureau played a large role in education by donating supplies to school buildings and paying teachers (Document F). Many colleges and universities were also established. By 1876, all but three Southern states were restored to home rule (Document B). Things that may have effected this process were the use of violence by organizations like the KKK and Knights of the White Camelia to terrorize African Americans and their families, the depression of 1873-1877 that devastated Southern states’ credit, tax rolls, and budgets. Obviously, reconstruction had a huge impact on the everyday life of African Americans. African American advances were made that not only helped blacks but the overall feeling of unity in the US. As a result, many blacks began to feel comfortable in society and gain a sense of belonging.

Business Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Research Report - Essay Example The amount of profit earned will be determined by the amount of money paid by customers for baked goods subtracted from the amount of money spent on buying the products. The profit depends on what is baked and how much is charged for baked goods. Several obstacles come along the establishment of such business as bakery. One of them is the lack of funds to purchase the required equipments for this work. This is because some products require special equipments, for example, baking of wedding cakes. Baking of breads also requires slicing machines that are expensive hence a lack of enough funds is a major obstacle to the business. The other obstacle to a successful bakery business is that there has been a problem in the number of qualified personnel, in bakeries. These are the trained bakery technologists. This has lead to slowed development in the bakery industry. This has been a major obstacle because there is no growth in the food and beverage industry since no new products are introduced in the market. There have been several business partners in the bakery businesses. This is some of those who have careers in foods. Some of those who had successful businesses include the following: AB Mauri Bakery AMOUN PITA NATURAL BAKERS ARCHWAY COOKIES Achatz Handmade Pie Company Al Dente Pasta, Inc. Aladdin Bakers Albuquerque Tortilla Alessi Bakeries Alpha Baking Co. Alpine Valley Bread Alvarado Street Bakery American Italian Pasta Co. Amorosos Baking Co. Annie Pies Gourmet Bakery Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. Athens Pastries, Inc. Atticus LLC dba Chabaso Bakery Aunt Millies Bakeries Blackhawk Bakery Bloomfield Bakers Bl ue Bonnet Bakery BoDeans Baking Co. Cereal Food Processors Inc. Cereal Ingredients IncChattanooga Bakery Inc/Moon Pie Cheksea Milling Group Cheryl & Co. Gourmet Cookies Claxton Bakery Inc. Clydes Delicious Donuts Collin Street Bakery Consolidated Biscuit Co. Deerfields Delice European Bakery Delicias

Contemporary Cinema Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Contemporary Cinema - Essay Example New roles are now defined with a working mother, a father and a child. The mother is no longer just a stay at home mom but she is now an equal bread winner (Coontz, 2000). Even though family roles have shifted considerably, the theme of childhood and family has remained fairly prevalent in movies over the years. What we see on screens is either what was, or what is in terms of family roles and behavior. Even the best of fiction needs a base on which to build upon. As Gillis (1996) observed, family life is the new form of entertainment in the modern world. All parts of family pervade the movie scene and it would seem that the modern script writer is always on the lookout for new stories to base a new movie on. It’s no longer debatable that the themes of family and childhood permeate contemporary film today. However, what is often not considered is just how much these themes permeate contemporary cinema. Inflation, urban sprawl and population increase in the early 1990s is what likely pushed stay at home moms to the market place (Dryden, 1999). This paradigm shift was also translated into film as seen in the introduction of working mothers as opposed to the stay at home mothers. The working class women betrayed the traditional loyalty to their husbands since they were no longer the sole bread winners. These women started to compete with their men on various family issues. Men felt a bruise on their egos and reacted with violence, as seen in The Burning Bed (1984). This marked the origin of domestic violence in cinemas. Marriages started to break up and children had to be raised by their step fathers and step mothers. These children were shown to lack proper guidance from their half parents and adopted bad behaviors and became violent as well. In 1996, the US government did a survey on the characteristics of the modern day family and the findings were grave. The research concluded that there had been serious anti-family downward

Discuss the evolution of the concept of metabolism and symbiosis in Essay

Discuss the evolution of the concept of metabolism and symbiosis in post-war Japanese architecture. What are the key aspects of - Essay Example In this case, this evolution was attributed to the philosophies of urban adaptability and renewability of ideas gathered from various Japanese, which were entrenched within the culture in theory and physical practices. Moreover, this was a representation of accomplishment of the contemporary and chronological Japanese architecture. This paper will focus on conducting an analysis of the Metabolist Architectural Movement that was initiated in 1960s after the World War II, in which Japan participated. Apparently, it is important to exploring its influence on the popular works of art in anime genre in order to understand the evolution of the concept of metabolism and symbolism after the World War II. Evolution of metabolism has been significantly influenced by acceptability into Science Fiction, and renders it to be considered an element of the Utopia, which is regarded to be post-apocalyptic aspect of Japanese society’s future. Therefore, integration of metabolism in Science Fict ion is also considered an illustration of progress. Fundamentally, the theory of metabolism is based on two principles, which include symbiosis of various time periods, which is also referred to as diachronicity. In this case, â€Å"metabolism† is a term that is derived from science of biology in order to refer to the process and alteration, which is undergone by creatures during their lives. Initially, the first principles of metabolism were established by the movement for regeneration and metabolizing process attributed urban planning and architecture. Therefore, the terms metabolism is identified by the movement as a way of expressing believes for work of architecture, thereby arguing that it should be dynamic after its completion. In addition, members of this movement suggested that people should seek understanding of the works of architecture in terms of processes involved in its evolution from the past to present and to future. Evolution of the concept of metabolism and symbolism in Japan is evident through its role in facilitating political and cultural development after the Second World War. In fact, Metabolism Movement focused on redefining numerous relationships with designs, which were considered crucial. These relationships were attributed to features such as permanence, transience, expressing thoughts, and undertaking spontaneous planning. In this case, these were some of the ideas that were features in the schemes developed by Metabolists, through evolution of structures and impermanence of forms, which had attributes of substantial themes. Evolution of the concept of metabolism and symbolism has also been attributed increased prominence and respect for Japanese architecture. Actually, this Japanese architecture serves as a way influencing mentor to younger members of Metabolist Movement. Besides, this evolution facilitated conception of this movement into a large-scale plan of reconstructing Tokyo. On the other hand, there were suggestion s made through Metabolism schemes to reconfigure the modern structure of the cities. Apparently, these this reconfiguration was aimed at fitting the lifecycle of citizens. Therefore, these structures were aimed at taking designs to promote growth and transformation in a way that was similar to the evolution and metamorphosis of an organism. In this case, the Metabolism Movement became Utopia in a way that led to inspiring of a notion, which regarded the city

Financial Management for Small Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Financial Management for Small Business - Essay Example In this case, it is critical to form a business plan to assist the agency’s long term objectives. This is especially if it is the first time trying to make it in this entrepreneurial venture (BARRINGER, 2008). Some of the aspects that surround this business need addressing so as to make it simpler to deal with the hurdles that these businesses face. This paper will examine such a plan in the car hire service, and how it may impact the growth and development of the business, in the long run. The name of the car hire service company will be Delta. The chosen business needs explaining because not everyone might comprehend the concepts being introduced in the car hire service. It must, therefore, articulate and explain these details to everyone so as to find out what might be needed to make the agency a success. The business plans formulated ought to look at all factors surrounding the business; the good, the bad, and the ugly. It must acknowledge the presence of all factors present in the environment that might enable it to grow, decline, or remain stagnant (FINCH, 2006). In order to attract a wide variety of customers, it is vital to have an image of the cars that are to be hired. In this fast globalising environment, the cars that need hiring are personal that are capable of running for many miles. These include personal cars that can accommodate a fairly large amount of individuals. Nowadays, individuals are keen on having the fun day out while visiting different areas. Having a car hire service that can address these needs is fundamental in the business’s growth. It is vital to understand their needs so as to have the right car to provide the customer (HOSMER, 1976).). Many young couples are interested in cars that are out for their interests. This means that; they want cars that are trendy and lavish to match the new lifestyle (JACKSACK, 1998). The common vehicle models from popular vehicle industries are the

Book Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 7

Book Review - Essay Example Eventually, America has made to become a society which permits ordinary people to lead the government and give every citizen their right to vote. The transition of America into a democratic country had also been easy considering that the patriot leaders leave no interest for the powers that the position gives them. Wood (1992) emphasizes that "the Revolution was the most radical and far reaching event in American history" (p. 8). It means that the revolution significantly affected the American society and politically changed the rules from British to American ideals. Accepting the radical nature of the American Revolution is important within the context of the socio- political society especially during the eighteenth century. Also, it is important to highlight the appreciation for the political and social aspects of the colonial society that is impossible to disentangle. The leaders then are not just revolting against the political system of the British government but also its colonial society in America. Wood thinks that the republicanism society had affected British thoughts in a wide sense. Accordingly, republicanism is not accepted to any political life of an English society. However, monarchical and republican values are present in their culture and there are many considerable monarchists that accepted the ideals of republicanism regardless of the long-run consequences they might face. They do not always use the term though, but republicanism is regarded as a set of values and a kind of life where it is more understandable and liberal. Yet, the mid-18th century is the era when the social change took place, the past remains obstinate. American colonists are the English; they share the statement that order and stability in society came from the monarchical type of society. The king is subject to as dependent being and less autonomous. But, the American people see