Postmodernism Essay, Research Paper
In recent years, multiculturalism, tolerance and political correctness have been integrated into how American society thinks. America seems to be trying to learn more about the ingredients of her melting pot. These efforts can be best understood by examining post-modernism. Post-modernism is especially important to breaking down stereotypes such as those that exist surrounding the black family.
To understand post-modernism we must first understand modernism. Modernism is the philosophy that began with the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was an era when science and art flourished. European society used the Enlightenment to object to the oppression of the church. This era emphasized only those things that are observable or measurable (Smith, 1995). The scientific method developed at this time became the standard to which everything is measured. Modernism, although moving away from the confinements of religion, was limiting in its own way.
Post-modernism can be viewed as an expansion of modernism. It does not limit the idea of truth to only that which can be observed. Post-modernism is all encompassing. Post-modernism does not allow for only one definition for anything. There are several explanations for phenomena. Where modernism emphasizes racial classifications, post-modernism emphasizes cultural and ethnic classifications. Post-modernism sanctions differences from family to family and person to person within the parameters of one culture.
This multiculturalism is being used to educate from primary education through higher education. In Percival and Black?s study with sixth-graders and multiculturalism, they realized that, although they were examining a specific Native American tribe, stereotypes of that tribe or people can develop (2000). For example, all African Americans from the South eat collard greens and corn bread. So, educating oneself about other cultures cannot be used to generalize to the entire group. Post-modernism is, thus, very important to understanding the concept of a black family.
Post-modernism reveals that circumstances cannot be explained in one way. Modernism has clear procedures and criteria for defining phenomena. The question of truth is determined by science. Scientists control the worldview or meta-narrative of the dominant group (Western society). Much of the way current societies view the world is dominated by Western culture. The meta-narrative for the black family is defined by the Western standards: income and education and any other quantifiable unit.
The history of the black family is difficult to research according to Barnetta McGhee White because there are few written documents to substantiate the oral history (Staples, 1991 p.50). In terms of the prevailing meta-narrative, familial ties must be documented by family trees. Black families, due to the breakdown of the family through the slave trade, rely on oral history to tell the story of their lineage (Staples, 1991, p 51). The genealogy of author Barnetta McGhee White helps illustrate certain points. The first is that since a majority of the research into genealogy is dependent on written documents dating into the founding years of this nation, these documents are only telling what the writer wants the reader to know. The history of black families is told through the story of the slaveholder and, thus, gives information relevant to the business of slavery?everything that measurable. Another point is that those in power in the past control the future. If current society is viewed in chronicled terms, there is little control blacks can have over the account of their family history because it will always be in terms of the dominant meta-narrative based on modernity. The conclusion to be made by the former points is that modern thought is to blame for stereotypes against blacks. Post-modern thought allows for the black family to be viewed by criteria other than income and education.
Post-modern thought must be applied in discussing the black family in order to form a complete opinion or analysis for combating the problems of the black family. Senator Daniel Monyihan posited that the problems black society faced are a result of a breakdown in the black family (Staples, 1991, p250). A factor that may not have been considered in the 1965 thesis was the fact that there was a nationwide deterioration of the family due to social factors, such as the Vietnam War. From 1960 to 1970, the percentage of married couple families?defined by the Census? Current Population Survey as ??two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together.?(1980)?dropped four percent, and it dropped even further from 1970 to 1980 by ten percent (1999).
Postmodern theory also helps us to understand while according to the Census? definition of family blacks have a higher percentage of families of four or more people with female householders, the assumption that that black mothers are solely taking care of large families is false. The reason for the five percent difference between black and white families headed by females cannot be taken at face value (Census 2000). The female may live with other adults who contribute resources to the family. Furthermore, the householder may be providing in contract only; she signed the lease, deed or mortgage but does not live there and provide the everyday (other that pecuniary) support.
Other factors weigh heavily in understanding the plight of blacks. Two correlated elements, which affect blacks, are income and education. The percentage of black families in poverty in 1990 was eleven percent higher than that of white families, which was eight percent (Census Statistical Brief, 1993). It is not surprising that thirteen percent more whites were college graduates that same year (ibid). The difference dropped to twelve percent for the year 2000?twenty-eight percent of whites were college graduates and sixteen percent of blacks were college graduates (Census 2000).
These two factors are important because one of the meta-narratives in America stresses making as much money as possible. In order to make money, you must have an education. In order to receive the higher education needed for better employment, you need money. The idea of this cycle does not permit blacks to succeed according to the standards of this particular meta-narrative. However, there are black families who succeed by these standards through various means such as community help, financial aid and their own volition. Some families would not rate success according to income or education. Post-modernism allows different reasons and ideas to determine the truth. Therefore, in a postmodern world, truth is an opinion that is flexible to change.ReferencesStaples, R.(Ed). (1991). The black family: essays and studies. California: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Percival, J. and Black, D. (2000). A true and continuing story: Developing a culturally sensitive, integrated curriculum in college and elementary classrooms. The Social Studies, 91 no.4 151-8.
Smith, R. (1995). The question of modernism and postmodernism. Arts Education Policy Review, 96 2-12.
United States. Census Bureau (2000) Current Population Survey, Racial Statistics Branch, Population. Retrieved February 24, 2001 from the World Wide Web: census.gov/population/socdemo/race/black.ppl-142.tab06.txt
United States. Census Bureau (2000) Current Population Survey, Racial Statistics Branch, Population. Retrieved February 24, 2001 from the World Wide Web: census.gov/population/socdemo/race/black.ppl-142.tab07.txt
United States. Census Bureau (1999) Statistical Abstract of the United States. Retrieved February 8, 2001 from the World Wide Web: census.gov/prod/99pub/99statab/sec31.pdf
United States. Census Bureau (1993) Black Americans: A profile. Retrieved February 15, 2001 from the World Wide Web: census.gov/apsd/www/statbrief/sb93_2.pdf
Другие работы по теме:
Welfare Reform Essay Research Paper One hotly
Welfare Reform Essay, Research Paper One hotly contested aspect of the recent welfare debate is the unsubstantiated characterization of welfare recipients as having alcohol and drug problems, according to authors of a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. In their study, the authors present the most recent national estimates of alcohol and drug use, abuse and dependence among recipients in five social service programs.
Censorship Essay Research Paper The negative messages
Censorship Essay, Research Paper The negative messages kids receive via the media have a damaging affect on their psyche and can create serious societal problems. In truth “[t]he violence to which American children are exposed in the name of
Writing A Poem Essay Research Paper Writing
Writing A Poem Essay, Research Paper Writing a Poem It is beyond reason; there is no motive, no explanation Why it is, I do not know because there is cause, no clarification.
Dad Essay Research Paper DADHe left me
Dad Essay, Research Paper He left me when I was a baby Before I was even born But to think he never tried to find me Makes me shiver through the bone. Wondering year after year
MDMA Essay Research Paper The popular rave
MDMA Essay, Research Paper The popular rave drug, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or ecstasy, has had a fascinating history dating from the 1910s to the present. This designer drug was originally used as a diet pill and later in psychotherapy. The recent use of MDMA recreationally has increased interest and research on the drug and its effects on humans.
Racial Profiling Essay Research Paper Despite the
Racial Profiling Essay, Research Paper Despite the civil rights victories of 30 years ago, official racial prejudice is still reflected throughout the criminal justice system. For people of color in cities large and small across this nation, north and south, east and west, Jim Crow “justice” is alive and well.
Writing Technique Essay Research Paper Chapter five
Writing Technique Essay, Research Paper Chapter five, Writing as Healing and the Rhetorical Tradition: Sorting Out Plato, Postmodernism, Writing Pedagogy, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder written by T.R. Johnson of the University of New Orleans describes the different views of how language helps a person who has encountered a traumatic experience overcome and heal.
Attention Deficit Disorder Essay Research Paper The
Attention Deficit Disorder Essay, Research Paper The First Lady Hilary Rodham Clinton and the Clinton Administration has proposed to increase focus and funding for research on the use of psychotropic medications in very young children. The recent reporting of stories in the news media documenting the increased use of psychotropic medications in children under five years old, for conditions such as ADD and depression, has appropriately raised concerns among parents, health care professionals, and legislators.
Cameras In The School Essay Research Paper
Cameras in the School In recent years, security has become a major issue. This occurs in schools as well as other locations. The recent security issue is due in large part to the technological advances or our generation. It has become commonplace to have computers and other items of higher price and quality, thus providing more reasons for higher security.
Fire 2 Essay Research Paper Thousands of
Fire 2 Essay, Research Paper Thousands of years ago human beings learned to make fire. By collecting and burning wood they were able to warm themselves, cook food, and manufacture primitive tools. Later, the Egyptians discovered the principal of the sail. Even more recent was the invention of the water wheel.
Anlysis Of The Film
“Forrest Gump” Essay, Research Paper Forrest Gump by Robert Zemeckis 1994, starring Tom Hanks, won six Oscars, including best actor, picture and director. Mixing the elements of Rain Man , The World According to Garp and Woody Allen s Zelig . Forrest Gump covers the 30 years of the recent American history, where Gump neatly resolves recent cultural conflicts, making our country feel good about itself, it is a film where oppositio.ns of past 30 years of recent American history are integrated, resolved and compromised
Space Report Essay Research Paper Space and
Space Report Essay, Research Paper Space and the technology to study space have improved rapidly over the years. Space travel also is a big deal in the way we get our sources for galaxies and nebulas. The Hubble Space Telescope has been the best way to get our information for everything from millions of light years away from Earth.
Massive Monsters Essay Research Paper Massive Monster
Massive Monsters Essay, Research Paper Massive Monster Murders The monster that they call Grendel is on the loose. He has been causing terror to many civilians in Herot for the past 12 years. Murdering and spreading blood shed all across the town. He likes to strike at night, and he will only come out at night when everybody is at rest not expecting the kill.
Violent Kid Profile Essay Research Paper THE
Violent Kid Profile Essay, Research Paper ?THE VIOLENT-KID PROFILE? Are students being judged by the way they act, by what they say, or even by the way they dress? Sadly, the answer is yes. Not by their peers, but
Leaving You Essay Research Paper i must
Leaving You Essay, Research Paper i must leave you for a short while please do not grieve and shed wild tears and hug your sorrows to you through the years but start out bravely with a gallant
Kelvin Essay Research Paper Thomsons view on
Kelvin Essay, Research Paper ?Thomson?s view on the recent age of the world have been for some time one of my sorest troubles, (pg. 107)? This quote is used to collaborate the author?s idea that Darwin was deeply opposed to Kelvin?s calculations about the ago of the earth. The author further backs up this idea by using another quote in which Darwin calls Kelvin an ?odious spectre, (pg. 107).? It is then stated that Darwin did eventually compromise with Kelvin?s calculations.
Memory Essay Research Paper As we all
Memory Essay, Research Paper As we all grow up and mature, we come to wonder how we have come to being the person we are today. This path of life was not predetermined rather created
Teen Smoking Essay Research Paper Teen smoking
Teen Smoking Essay, Research Paper Teen smoking has always been a factor in America, especially during High School. That is when teens are most likely to pick up the habit (Teen Smokers PG 13). We are constantly around people that smoke and usually offered cigarettes when they do smoke. If smoking is so bad for you then why do so many teens smoke? Because they don’t know how bad it is for them.
Wooly Mammoth Essay Research Paper The wooly
Wooly Mammoth Essay, Research Paper The wooly mammoth The Woolly Mammoth was a species of elephant that lived from about 2.5 million years ago until as recently as 10,000 years ago. It lived primarily in areas that were very cold, and during the last ice age, that would have been most of the entire planet. They were found in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
Postmodern Theory And Karl Marx Essay Research
Paper Postmodern Theory and Karl MarxThe emergence of postmodernism stands as the most important paradigmatic change of the past half-century. In providing a critique of positivism and macrotheory, postmodernism has established an intellectual tradition that has challenged a variety of intellectual viewpoints, most notably Marxism.
Postmodernism Essay Research Paper PostmodernismThe postmodern condition
Postmodernism Essay, Research Paper Postmodernism The postmodern condition can bee seen and experienced in our everyady lives. Anything from the decor of a room, to societal and economical shifts can be, and are, decribed as postmodern. While modernism looks beyond material truth and searches for abstract truth, postmodernism sees no abstract or universal truth.
The Internet And World Wide Web Defined
Essay, Research Paper Christopher L. Isaacs 1010 ? Technical Writing Extended Definition 00 March 6th The ?Internet? and ?World Wide Web? Defined In recent years the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) have become more and more popular as an information resource. Many people believe that the WWW is the same as the Internet.
Internet PC
’s: Next Wave Or Nonsense? Essay, Research Paper Internet PC’s: Next Wave or Nonsense? Call them what you will: Internet appliances. Network terminals. The whole
Entering The PostModern Era Essay Research Paper
How does a people determine that a movement to a new era has occurred? Although there was no newspaper headline announcing the beginning of postmodernism, it is very evident that American culture took a turn in the 1960’s, and, as always, the arts began to reflect the changes in our culture.
Poem Essay Research Paper Four Years Ago
Poem Essay, Research Paper Four Years Ago Today Today is the anniversary Of my brothers death Four years ago today God layed him down for eternal rest Four years ago today
Guns In Texas Essay Research Paper GUNS
Guns In Texas Essay, Research Paper GUNS IN TEXAS Gun control consists of the government restricting the ability of individual citizens to purchase weapons. In recent years many laws have been passed to assist with keeping guns under control, and this has become a topic of significant interest among politicians and US citizens.
Big Daddy Essay Research Paper Big KidOne
Big Daddy Essay, Research Paper Big Kid One of the most recent movies that i have seen is Big Daddy. When this movie came out in theaters I knew that it was going to be a hit because the main character (Adam Sandler)
Chester A Arthur Essay Research Paper Chet
Chester A. Arthur Essay, Research Paper Chet Arthur, President of the United States? Good God! That is what many of us were saying when former President Garfield died and