Howard Zinn is arguably the most important American historian. He brought a radical transformation to the construction of history that was previously unheard of. By siding with the oppressed, the underprivileged, the victims, the poor and the weak, he made their voices heard through his writing. The People’s History of the United States is a…
Tag: United States
Gun violence problem in America: Causes and possible solutions
Michael Moore’s controversial documentary film Bowling for Columbine shows up a mirror to American society and asks serious questions of it. Just a cursory glance at comparative statistics between the USA and European countries shows the wide gulf in gun-related crime rates, with the former way off scale when compared to the latter. Yet, despite…
What would I tell the 9 Billionth Person In the world with respect to Globalization?
Based on the current rate of growth of world human population, the year 2050 is a fair estimate of when the 9 billionth baby will be born. The rate of scientific and technological advancement in the last few centuries has happened at an unprecedented pace. As recent as the beginning of the 19th century, societies…
Following my American Dream
Coming to the United States of America for my higher studies is one of the most exciting and interesting experiences in my life. I still remember the excitement and anticipation on the eve of my arrival to the United States. I was also nervous about entering a society that is very different from my native culture….
Critical Analysis: The Political Economy of Culture by Sut Jhally
The article’s objective is to discuss how ‘culture’ has become a commercial and indoctrinating industry under the capitalist economic system. The author identifies two or three key mechanisms through which culture is manufactured and distributed towards achieving its goals. Author Sut Jhally is not in doubt as to the propagandistic or profit-oriented motives of mass…
My Modest Proposal: A parody on Jonathan Swift’s classic essay
Ladies and Gentlemen, as you are well aware, our country is going through one of its worst economic crisis. Economists have termed it the Great Recession, next only in acuteness to the Great Depression of the early twentieth century. Unemployment has been at unprecedented levels since the 2008 Wall Street crash. And for those who…
How and why does ethnic identity affect the idea of ‘beauty’ cross-culturally?
Beauty, especially physical beauty, is often dictated by universal standards. But the particular culture, history and social sensibilities of a community do also play a role in defining beauty. In the modern social context, the public relations industry plays an influential role in setting and imposing standards of beauty weather people agree with it or…
In-depth analysis of the Occupy Wall Street movement
The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement witnessed in recent months is one of the most significant socio-political events to have taken place in the history of the United States of America. Measuring merely by the weight of popular support and enthusiastic participation evinced by the movement, it could be equated with the Civil Rights movement…
Jehovah’ss Witnesses and refusal of blood products
Members of the Christian sect Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept blood transfusion. This restriction is mandated by the religious doctrine and has been in existence since 1945. The rationale is that life is God given and that human agency shouldn’t intervene in its termination. Hence, in all medical situations, including emergencies, the faithful are prohibited…
Propaganda and Mass Media: A Theoretical Analysis
The dependency between government and media is a contentious issue in contemporary times. The media, once termed the Fourth Estate due to the unique role it plays in society, is supposed to be the conscience of the First Estate, namely the government. Yet, a simple analysis of the functioning of media organizations makes obvious that…