Racism in A Lesson Before Dying Essay - 1677 Words

A Lesson Before Dying is set in rural Louisiana in the 1940’s. The setting is ripe for the racism displayed in the novel. Ernest J. Gaines weaves an intricate web of human connections, using the character growth of Grant Wiggins and Jefferson to subtly expose the effect people have on one another (Poston A1). Each and every character along the way shows some inkling of being a racist. However, Paul is an exception. He treats everyone as if he or she is equal to him whether the person is black or white. In A Lesson Before Dying, author Ernest J. Gaines displays the different levels of racism during the 1940’s through his use of characterization. The author, Ernest Gaines, and the main character, Grant Wiggins, have much in common.†¦show more content†¦Each man draws their drive from the people around them. The setting of the novel is a rural plantation in Louisiana in the Deep South. Most of the story takes place on Henri Pichot’s plantation. He i s a wealthy influential man in Bayonne who can influence many decisions. Being set in the 1940’s before civil rights, the whites reigned supreme, and the blacks were still seen as inferior. Gaines uses characters such as Sheriff Guidry, Henri Pichot, and Mr. Joseph Morgan to demonstrate the white mentality towards African Americans (Poston A1). The white mentality causes many negative feelings. Folks says, â€Å"Part of Grant’s bitterness stems from his negative feelings about the black population in his hometown† (Folks B1). Grant is always mad and discouraged by the vicious cycle the blacks are put through. â€Å"The reader is able to gain insight into Grant’s thoughts and frustrations through his conversations with Vivian, his girlfriend. He feels trapped in his present situation† (Poston A1). The most racist characters in the novel are the whites. Paul is the exception to the stereotype. Paul does treat all African Americans with respe ct and compassion (Poston A1). He befriends Jefferson, Miss Emma and Grant. In the end of the novel, Paul offers his hand to Grant as a symbol of their friendship. No other white man in the novel would have dared to do such a thing. â€Å"Grant despises the way they still seem to be treated like slaves-especially when they are forced toShow MoreRelatedEssay Lesson Before Dying Racism1034 Words   |  5 Pagesabstract as skin color has plagued our culture with prejudice and hatred. Ernest E. Gaines, author of A Lesson Before Dying, tells the story of a young black boy named Jefferson who is set to die for essentially being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a schoolteacher who is faced with the task of making him a â€Å"man†. The novel takes place in Bayonne, Louisiana in the 1940’s, a time when racism prospered. At this time in history people faced extreme prejudice based on the color of their skin. ThoughRead MoreTheme Of Racism In A Lesson Before Dying1 144 Words   |  5 Pages Racism, A Major Theme in A Lesson Before Dying and Its Impacts on The Society. Although, African Americans make up thirty percent of America’s population, they constitute sixty percent of the people in prison. It is apparent that being black in the American society has a great price. Racial discrimination and bigotry in the United StatesRead MoreRacism In A Lesson Before Dying Essay1978 Words   |  8 Pages Throughout human history, racism has reared its head in a wide range of ideologies. For several centuries, many have ignored the blatant echoes of prejudice throughout our society. Despite being members of the same species, it has become shockingly common to demonize an individual based on skin color. Jefferson as a person is quiet, and likes to get whatever he has to do done. He worked on a plantation for garnished wages for most of his childhood and adult life which led him to being far less intelligentRead MoreRacism in Ernest Gainess A Lesson Before Dying Essay519 Words   |  3 Pagesended many blacks and whites especially in the south, continued living as if nothing had changed with regards to the oppressions and poor treatment of African Americans. Narrator Grant Wiggins, of the novel A Lesson Before Dy ing, By Ernest Gaines, finds himself in a similar situation towards racism. Through his experience Grant is forced to transform Jefferson who was wrongly accused of a murder from a â€Å"HOG† into a man. Although Grant was forced to make jefferson a man, he himself became more of oneRead MoreA Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines Essay1011 Words   |  5 PagesWhile we all would agree that racism is immoral and has no place in a modern society, that was not the case in the U.S. in the 1940s. At the time African Americans were treated as second-class citizens, it was made near-impossible for them to vote, and they were discriminated in many ways including in education, socially and in employment. It was a time in which segregation and racism perforated the laws and society, a time in which African Americans were â€Å"separate but equal,† segregation was legalRead MoreEssay about a lesson before dying647 Words   |  3 Pages Lesson Before Dying The Right to Be Free In the novel A Lesson Before Dying, although Grant is an educated black man in the era of a racist society he has struggles greater than most men of his decent. I feel sorry for him because of his limitations, even though I view him as a coward. He cannot break free of his background and family. The three main female characters in the novel, Tante Lou, Miss Emma, and Vivian, restrict and limit Grants choices. Grant realizes that freedom means leaving hisRead MoreEssay on A Lesson before Dying730 Words   |  3 PagesIn the world we live in today, religion is an extremely vibrant factor, not only in the environment surrounding us but with the people we interact with as well. In Ernest J. Gaines novel, A Lesson Before Dying, it is easy to see how religion impacts the community. In a small community such as this novel depicts, religion is the driving force behind nearly every decision made in the story and can be justified solely on the individuals values. It is interesting to view religion as the mostRead MoreA Lesson While Living by Ernest Gaines1639 Words   |  7 Pages A Lesson While Living In a society where hardships occur daily, it is vital to have something to hold on to as an anchor. This reliance or commitment is in the form of friends, family, or even tangible possessions; however, humans sometimes have to fulfill deeds for others instead of continually thinking of themselves. Given these obligations, there results both a need and a desire to complete certain tasks for other individuals, for a community, or even for a higher power. In his novel, A LessonRead MoreEssay on A Lesson Before Dying909 Words   |  4 PagesErika Seda AP English 2 February 2012 A Lesson Before Dying 4. The novel A Lesson Before Dying is centered on a man who has no faith or real religious belief. His lack of interest in God or church greatly affects his aunt and the Reverend, but as the novel progresses the reader in turn finds that the main character, Grant, does indeed acquire some sense of religion in his own way. As the novel reaches its climax and Grant builds a stronger relationship with Jefferson he allows himself to haveRead MoreAnalysis Of Ernest J. Gainess A Lesson Before Dying938 Words   |  4 Pagesthe many challenges associated with writing is that of writing style. It can help highlight the work when used effectively, or the opposite, if used ineffectively. Some have an intuitive grasp on matter while others struggle. In his book â€Å"A Lesson Before Dying†, author Ernest J. Gaines effectively conveys his story through his stylistic choices. He does this through Jefferson’s diary in chapter 29, Grant’s observations and thoughts throughout t he story, and the â€Å"third-person perspective of chapter

Coffee House Business Plan - 3202 Words

INSIDE COFFEE | BUSINESS PLAN | | Our goal is to be the coffeehouse of choice for the local community, downtown business workers, tourists who visit the city, and students, by providing a higher quality experience than any competitor. | | SoonBum(Tony) Lee Areum Han Marguax Auby | | | Contents 1 Business Summary 2.1 Mission 2.2 Objectives 2.3 Major Keys to Success 2 Product 3.4 Product Description 3.5 Competitive Comparison 3.6 Future Products 3 Market Analysis Summary 4.7 Industry Analysis 4.8.1 Coffee Industry Analysis 4.8.2 Competition amp; Buying Patterns 4.8 Market Segmentation 4.9 Market Targeting 4.10†¦show more content†¦* Noise / Buzz Markeing that exposes Inside Coffee to high-profile trend-setters and key influencers. * Highly trained and friendly staff. * A dynamic website with online sales capability. Drive-Through, Mobile shops. * Provide community support through customer involvement. 2 Product 2.3 Product Description Our product line can be dividend in to 7 groups. Coffeeamp;Espresso Drinks, Teas, Juices, Sodas, Other Drinks, Snacksamp;Pastries, and Deli Items. All of these products are common these days and it is difficult to make a huge difference through taste of the products. Although the taste and quality have to be good, it isn’t the main factor people will choose to drink Inside Coffee. It is the atmosphere, culture, and the unique experiences that brings value to the customers. 2.2 Competitive Comparison We consider ourself to be a player in the coffee house industry. However, we know that competition for our products range from soft drinks to milk shakes to adult beverages. Inside Coffee s primary competition will come from three sources: * Coffee houses such as Index Cafe and Double Coffee. * Locally owned and operated cafes. * Fast food chains and convenience stores. Two things will make Inside Coffee stand out from all its competitors: * Inside Coffee will be providing products in the most convenient and efficient way available, either at Drive-thru shops,Show MoreRelatedglobal1641 Words   |  7 Pagesnation worried and respect to this country. Lastly, coffee addicted among American people and society. Starbucks firm specific (FSAs) advantages are location of their coffee house. Most of Starbucks coffee house are located in strategic area like urban area. This location has high traffic that can be easily reach and access by customer. Then, Starbucks offer high quality of facility and convenience to their customer. The ambience in the coffee house can make people relax and enjoy having a meetingRead MoreMarketing Plan - Cafe988 Words   |  4 PagesManagement 1. Introduction The goal of this marketing plan is to outline the strategies, tactics, and programs that will make the sales goals for a planned discount internet cafà ©. Cafà © Loco, unlike a typical cafe, provides a unique forum for communication and entertainment through the medium of the Internet. Cafà © Loco is the answer to an increasing demand. The public wants a place to enjoy delicious coffee products, at discount prices; a place to socialize and share these experiencesRead MoreSuccess Of Friend Z s A Regional Based Coffee House1648 Words   |  7 PagesThe success of Friend-Z s, a regional based coffee house in the United States, is in its tenth year of business. The small business venture, which began as a cooperative college project, has grown into one of the best coffee houses on the college scene. Friend-Z s success has sparked the interest of its partners to take their small business to the next level by expanding into the global market. 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Specialty coffee accounted for less than 10% of the industry’s sales in 1980 (Bouclier,p.39) The specialty coffee sector had expanded rapidly from 1970’s to the 1980 with annual sales rising from $45 million to $750 million (Bouclier, p.39) Schultz decided to use his talents to build a strong companyRead MoreEssay Strategic Plan, Part I: Conceptualizing a Business1081 Words   |  5 PagesStrategic Plan Part 1: Conceptualizing a Business Jojie Urrete BUS/475 September 12, 2011 Linda McKee Strategic Plan Part 1: Conceptualizing a Business A strategic business plan will help the organization define its mission and vision, giving the organization a sense of purpose and direction. In addition a strategic plan will help the organization asses its strengths and weaknesses, and develop short-term strategies that are compatible with long-term objectives. A strategic plan will balanceRead More The Rise and Success of Starbucks Essay1420 Words   |  6 PagesWashington, this little coffee shop has turned from a novel idea, into a veritable necessity for Americans on the go. The amazing success of Starbucks can be attributed, in part, to operational planning. Starbucks has become a well-known company for selling the highest quality coffee beans and best tasting coffee products. It was one of the first companies to realize that the real money to be made was in beverage retailing, not just coffee beans. Starbucks created a coffee for the coffee connoisseurs, andRead MoreThe Creation, Development, And Future Of Nestle Toll House Cafe1470 Words   |  6 PagesFelipe Cazares Tiffany Lugo Professor Samarelli Intro to Business 7 December 2105 The Creation, Development, and Future of Nestle Toll House Cafe Nestle Toll House Cafe is one of the most developed and successful franchises known. 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Native American Mascots free essay sample

North Dakota is currently in one of the biggest debates over a Native American team mascot. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is fighting with the University of North Dakota regarding the Fighting Sioux mascot. The Native American students have been increasing the pressure on the University to change its name. â€Å"We’re seeing more educators around the county, in middle Schools, high schools and at universities, concerned about the racial climate in schools dropping these symbols† (Johansen, 2004). Since the early 1970’s, about 1,250 of the nation’s 3,000 elementary schools, high schools, and colleges with American Indian nicknames and mascots have dropped them, said Susan Shown Harjo, president of Washington D. C. ’s Morningstar Institute (Johansen, 2001). Are we being disrespectful to the Native American people? Should the Native American people be proud that a school uses an icon as a mascot? Schools all over the country begin with a story and honoring of the Native Americans at each sporting event. Why have Native Americans asked for an end to Native American mascots? Native Americans perceive this as a racial issue. The problem has stirred up controversy because Native Americans maintain that such symbols and mascots are stereotypical and dehumanizing. They also feel it is derogatory to their tribe and people. They feel it reflects a violent caricature of Native Americans. They have heard several people make fun of the noses on the mascots. They should never use cartoons or violent images of Native Americans. One of the biggest concerns is the physiological impact that this will have on the children. For their part, many Indians feel strongly that these glorified interpretations of their past negate their right to define themselves and have a severe impact on the self-images of their children. â€Å"Copycats,† children somehow understand,† appropriate the power of the people they mimic. † These symbols are a religious significance to every tribe. This is a disrespect to imitate or misuse these symbols. The posters â€Å"Scalp the warriors,† or â€Å"Massacre the Indians. † Whether intended or not, such slogans are racial slurs. Individual tribes each have different symbols and representation. There is little regard for the differences among all the tribes. Native American mascots became an active political issue during the late 1960s. This is when the American Indian Movement (AIM) was founded. The AIM movement caused some of the Indian stereotypes to fall in the Midwest. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a chapter of AIM spearheaded a change of mascot from â€Å"Indians† to â€Å"Mavericks,† a beef animal with an attitude in 1971. During the same year Stanford University changed its Indian mascot to a cardinal. In the meantime, Marquette University has replaced â€Å"Warriors† in favor of â€Å"Golden Eagles. † Dartmouth changed its â€Å"Indians† to â€Å"Big Green,† and Miami of Ohio changed â€Å"Redskins† to the â€Å"Redhawks. †The U. S. Commission on Civil Rights believes that the use of Native American images and nicknames in school is insensitive and should be avoided. They declared that â€Å"the stereotyping of any racial, ethnic, religious or other group, when promoted by our public educational institutions, teaches all students that stereotyping of minority groups is acceptable, which is a dangerous lesion in a diverse society. The commission also noted that these nicknames and mascots are â€Å"false portrayals that encourage biases and prejudices that have a negative effect on contemporary Indian people. Native American and civil rights advocates maintain that these mascots may violate anti-discrimination laws. † Mr. Millman co ntends that the Civil Rights Commission’s position contradicts the federal government’s own practices. ‘Why is it all right for the U. S. government to call a piece of its military equipment the Apache,† he said, â€Å"but not for a little school in the Catskills that has had this heritage for 50 years† to call its sports teams the Indians? The National Congress of American Indians launched a campaign to bring an end to the use of Indian sports mascots. Throughout the years schools have continued to change their mascot symbols and names. A moment in history was made in February 2002 when Northern Colorado changed its name from ‘Native Pride† to ‘The Fighting Whites†. The Fighting Whites set thousands of virtual tongues wagging. Everyone had an opinion, from AIM to affiliates of the Ku Klux Klan. The reactions provide a flash-frozen ideoscape of racial humor in an age of political correctness. Within weeks, the Fighting Whites had become nearly as well known as established professional monikers. The publicity helped to sell thousands of T shirts and other items for a hastily endowed scholarship fund to aid Native American students. By the end of 2002, the team had raised $100,000 in merchandise sales for Native American students. This was also called a case of â€Å"Political correctness gone Mad! † How do the people on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian reservation in North Dakota feel? On the Standing Rock Sioux Indian reservation there is a strong Indian tradition. I personally conducted a research project to find out the true feelings of our biggest tribe in the state. I personally interviewed 2,000 people on the telephone or in person on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. I wanted each individual opinion on the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Mascot. I first conducted interviews with the elderly people on Standing Rock. Conducting my interview I found that on average the Native American people on the Standing Rock Reservation are in favor of the Fighting Sioux Mascot. Everyone asked who suggested and started the process of this ban? I found that a majority of the elderly found the mascot offense and disrespectful. They all believe this was a big racial issue. They said the white people continued to ignore the Native American voice. The elderly people believe in the old Indian ways. They are still angry with our government on how the white people took over the land and confined them to the reservation. I do not predict there will be any way we can change the elderly minds. Speaking to the middle and young adults regarding this issue surprised me. The majority of this group is in favor of the Fighting Sioux mascot. Several members have attended games at the University of North Dakota. They said they held their heads up high before each game when the Indian people were acknowledged. I honestly can say not one school age child was against the mascot. Several of them thought it was sad that there is so much fighting going on. They said the focus should be on educating our Indian people. We need more education across the nation on Native Americans and their history. They felt there was more important things in life that need attention. I spoke with some high school students that will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2008. They have went and toured the campus. They could not even imagine how the school really supports Native American students and are proud to have them be a part of their school and tradition. The University also offered many scholarships to Native American students each year. After interviewing the students they now have plans of their own. They want to hold a debate to discuss the pros and cons of the mascot. They said they will also include the public in this debate. This visual shows that a majority of the Native Americans do not find the Fighting Sioux Mascot offensive. They believe that the Tribal Chairmen was overstepping his boundaries by speaking for all the people. Mr. His Horses Thunder has been on TV and interviewed by the state capitol’s newspaper. He always states the people of his tribe want this mascots eliminated. Everyone I spoke with had not even spoken to Mr. His Horses Thunder regarding the mascot. They spoke of this symbol with pride and honor. The people thought the best way to decide this is to hold an election on all the reservations in our state. This will allow for all the Indian people to speak their mind. Native Americans should feel honor and pride towards these mascots. I am an enrolled member in the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota. I have personally went to several sporting events where an Indian name or mascot was used. Prior to the start of a game they announce a statement of respect for the Native American people. Schools use the mascots because they stand for power and pride. They represent bravery, courage and fighting skills. The use of these mascots has been a cherished tradition. The Indian mascot symbolizes a local heritage. According to the Sports Illustrated survey 87% of Native Americans who lived off Indian Reservations did not object to the mascots. 7% who lived on the reservation did not object to the mascots. Only 33% who lived on the reservations opposed the mascots. This is an honoring of the country’s Native American past. Schools around the country use these symbols to rally the students together. Several Native American Indians have embraced schools and teams to use their mascots. This battle first started in 1 968 when the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) launches a campaign to address stereotypes images in the media. We are still continuing to fight this battle in 2008. Fans and players are constantly asking themselves if it is right to participate in the sporting events symbolizing Native American names and mascots. Fans seem to have the hardest time at the sporting events. They wonder if they should participate in the chants and cheers. The struggle and fight over the Native American team mascot has caused arguing, violence and vandalism. The mascot issue has also torn school boards apart and made a political nightmare of school board elections. The schools have thought about changing their names to reflect black and white people. The Fighting Whites caused quite a controversy. Why is this issue getting so out of hand? In his foreword to Team Spirits, Vine Deloria, Jr. identifies several reasons: residues of racism, a sense of the Indian as â€Å"other,† and the fact that â€Å"Indians represent the American past, and Europeans and Americans have been fleeing from their own past since the days of discovery and settlement† (King and Springwood, 2001 pp. ix-x). These images are ideological artifacts reflecting attitudes toward â€Å"race, power, and culture† (King and Springwood, 2002, p. 1. ). The controversial issue is causing violence across the United States. People are getting into fist fights. School Boards are fighting amongst each other and with staff. After school board meetings members are finding their vehicles vandalized. Friends and families are engaging in a war. People have been sent to the emergency room after riots broke out. I witnessed a school board meeting that became out of control. Three board members against four board members. They were calling each other names. Threatening each other with violence. Every school board meeting a member of the student council is present. What kind of example did the school board teach this student? This particular student was so scared she left the meeting immediately. The argument was sad and very disrespectful toward the Native American people. We need to quit fighting and come together as one. As a Native American I am proud of our symbols and mascots. Native Americans and American sports fans in general not only support the use of such images, but also believe that the images honor Native Americans. We need to focus on the positive aspects of these mascots and put all our energy into the schools. This has caused big debates throughout the county between communities, school boards, students, and Native American groups. With each opinion this debate will continue to rage on. The best solution to the problem is to let the Native American people vote to decide on the issue. Let the Tribes in our country vote on every mascot that is voice and can be heard. This will let the schools and world know what the majority of the Native American people feel regarding this issue.