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Example research essay topic: Native American Tribes Dances With Wolves - 2,173 words

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1. Briefly define each of the following terms, and give a specific example of each term as seen in the movie Dances with Wolves: a. Minority Group: This term refers to subordinate groups within society, that is, any group that has less power than the dominant group. This may or may not, as is often the case, be numerical. Minority groups are often visible and posses either distinct physical or cultural characteristics. They are often powerless or subordinate and receive unequal or unfavorable treatment.

They often develop social isolation, are stigmatized, persecuted and discriminated against by the dominant group. Minority groups often do not get their proportionate share of scarce resources. For example, in the movie Dances with Wolves, the role played by Kevin Costner was depicted as that of a minority. As he lived close to the Native American tribes out in the frontier alone, he was a minority.

Being a white man and culturally and physically different he was a minority. However, in context to the period within which this movie is made, the Native Americans, though greater in numbers, were a minority as the Whites were militarily more powerful. b. Race: This term refers to the concept or idea that proposes that human beings have distinct genetic and / or biological physical differences amongst them and attempts to differentiate them along genetic, physical and biological characteristics. Some of the theories proposed have used genetic make-up, brain and head size, body fat, muscle type, breadth and length of nose, texture of hair etc.

as a differentiation tool. Through out the study of race as a differentiation tool, it is important to note that no one scientist, scholar or group has been able to develop a convincing or sound argument. For example, in the movie Dances with Wolves, there are two distinct races proposed; the White race and the Native American race. Both groups are shown to perceive their race as being superior than that of the other race.

c. Ethnic Group: This group is made up of people who have a common cultural, physical appearance or presumed ancestry. An ethnic group is a unique form of social organization, a collectivity made up of people who are defined as sharing important cultural or ancestral attributes. Often, ethnic groups will share a strong sense of attachment within the group, a sense of common origins and history. For example, in the movie Dances with Wolves there are three distinct ethnic groups; the White/ European group, and the two Native American tribes of the Pawnee and the Sioux. d.

Prejudice: This is defined as a negative or hostile attitude toward a socially defined group and / or toward a person perceived to be a member of that group. It is a feeling, belief or state of mind that pre-disposes a person to be hostile or negative towards members of a certain racial-ethnic groups. For example, in the movie Dances with Wolves, the Native Indians are described as being thieves and beggars. This is clearly shown to be a ridiculous assumption later on in the movie. e. Discrimination: This is defined as the practice of differential or unequal treatment of members of some group or category on the basis of their group membership rather than on the basis of their individual qualities.

This is an act or action to deny or limit the rights, opportunities or rewards of members of a particular racial ethnic group. For example, in the movie, the whites solely on the basis of their being Native Americans discriminate against Native Americans. In the beginning of the movie, the lead role of Kevin Costner is also depicted as being discriminated against by the Native Americans, solely because he was white. The movie cleverly shows the development of respect and tolerance between two mutually discriminatory groups as they begin to interact and understand each other. 2. As noted and discussed in class, Banton defined seven possible results of intergroup contact; economic and living arrangements which might occur when two different groups come in contact with each other. a.

Identify and describe each of these seven possible arrangements. Bantons seven possible results of intergroup contact are peripheral, institutionalized contact, acculturation, domination, colonization, integration and pluralism. Peripheral: This is a situation where two or more distinctly different groups are living next to each other but are very much different and separated. Institutionalized Contact: This is a situation where two or more distinctly different groups are connected by either a common religion, government, law etc. In such a situation, though the groups share some commonalities they remain separated.

This form of intergroup contact often requires that there be little competition between the groups. Acculturation: This is a situation where the two groups begin a degree of interaction with each other. This form of contact often requires the groups to be relatively small and have little competition between each other. In this scenario, each group contributes to the other and they begin to influence each other. Domination: This is a situation where one group is on top or in a position of advantage over the other. That is, the two groups live as one society but one group dominates over the other.

This form of contact often is based on such issues like race and ethnicity. Colonization: This is a situation where one group overtakes another group. In this case, one group, often the outside group, conquers the other group. This may involve the use of physical threat in order to maintain the situation. Interaction is often very minimal in such a case. Integration: The two groups blend into one another.

Differences may be present between the two groups but no discrimination is present. Differences do not influence the interaction amongst the two groups. Pluralism: This is a process where each group maintains distinct cultural differences but they are able to co-exist. In this situation the two groups view each other as being separate but equal to each other. b. Which of these arrangements is shown in the movie Dances with Wolves?

Identify and describe each type of contact shown in the movie. In the movie Dances with Wolves several of these arrangements are observed. In the context of the lead role and the Native Americans, there is a peripheral type of contact, whereby, the two are living close to each other but are very different and separated. Costner is living alone and separate from the Native Americans. Later on as they begin to interact with each other, we observe a process of acculturation as they begin to contribute to each others existence. Costner invites them to his home and shares coffee with them.

He gives gifts as well. Slowly, mutual distrust is dispelled. The Native Americans also depicted a willingness to develop an institutionalized contact with the whites. They recognized the need for them to enter into dialogue with the Whites and hence chose to develop their relationship with Costner.

Through their interactions, the two groups soon began to integrate with each other. Costner, though still different from the Native Americans, is accepted into their group. Mutual respect and understanding develops. Stereotypical views that each group had about the other are cast off.

Historically, we also know that the whites did colonize the Native Americans in this period. This is also shown to some extent in the movie as the whites, though a numerical minority, are depicted as conquering the country, developing new towns, industries and pushing further and further inland. The post where our lead was protecting was supposed to protect the whites and their colony, from the Native tribes should they decide to rise up. The whites are depicted as having minimal interaction with the Native tribes. Domination is also depicted in the movie to some extent as the superior physical capacity of the Whites is shown as allowing them to take land build on the Native Americans territory I think it is a very sad movie, particularly as the Native Americans were actually obliterated in this period of history by the whites. The movie seems to suggest a path the whites could have taken.

The movie shows how the two groups could have interacted. 3. Milton Gordon suggested that the assimilation process can be seen to involve seven stages, or types of assimilation. a. Identify each of Gordons seven stages and explain what occurs to an assimilating group at each of these stages. According to Milton Gordon there are seven types of assimilation: 1) Acculturation: the new group taking on the cultura tions of the other group characterizes this process. They are exposed to and are part of the same society, they learn the language, take the customs dress, manners and social behavior of the dominant group.

This process is also known as behavioral assimilation. 2) Structural Assimilation: Reefers to a process where the members of the racial-ethnic group of the society begin to enter various structures of the society. They start joining into the mainstream group and clubs 3) Identification Assimilation: The individual begins to take sense of identity with the mainstream. The individual not only takes manners, dress styles, language, but also completely identifies with the other culture. Often, this occurs where the individual is the 2 nd generation of a racial-ethnic group. 4) Behavioral/Receptional Assimilation: This refers to the absence of discrimination to the new member of the society. There is a willingness of the host group to the people being assimilated and to accept the new comers. 5) Attitudinal Assimilation: This refers to the total absence of prejudice and discrimination.

The groups do not discriminate against the entrant group or vice-versa. 6) Civic Assimilation: Occurs when is possible for the group to join into the government structure, churches, clubs, and general public life. 7) Amalgamation: Is the total assimilation of two groups. The society is a reflection of both cultural backgrounds. Full acceptance into the dominant group for the new entrants. This can only occur if both sides are willing and able to accept each other. b. If assessed in terms of Gordons seven types of assimilation, to what extent have each of the following three groups been successful at being assimilated into mainstream American society? + African-Americans African Americans: African Americans are the oldest minority group in the US.

They have definitely integrated or acculturated because they have adopted the language, dress manners, and social behaviors of mainstream America. Structural assimilation also occurs in African American minority because they did join in with the mainstream groups and clubs such organizations, sports clubs, government and general civic life. Identificational Assimilation can also be observed because after many generations this minority group did take on a sense of identity with the mainstream group. Civic Assimilation, has also occurred as is evident from the many public figures this group can boast. Amalgamation, would be the last type of assimilation found in this minority group. All over the US there are plenty interracial relationships, and it seems that day after day is becoming more accepted.

Behavioral/Receptional assimilation, sadly, has not been successful as this minority still faces a great deal of discrimination. + Mexican-Americans Mexican Americans: Mexican Americans are the second largest minority group in the US. Acculturation is found in some of the Mexican Americans, particularly in the 2 nd and subsequent generations. Structural Assimilation is evident amongst this group as they do participate in various aspects in society, e. g.

Clubs, churches, and education. Identificational Assimilation is only seen the 2 nd or 3 rd generation of Mexican Americans. The new generation appears to be identifying themselves more as Americans than anything else. Civic Assimilation appears to be increasing as more and more Mexican Americans begin to take part on the Government structure. Amalgamation can also be observed as being on the increase as more and more intermarriages are and close relationships are increasing and are accepted by society and by the Mexican American.

Unfortunately, Attitudinal and Behavioral assimilation does not appear to have occurred as this group still faces both discrimination and prejudices. + Japanese-Americans Japanese Americans: Within the Japanese American minority almost all the seven types of assimilation are found in this minority group. Acculturation is found in 2 nd and 3 rd generations of Japanese Americans. They adapted the dress customs, manners and style of the mainstream group. Structural Assimilation is also perceived in this minority group as they are increasingly present in all structures of society.

Identificational Assimilation is also found among this minority group, as the 2 nd and subsequent generations identify with the mainstream group. Behavioral/Receptional and Attitudinal Assimilation is clearly seen to have occurred as they are almost totally accepted and face little or no prejudice or discrimination. Civic Assimilation has also been very successful, as the Japanese Americans face almost no barriers into their entrance in various public and civic institutions. Amalgamation has occurred to some extent and Japanese Americans have been willingly accepted by the mainstream as is evident from the growing number of joint relationships this group enjoys, e. g. intermarriages.


Free research essays on topics related to: dances with wolves, mexican americans, native american tribes, native americans, racial ethnic

Research essay sample on Native American Tribes Dances With Wolves

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