Ethnic Unbonding in South Africa Essay Example for Free

Ethnic Unbonding in South Africa Essay Manuel Castells notion of ‘ethnic unbonding’ refers to: the gradual withdrawal certain African-Americans are undergoing, so that they no longer are a member of their initial ethnic group. ‘Ethnic unbonding’ is a process where individuals remove themselves from their ethnic groups, because they are either ashamed or humiliated to be associated as part of a stigmatized ethnic identity. â€Å"So, race matters a lot. But, at the same time, the class divide among blacks has created such fundamentally different living conditions that there is growing hostility among the poor against those former brothers that left them out. Most middle-class blacks strive to get ahead not only from the reality of the ghetto, but from the stigma that echoes from the dying ghetto project on them through their skin. They do so particularly, by insulating their children from the poor black communities (moving to suburbs, integrating them into white-dominated private schools), while, at the same time, reinventing an African-American identity that revives the themes of the past, African or American, while keeping silent on the plight of the present† Castell, M p.57. Manuel Castell raises cognizance to the fact that black South Africans are gradually disassociating themselves from their original ethnic identities. (‘Black South Africans’ refers to the non-white individuals of South Africa, those who were disadvantaged and traduced in the homelands during the Apartheid regime). These ethnic unbonding patterns were first noticed among African-Americans and now South Africans too are gradually adopting them. Citizens split from their ethnic groups to mainly better their lives, since being a part of a stigmatized ethnic group cannot ensure a successful and pleasant lifestyle. Parents want a better life for the children and they find that to live a better quality lifestyle one needs to firstly get an education. So they get a good education and become a success in life only to put their stigmatized ethnic background behind them, to avoid risking the loss of their achievements. Ethnic performances are rarely practised and individuals lose sight of where they come from. â€Å"In the last two decades, geographers have become extremely interested in the issue of ethnicity. Ethnic groups are found in essentially all societies. Ethnic groups are populations that feel a common bond and have a sense of common origin that distinguishes them from other groups. Religion, language, national origin, and skin colour are all used to various degrees by ethnic groups to distinguish themselves from others. It is estimated that the 200 or so independent countries recognized by the United Nations are made up of about 5000 ethnic groups. Increased migration of people in the last 200 years has produced a complex pattern of ethnic groups. Essentially, ethnicity is a spatial concept. Ethnic groups are associated with clearly recognized territories, either some large homeland district or some smaller urban or rural enclaves in which they are the primary or exclusive occupant. In addition, they have somehow marked these places with certain distinguished cultural signs. † (http://teacherweb. ftl. pinecrest. edu/snyderd/APHG/Unit%203/culturenotes. htm). Ethnicity is socially important. It gives certain individuals a feeling of belonging and prevents one from feeling isolated and alone. It contributes immensely to one’s core identity, focusing mostly on the construction of one’s personal identity, and in turn having an effect on the type of person an individual turns out to be in the future. It forms the basis of an individual’s structure and agency. Ethnicity also promotes national strength which can be built from the diverse cultural resources present in South Africa. It brings together a national identity. ‘Afrikaners historically considered themselves the only true South Africans and, while granting full citizenship to all residents of European descent, denied that status to people of colour until the democratic transition of 1994. British South Africans retain a sense of cultural and social connection to Great Britain without weakening their identity as South Africans. A similar concept of primary local and secondary ancestral identity is prevalent among people of Indian descent. The Bantu-speaking black peoples have long regarded themselves as South African despite the attempts of the white authorities to classify them as less than full citizens or as citizens of ethnic homelands (Bantustans) between 1959 and 1991. Strong cultural loyalties to African languages and local political structures such as the kingdom and the chieftaincy remain an important component of identity. National identity comes first for all black people, but belonging to an ethnic, linguistic, and regional grouping and even to an ancestral clan has an important secondary status. (http://www. everyculture. com/Sa-Th/South-Africa. html). As a result of years of racial separation and discrimination, the majority of South African citizens of which are black, have been severely ill-treated based on the colour of their skin. â€Å"A race is a population that shares visible physical characteristics from inbreeding and that thinks of itself or is thought of by outsiders as distinct. It has been used by societies to justify poor treatment of minority groups† ( http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php). For decades black people have been slandered and stereotyped by the white superior citizens, to be uncultured individuals. White people were entirely prejudiced against the black people. ‘Prejudice is a judgment based on group membership or social status. Prejudice may be formed through both individual and group influences including socialization, rationalizing through stereotypes, the scapegoating process, reinforcement of a self-fulfilling prophecy ramification of an authoritarian personality and degree of contact with minority groups.’ http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php. How black ethnic groups emerged? Being ethnic is relating to or a characteristic of a sizable group of people sharing a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic or cultural heritage. (http://www. thefreedictionary. com. ) Just like the trends in America, black citizens of South Africa formed groups based on commonalities. These people shared hardships and sufferings, as a result of being excluded from having any opportunities and privileges, by the white superiorities. The white citizens undermined the black citizens for centuries and thus blacks were forced to form close relationships with one another based on the fact that they had common deprivations. ‘Bantustans’ were formed in South Africa and these areas were wastelands of hardship. Residents of these areas were forced to deal with struggle and poverty thus leading to an increase in crime rate. People did what they could to survive. Stealing, drug dealing etc. all the forms of violence and corruption exploded from these areas. Put a group of homeless and poor people together and what do you get? Chaos. White people were aware of the disorder in the homelands and ever since then stereotypes were given to black people. What provoked ethnic unbonding? Ethnic unbonding is when individuals from an ethnic group break away from their core cultural identity and instead pursue an identity of their own. Individuals mainly do this to improve their standards of living. The stigmas attached to certain ethnic groups are undesirable and individuals are afraid of being part of these unpleasant stereotypes. Certain groups especially ethnic groups have harsh associations linked to them and for these people to improve their quality of life they need to detach themselves from their ethnic groups. The negativity one receives from being part of a stigmatized ethnic group for some is too much to handle. People want to be freed from the harmful judgements of the past, and thus completely detaching themselves from their core ethnic identity is the best way out. ‘’Race and ethnicity are central – to America, as to other societies’ dynamics – their manifestations seem to be deeply altered by current social trends. ’’ (Castells, 1997: 53). Globalisation affects people’s choices on being or not being part of an ethnic group. Westernization transforms certain cultures and moulds them into a more modernized culture, with less practices and more simplicity. Cultural identity is a victim of globalization. Culture is being altered so much by globalization and media effects that soon the culture will transform into something completely different. According to Tomlinson, J. p. 23 states that â€Å"it is fair to say that the impact of globalization in the cultural sphere has, most generally, been viewed in a pessimistic light. Typically, it has been associated with the destruction of cultural identities, victims of the accelerating encroachment of a homogenized, westernized, consumer culture. † Conclusion Ethnic unbonding is inevitable. Every single individual wants a decent lifestyle and a decent life is one with no racial, gender or ethnic inequalities. Ethnic unbonding will continue to take place in South Africa as well as the rest of the world, because the desire for one to have an improved standard of living exceeds the desire to want to belong to an ethnic area. Castells concept of ethnic unbonding is a notion unknowingly practiced amongst the people of South Africa. Castell believes that individuals belonging to certain ethnic groups are developing boundaries within themselves. However, I think that people can still live a better life and yet maintain a part of their ethnicity. Lifestyles can be adjusted so that some form of their religion and culture is integrated into their everyday life and not forgotten. Future generations might be at risk of never knowing exactly where they come from, and being clueless about their ethnic and cultural heritage. 1. Castells, Manuel. 1997. The power of identity. Cambridge, MA. Blackwell, 52-59 2. Tomlinson, John. Globalization and cultural identity http://www. polity. co. uk/global/pdf/gtreader2etomlinson. pdf(12September 2011) 3. Definitions of race, prejudice and discrimination: http://www. sociologyguide. com/questions/ethnicity. php (12September 2011) 4. Countries and their Culture South Africa http://www. everyculture. com/Sa-Th/South-Africa. html (12September 2011) 5. THE GLOBALIZATION OF CULTURE, AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF INEQUALITY: RACE, ETHNICITY GENDER http://teacherweb. ftl. pinecrest. edu/snyderd/APHG/Unit%203/culturenotes. htm (12September 2011) 6. Definition of Ethnic: http://www. thefreedictionary. com (12September 2011).

Sylvias Struggle in The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara Essay -- Sylvia’s

Toni Cade Bambara’s "The Lesson" revolves around a young black girl’s struggle to come to terms with the role that economic injustice, and the larger social injustice that it constitutes, plays in her life. Sylvia, the story’s protagonist, initially is reluctant to acknowledge that she is a victim of poverty. Far from being oblivious of the disparity between the rich and the poor, however, one might say that on some subconscious level, she is in fact aware of the inequity that permeates society and which contributes to her inexorably disadvantaged economic situation. That she relates poverty to shame—"But I feel funny, shame. But what I got to be shamed about? Got as much right to go in as anybody" (Bambara 604)—offers an indication as to why she is so hard-pressed to concede her substandard socioeconomic standing in the larger scheme of things. Sylvia is forced to finally address the true state of her place in society, however, when she observes fi rsthand the stark contrast between the rich and the poor at a fancy toy store in Manhattan. Initially furious about the blinding disparity, her emotionally charged reaction ultimately culminates in her acceptance of the real state of things, and this acceptance in turn cultivates her resolve to take action against the socioeconomic inequality that verily afflicts her, ensuring that "ain’t nobody gonna beat me at nuthin" (606). "The Lesson" posits that far from being insurmountable, economic and social injustice can be risen above, but it is necessary that we first acknowledge the role that it plays in our lives, and then determine to take action against it; indifference, and the inaction that it breeds, can only serve to perpetuate such injustices. Sylvia’s languid regard for Miss Mo... ... The "unprecedented access to higher education and employment" (African American np) that African Americans have been party to since the Civil Rights Movement speaks strongly to the opportunities for change that this country affords its citizens. However, the value of the struggle cannot be lost on us. We must recognize that such fundamental change does not manifest itself overnight: it is achievable only where a lasting commitment to it is available. Change is not beyond us. Action, however, is its necessary predecessor. Works Cited Bambara, Toni, Cade. The Lesson. New York: The Continuum Publishing Corporation, 1972. Cartwright, Jerome. â€Å"Bambara’s ‘The Lesson.’ The Explicator 47.3 (Spring 1989): 61-64. Literature Resource Center. Web. 27 Nov. 2014. "African American" Web. 27 Nov. 2014. http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/African_American

The Way the U.S.A Prepares

The government's role is mostly to hand out the cash for the people of the states to repair and and to prepare.The cash is raised by the senate when needed.State use the cash to prepare by funding shelter,hospitales,and other places to be ready for the disaster they are expecting.such as when they prepare for a hurricane they would use the money to prepare storm shelters and stock food for after the hurricane. There was also the preparation of people .Such as hurricane michel there were many active members of the u.s military that participated it search and rescue.Other nations prepare in similar was such as funding local place with disaster relief and readiness,but is different in what they prepare for some disasters are not as common here as somewhere else . The government is not alway helpful in these matters since the president has the power to allow or deny request for money.it is not uncommon for a president to deny the request as well.They could change this by giving the support that the state need at the time so they can help the people faster.The federal government is well prepared for the hurricane coming,and florida is preparing as well getting preparations ready. After the hurricane passes relfe services will be put into action such as giving food to those that need it and other necessities.A similar case is puerto rico and how they are still recovering from a disaster they recently went though.they are looking to find housing for those that lost it and giving help to relief efforts,but the country can not handle such a task so it has sought the help of the u.s federal government.in the u.s we have services such as FEMA and the USDA to help citizens when disaster strikes. Not only those but each branch helps in there own way.executive can give the states the money they need,while the judicial branch restores order.lastly the legislative decides the policies on how they go about handling the situation and raises the money for the states.Policies such as the disaster relief bill the senate passed to help the victims of hurricane harvey.

Fitness For Flexibility Training - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1740 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/04/22 Category Sports Essay Level High school Tags: Fitness Essay Did you like this example? Background and Literature review The topic that the researcher has chosen was, Fitness for flexibility training within sit and reach test and the cooper test. The researcher had interest in fitness and flexibility. These concepts related to the researchers life in a way of them being an athlete throughout their life. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Fitness For Flexibility Training" essay for you Create order The researcher was a cheerleader and runner throughout middle school and high school and cheerleading in their first two years of college. Flexibility goes a long way with any sport and the researcher found an article that helps explain that in order to have a great performance in any sport you need to have the flexibility in your muscle to perform well. The cooper runs test actually caught the researchers attention when choosing the article. The researcher thought it was amazing how it works. Knowing about that now the researcher wished she knew about it back when the researcher ran Cross-country. The article explained what the test was and how they can calculate your VO2 max. The sit and reach test also goes along with flexibility but leaning more towards the flexibility in the participants hamstrings. In the article written by Dominique Gummelt, she talked about the importance of flexibility training and how it could improve their performance. Everybody who worked out and has gone to the gym focused more on muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, body composition, and muscular endurance; but what about flexibility? Flexibility, is the ability to move a joint through its complete range of motion, is arguably the most neglected component of fitness among the general population (Gummelt, 2015). Gummelt states that there are three components that effect flexibility muscle elasticity and length, joint structure and nervous system. All of those could help improve regular flexibility training. When the participant was working out their muscles he or she doesnt want them to be tight and not flexible to be able to complete the workout that they are preceding to do. Having flexibility training in their workout had helped increase their joint mobility, better posture, decrease back pain and lower their risk of injury. With flexibility training within sports had helped aerobic fitness training, muscular strength and endurance sport training as well. Having a complete free range of motion would be the most important in preventing injuries. Everyday that he or she would wake up they are doing some sort of flexibility. Gummelt had examples of, lifting groceries, vacuuming, and getting up out of bed. With flexibility training it had decreased soreness and stiffness within their body especially with athletes who train in higher intensities. The article had also gone into how flexibility can achieve peak performance within the sport they took part in. Using the length of the muscle to have highest power and strength in their muscles. When the muscles in their body are to tight it will not be able to provide the necessary exploding movement. Flexibility enhanced movement and mobility for athletes. When flexibility should just be a routine in the participants daily workout. That would be after working out their muscles of the body to be warmed up and to be allowed the stretching of the body to flow. In the article written by Elizabeth Quinn, explained what the Cooper test was. Dr. Ken Cooper developed the Cooper test in 1968 as a way to measure aerobic fitness to provide VO2 max for the military. This test was still used in todays society to determine aerobic fitness. He had found that there was a correlation between the distance someone can run or walk in twelve minutes and their VO2 max. In VO2 max, it measured the efficiency with which someone can use the oxygen while exercising. It tested the used for coaches and trainers to determine their cardiovascular fitness and how they could progress over time. The test also always had the athlete to compare cardiovascular endurance with the athletes age and gender. How the test was done was, that a person was required to run as far as they could in a twelve-minute time period. The object of the test was to measure the maximum distance covered by the individual during the twelve-minute period. Quinn said in the article that there are six things the participant needed to do before participating in the test. Those included: safety first, having a physicians clearance followed by equipment, location, warm up, run or walk, and record the participants distance. Then once they had that and performed the test it had explained how they could calculate twelve minute run test. In miles, VO2max = (35.97 x miles) â€Å" 11.29. In kilograms: VO2max = (22.351 x kilometer) â€Å" 11.288. This test would help those with wanting to run better and have a better VO2 max (Quinn, 2015). In the article it talked about how the sit and reach test was used to measure hamstring and low back flexibility. Jackson and baker had conducted a study that examined the relations between the sit and reach test and criterion measures of hamstring and low back flexibility in girl aged 13- 15 years old. They have found that validity coefficients of r = 0.64 between sit and reach test and criterion measures for hamstring flexibility, and r= 0.28 compared to low back flexibility. That had yielded that moderate validity for hamstring flexibility and poor validity for lower back flexibility. The girls who had performed higher had a higher degree of trunk and hip flexibility than those with lower scores. In another study done there were 102 female university students aged 20 â€Å" 24 year old total. The criteria were for inclusion was no musculoskeletal limitation and low back pain that would limit their performance in the sit and reach test. Using ACSM manual performed the test and the standard sit and reach box was placed on the floor. The participant sat on the floor with shoes on and had one leg fully extended and the bottom on the foot was flat against the end of the box. She then extended her arm forward placing one on top of the other. She then had pushed her arms forward where the measuring scale was and as far as possible as she could without bending the knee of the extended leg (Baltaci, Un, Tunay, Besler, Gerceker, 2003). The researcher had conducted this research due to the fact that being an athlete throughout her life she knew the importance of flexibility and the importance of running within everyday life. When one did a sit and reach test to see where they had the flexibility and how they could have trained to allow their body to become more flexible? When the researcher did a pre and post- test on the sit and reach test she knew that her participants needed to get increasing number which meant they would need to be more flexible. Within the test with the cooper test the researcher also needed her participants to get better times. With that she knew that they had to keep practicing the test. The participants that took part of the research were fifteen males and fifteen females. These articles that the researcher had found provided information that helped explain how each test was done which related to the topic above. Method The researcher conducted the study by having 30 participants. It included fifteen female and fifteen males. The participants had to participate in a 1.5-mile cooper test and detect their flexibility with a sit and reach test. The researcher had selected this because she felt that these were an important part of fitness and wanted to test their running and flexibility. The first part of the study the researcher had the participants partake in the 1.5-mile cooper test. The participants had to run around the Rowan University track field for 12 minutes. Then the researcher had collected the data, which was the pre cooper test, which was measured in seconds for their time records. In the sit and reach test this study was taken at Rowan University, James hall health and Exercise lab. This study was done over a 6-week span. The researcher had set up different exercises for the participants to do to get the result that they wanted to achieve. When the researcher had talked about the 1.5-mile cooper test she explained to the participants that they had warm up before every run with 5 to 10 minutes of light jogging. The warm up helped with loosening of the participants muscles. Then they would proceed to having to run different types of run. The participants would have to do building endurance and aerobic recovery. Which, was them doing aerobic runs, long runs, and jogs. The researcher also had them do relaxed speed and endurance which, included tempo runs, intervals, and hills. Lastly, she had them partake in strength and quickness which, included strides and drills. These all helped them in getting a better performance then their first test. For the sit and reach study the researcher had them in the exercise lab and use the sit and reach box. The test involved sitting on the floor with their legs stretched out straight ahead. The soles of their feet were placed flat against the box. With their palms faced downwards and there hands on top of each other the participant than leaned forward along the measured line as far as they could (Sit and Reach). She then recorded their scores. For her to help them she explained different stretches to help them achieve their goal. The participants had sat down on the floor with both legs straightened out in a straddle position. Inhaled and on an exhaled; slowly folded forward as far as they could with a flat back. Kept their toes and knees pointing straight up and kept their spine long and avoid hunching over. Reached their hands out in front of them. That helped with flexibility and stretched their lower backs. With flexibility in the participants it was very important for them to beco me more flexible in the back. Instrumentation The researcher had conducted test to run while before the test to get results of the 1.5-mile cooper test and the sit and reach test. She felt that while all participants were doing the study that she would fill out a rubric to write down her results after each one went. This had helped her stay organized throughout the program so when it was time for her to collect all the data and figure out her results this was best possible for her to put into her data sheets. Provided below was her rubric.