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Latino Professionals in America: Testimonios of Policy, Perseverance, and Success
by Maria ChávezIn Latino Professionals in America, Maria Chávez combines rich qualitative interviews, auto-ethnographic accounts, and policy analysis to explore the converging oppressions that make it difficult for Latinos to become professionals and to envision themselves as successful in those professions. Recounting her own story, Chávez interviews 31 Latino professionals from across the nation in a variety of occupations and careers, contextualizing their experiences amid family struggles and ongoing racism in the United States. She addresses gender inequality within the Latino community, arguing that by defending, rationalizing, or ignoring patriarchy within the Latino community perpetuates systems of oppression—especially for women; gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals; and others at the intersections. The experiences of these Latino professionals and the author’s analysis provide a blueprint for what works—one, both pragmatic and hopeful, that uses real lives to illustrate how a combination of public policies, people, and perseverance increases the presence of America’s fastest-growing demographic group in the professional class.
Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model
by Juana Mora David DiazExamine alternative strategies to resolving important Latino social issues! Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model examines the failure of traditional research methods to address major social needs in Latino communities, promoting instead a participatory/action approach to research that is socially-and scientifically-meaningful. Experts from a variety of disciplines focus on nontraditional strategies that engage community residents in community-research projects, shortening the distance between the researcher and the "subject." This unique book recounts lessons learned on conducting Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Latino communities using techniques based on anthropology, education, community health and evaluation, and urban planning. Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model addresses non-traditional methods of reducing the tension between the reality of interaction with the subject community and the academic training structures used by researchers. The book promotes a new vision and practice of research design in which the "subject" is central to the process, advocating a participatory approach to produce qualitatively different research based on community identified problems and needs. Contributors examine the value of integrating local knowledge, language, and culture into the methodological design, the ethics of conducting research in Latino communities, and the internal conflicts Chicana/o researchers face within their profession and in the field. Topics addressed in Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model include: community health and Central Americans in Los Angeles ethnography and substance abuse among transnational Mexican farmworkers identity and field research in Mexico the Latino Coalition for a New Los Angeles (LCNLA) researcher/community partnerships and much more! Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model includes case studies, ethnographies, and vignettes that illustrate participatory approaches and outcomes in Latino research. The book is equally valuable as a textbook for academics and students working in the social sciences, public policy, and urban planning, and as a professional guide for community leaders and organizations interested in developing research partnerships.
Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model
by Juana Mora David DiazExamine alternative strategies to resolving important Latino social issues! Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model examines the failure of traditional research methods to address major social needs in Latino communities, promoting instead a participatory/action approach to research that is socially-and scientifically-meaningful. Experts from a variety of disciplines focus on nontraditional strategies that engage community residents in community-research projects, shortening the distance between the researcher and the "subject." This unique book recounts lessons learned on conducting Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Latino communities using techniques based on anthropology, education, community health and evaluation, and urban planning. Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model addresses non-traditional methods of reducing the tension between the reality of interaction with the subject community and the academic training structures used by researchers. The book promotes a new vision and practice of research design in which the "subject" is central to the process, advocating a participatory approach to produce qualitatively different research based on community identified problems and needs. Contributors examine the value of integrating local knowledge, language, and culture into the methodological design, the ethics of conducting research in Latino communities, and the internal conflicts Chicana/o researchers face within their profession and in the field. Topics addressed in Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model include: community health and Central Americans in Los Angeles ethnography and substance abuse among transnational Mexican farmworkers identity and field research in Mexico the Latino Coalition for a New Los Angeles (LCNLA) researcher/community partnerships and much more! Latino Social Policy: A Participatory Research Model includes case studies, ethnographies, and vignettes that illustrate participatory approaches and outcomes in Latino research. The book is equally valuable as a textbook for academics and students working in the social sciences, public policy, and urban planning, and as a professional guide for community leaders and organizations interested in developing research partnerships.
Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America
by Johnny MadrigalWhat do truckers do about their sexual needs on the road?This startling and unique study examines the on-the-road sex lives of Central American truck drivers. It takes a quantitative and qualitative look at the extent of homosexuality, prostitution, drug use, and vulnerability to HIV infection among these men who operate in a strangely unique sexual culture. Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America documents the extent of their sexual activities with both men and women as well as drug use and prostitution among this population. Honest and revealing, this valuable book uncovers the incredible danger that truck drivers put themselves in by risking HIV infection and why Latin sexual culture does not always define men who participate in acts with other men as “homosexual.” Latino Truck Driver Trade explores the concept of “machismo” and why truck drivers act very “manly” (to avoid being teased or being made fun of).Through interviews with truck drivers, this detailed account gives insight into how friends pressure others to perform sexual acts, drink alcohol, and take drugs in order to “fit in.” Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America provides suggestions for HIV prevention programs to decrease the spread of HIV that is prevalent among this group shows how theories of homosexuality fail to account for its widespread practice among Latino heterosexual men explores the sexual practices of these men questions basic assumptions about Latin machismo demonstrates how Latino men can practice homosexuality without acquiring a gay identity shows how this international truck driver culture will impact the U. S.Latino Truck Driver Trade explicitly examines the on-the-road lifestyles of Central American truckers, revealing that many times they are completely the opposite of the quiet, “normal” lives these men lead at home.
Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America
by Johnny MadrigalWhat do truckers do about their sexual needs on the road?This startling and unique study examines the on-the-road sex lives of Central American truck drivers. It takes a quantitative and qualitative look at the extent of homosexuality, prostitution, drug use, and vulnerability to HIV infection among these men who operate in a strangely unique sexual culture. Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America documents the extent of their sexual activities with both men and women as well as drug use and prostitution among this population. Honest and revealing, this valuable book uncovers the incredible danger that truck drivers put themselves in by risking HIV infection and why Latin sexual culture does not always define men who participate in acts with other men as “homosexual.” Latino Truck Driver Trade explores the concept of “machismo” and why truck drivers act very “manly” (to avoid being teased or being made fun of).Through interviews with truck drivers, this detailed account gives insight into how friends pressure others to perform sexual acts, drink alcohol, and take drugs in order to “fit in.” Latino Truck Driver Trade: Sex and HIV in Central America provides suggestions for HIV prevention programs to decrease the spread of HIV that is prevalent among this group shows how theories of homosexuality fail to account for its widespread practice among Latino heterosexual men explores the sexual practices of these men questions basic assumptions about Latin machismo demonstrates how Latino men can practice homosexuality without acquiring a gay identity shows how this international truck driver culture will impact the U. S.Latino Truck Driver Trade explicitly examines the on-the-road lifestyles of Central American truckers, revealing that many times they are completely the opposite of the quiet, “normal” lives these men lead at home.
Latinos and Latinas at Risk [2 volumes]: Issues in Education, Health, Community, and Justice [2 volumes]
by Gabriel GutiérrezThis two-volume collection of essays addresses the Latino/a experience in present-day America, covering six major areas of importance: education, health, family, children, teens, and violence.The Latino/a presence in this country predates the United States itself, yet this group is often marginalized in the American culture. Many noted experts explore the ideology behind this prejudicial attitude, examining how America views Latinos/as, how Latinos/as view themselves, and what the future of America will look like as this group progresses toward equitable treatment. Through the exploration process, the book reveals the complexity and diversity of this community, tracing the historical trajectories of those whose diverse points of origin could be from almost anywhere, including the Americas, Europe, or other places.Written with contemporary issues at the forefront, this timely collection looks at the resolve of the Latino people and considers their histories, contributions, concerns, and accomplishments. Pointed essays address disparate quality-of-life issues in education, health, and economic stability while depicting individual and group efforts in overcoming barriers to mainstream American society. Each chapter discusses key challenge areas for the Latino American population in everyday life. An engaging "Further Investigations" feature poses questions about most of the essays, leading to critical thinking about the most important topics affecting Latino/as today.
Latinos and Latinas at Risk [2 volumes]: Issues in Education, Health, Community, and Justice [2 volumes]
This two-volume collection of essays addresses the Latino/a experience in present-day America, covering six major areas of importance: education, health, family, children, teens, and violence.The Latino/a presence in this country predates the United States itself, yet this group is often marginalized in the American culture. Many noted experts explore the ideology behind this prejudicial attitude, examining how America views Latinos/as, how Latinos/as view themselves, and what the future of America will look like as this group progresses toward equitable treatment. Through the exploration process, the book reveals the complexity and diversity of this community, tracing the historical trajectories of those whose diverse points of origin could be from almost anywhere, including the Americas, Europe, or other places.Written with contemporary issues at the forefront, this timely collection looks at the resolve of the Latino people and considers their histories, contributions, concerns, and accomplishments. Pointed essays address disparate quality-of-life issues in education, health, and economic stability while depicting individual and group efforts in overcoming barriers to mainstream American society. Each chapter discusses key challenge areas for the Latino American population in everyday life. An engaging "Further Investigations" feature poses questions about most of the essays, leading to critical thinking about the most important topics affecting Latino/as today.
Latinos and Local Representation: Changing Realities, Emerging Theories (Latino Communities: Emerging Voices - Political, Social, Cultural and Legal Issues)
by Florence AdamsThis study examines trends in Voting Rights Act enforcement and the results for Latino representation. The focus is on local governments of the West and Southwest: some of the communities examined, Latino population is increasing rapidly, often to majority status; and in others, white suburban development is outnumbering, sometimes displacing Latinos. In both situations, district lines can decide the future political power of Latinos and non-Latinos alike. The local distributing process, which has never been studied in depth, is shown to be reshaping the political and racial landscape. This study looks behind legal and theoretical formulations to the realities of local districtings and redistrictings. The author, who participated as principal cartographer in the jurisdictions that are discussed, explores the decisions involved in reflecting rapid population change, the dangers of drawing districts without attention to the vitality of local organization, the problems of displacing incumbents, the unforeseen consequences of district designs, the difficulty of predicting outcomes, and the many ethical dilemmas of line-drawing. In several jurisdictions, Latinos are nearing majority status: Do concepts such as the majority-minority district and single-member districts remain relevant there? Are concerns for African American representation in southern states, which have guided so much voting rights enforcement, truly relevant to western and southwestern politics? What are the actual results--in terms of the numbers of Latinos elected--of voting rights litigation? Such questions are discussed against the backdrop of actual line-drawings, but in such a way as to contribute to voting rights theory.
Latinos and Local Representation: Changing Realities, Emerging Theories (Latino Communities: Emerging Voices - Political, Social, Cultural and Legal Issues)
by Florence AdamsThis study examines trends in Voting Rights Act enforcement and the results for Latino representation. The focus is on local governments of the West and Southwest: some of the communities examined, Latino population is increasing rapidly, often to majority status; and in others, white suburban development is outnumbering, sometimes displacing Latinos. In both situations, district lines can decide the future political power of Latinos and non-Latinos alike. The local distributing process, which has never been studied in depth, is shown to be reshaping the political and racial landscape. This study looks behind legal and theoretical formulations to the realities of local districtings and redistrictings. The author, who participated as principal cartographer in the jurisdictions that are discussed, explores the decisions involved in reflecting rapid population change, the dangers of drawing districts without attention to the vitality of local organization, the problems of displacing incumbents, the unforeseen consequences of district designs, the difficulty of predicting outcomes, and the many ethical dilemmas of line-drawing. In several jurisdictions, Latinos are nearing majority status: Do concepts such as the majority-minority district and single-member districts remain relevant there? Are concerns for African American representation in southern states, which have guided so much voting rights enforcement, truly relevant to western and southwestern politics? What are the actual results--in terms of the numbers of Latinos elected--of voting rights litigation? Such questions are discussed against the backdrop of actual line-drawings, but in such a way as to contribute to voting rights theory.
Latinos and Narrative Media: Participation and Portrayal
by Frederick Luis AldamaThis is the first book to explore the multitude of narrative media forms created by and that feature Latinos in the twenty-first century - a radically different cultural landscape to earlier epochs. The essays present a fresh take informed by the explosion of Latino demographics and its divergent cultural tastes.
Latinos Facing Racism: Discrimination, Resistance, and Endurance
by Joe R. Feagin José A. CobasFeagin and Cobas provide the first in-depth examination of the everyday racism faced by middle-class Latinos. Based on a national survey, we learn how a diverse group of talented Latinos Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans, and others respond to and cope with the commonplace white racial framing and discriminatory practices. Drawing on extensive interviewing, the authors address the recurring discrimination of ordinary whites directed against Spanish speakers and individuals with presumed Latino phenotypes. These incidents occur in everyday encounters, such as when male and female Latinos travel or shop. The book also chronicles the mistreatment that Latinos face from immigration officials when they cross US borders and from the police when they are racially profiled outside Latino areas. Critical and conforming Latino responses to recurring white discrimination are also extensively examined, as well as the diverse Latino reactions to remedial programs like affirmative action and to the ideal of assimilation into the proverbial US melting pot. "
Latinos Facing Racism: Discrimination, Resistance, and Endurance
by Joe R. Feagin José A. CobasFeagin and Cobas provide the first in-depth examination of the everyday racism faced by middle-class Latinos. Based on a national survey, we learn how a diverse group of talented Latinos Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans, and others respond to and cope with the commonplace white racial framing and discriminatory practices. Drawing on extensive interviewing, the authors address the recurring discrimination of ordinary whites directed against Spanish speakers and individuals with presumed Latino phenotypes. These incidents occur in everyday encounters, such as when male and female Latinos travel or shop. The book also chronicles the mistreatment that Latinos face from immigration officials when they cross US borders and from the police when they are racially profiled outside Latino areas. Critical and conforming Latino responses to recurring white discrimination are also extensively examined, as well as the diverse Latino reactions to remedial programs like affirmative action and to the ideal of assimilation into the proverbial US melting pot. "
Latinos in the End Zone: Conversations on the Brown Color Line in the NFL (Latino Pop Culture)
by F. Aldama C. GonzálezHere, Frederick Luis Aldama and Christopher González offer a thought-provoking conversation on the history of Latinos in the pro football leagues. As they weave their way through significant points where culture, politics, and history congeal (an early twentieth century era of Brown Color Lines, the Great Depression, WWII, birth of television, Civil Rights struggles, the twenty-first century Latino demographic explosion, among others), Aldama and González thread together an alpha-to-omega, all-encompassing story of Latinos in the NFL. They push hard at issues such as racial prejudice, including why Latinos have historically had to cross into the Canadian Leagues to prove themselves to white American officiators and the glaring omission of prominent Latino names honored within the hallowed interiors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Encyclopedic in scope and powerfully pointed in its analysis, they put the spotlight on the significant contribution made by Latinos in the history of pro football.
Latinos in the United States: Diversity And Change
by Rogelio Sáenz Maria Cristina MoralesAs the major driver of U.S. demographic change, Latinos are reshaping key aspects of the social, economic, political, and cultural landscape of the country. In the process, Latinos are challenging the longstanding black/white paradigm that has been used as a lens to understand racial and ethnic matters in the United States. In this book, Sáenz and Morales provide one of the broadest sociological examinations of Latinos in the United States. The book focuses on the numerous diverse groups that constitute the Latino population and the role that the U.S. government has played in establishing immigration from Latin America to the United States. The book highlights the experiences of Latinos in a variety of domains including education, political engagement, work and economic life, family, religion, health and health care, crime and victimization, and mass media. To address these issues in each chapter the authors engage sociological perspectives, present data examining major trends for both native-born and immigrant populations, and engage readers in thinking about the major issues that Latinos are facing in each of these dimensions. The book clearly illustrates the diverse experiences of the array of Latino groups in the United States, with some of these groups succeeding socially and economically, while other groups continue to experience major social and economic challenges. The book concludes with a discussion of what the future holds for Latinos. This book is essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students, social scientists, and policymakers interested in Latinos and their place in contemporary society.
Latinx Immigrants: Transcending Acculturation And Xenophobia (International And Cultural Psychology Ser.)
by Patricia ArredondoThis richly detailed reference offers a strengths-based survey of Latinx immigrant experience in the United States. Spanning eleven countries across the Americas and the Caribbean, the book uses a psychohistorical approach using the words of immigrants at different processes and stages of acculturation and acceptance. Coverage emphasizes the sociopolitical contexts, particularly in relation to the US, that typically lead to immigration, the vital role of the Spanish language and cultural values, and the journey of identity as it evolves throughout the creation of a new life in a new and sometimes hostile country. This vivid material is especially useful to therapists working with Latinx clients reconciling current and past experience, coping with prejudice and other ongoing challenges, or dealing with trauma and loss. Included among the topics: · Argentines in the U.S.: migration and continuity. · Chilean Americans: a micro cultural Latinx group. · Cuban Americans: freedom, hope, endurance, and the American Dream. · The drums are calling: race, nation, and the complex history of Dominicans. · The Obstacle is the Way: resilience in the lives of Salvadoran immigrants in the U.S. · Cultura y familia: strengthening Mexican heritage families. · Puerto Ricans on the U.S. mainland. With its multiple layers of lived experience and historical analysis, Latinx Immigrant, is inspiring and powerful reading for sociologists, economists, mental health educators and practitioners, and healthcare providers.
Latinx Queer Psychology: Contributions to the Study of LGBTIQ+, Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues
by Reynel Alexander Chaparro Marco Aurélio Máximo PradoThis book brings together studies that contribute to the emergence of a latinx queer psychology. LGBTQ+ studies have gradually included the perspective of sexual and gender diversity, but they have been predominantly elaborated from North American and European perspectives. This book focuses on different understandings and practices developed by Latin American researchers that contribute to a broader application of psychological knowledge in LGBTQ+ studies, as well as sexual and gender diversity issues, but goes beyond the region by also incorporating chapters written by European and North American authors influenced by latinx perspectives.Latin American psychology has developed original approaches to LGBTQ+ studies based on a new theoretical critique to the mainstream psychological theories that has given rise to a new queer psychology. The chapters in this book showcase both theoretical contributions and empirical researches in this emerging field from six Latin American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Uruguay – as well as from Spain, the United States and Puerto Rico. Latinx Queer Psychology: Contributions to the Study of LGBTIQ+, Sexual and Gender Diversity Issues aims to contribute to the decolonization of psychological knowledge and practices addressing sexual and gender diversity issues, and to serve as a useful resource for social, community, clinical and educational psychologists working with research and practice involving LGBTIQ+ populations, as well as to social scientists in general interested in queer and gender studies.
Latours Existenzweisen und Luhmanns Funktionssysteme: Ein soziologischer Theorienvergleich
by Andreas Christian BraunAndreas Christian Braun schafft mit seinem Vergleich der Theorien von Bruno Latour und Niklas Luhmann einen hohen Mehrwert für die soziologische Theoriebildung. Der Autor zeigt auf, dass sich beide Theoretiker von der Mikro- bis zur Makroebene zu allen Skalen des Sozialen äußern. Die Faszination der beiden Theorien macht aus, dass beide kaum unterschiedlicher sein könnten und, zumindest partiell, kaum mehr Gemeinsamkeiten haben könnten. Eine strukturierte Vergleichsdebatte – die wohl keiner der Theoretiker in dieser Form selbst führen würde – erscheint damit als äußert interessant für die Theorie der Soziologie. Der vorliegende Beitrag macht dazu einen Vorschlag.
Latter-Day Pamphlets
by Thomas CarlyleThe following Occasional Discourse, delivered by we know not whom, and of date seemingly above a year back, may perhaps be welcome to here and there a speculative reader. It comes to us, - no speaker named, no time or place assigned, no commentary of any sort given, - in the handwriting of the so-called "Doctor," properly "Absconded Reporter," Dr. Phelim M'Quirk, whose singular powers of reporting, and also whose debts, extravagancies and sorrowful insidious finance-operations, now winded-up by a sudden disappearance, to the grief of many poor tradespeople, are making too much noise in the police-offices at present! Of M'Quirk's composition we by no means suppose it to be; but from M'Quirk, as the last traceable source, it comes to us; - offered, in fact, by his respectable unfortunate landlady, desirous to make-up part of her losses in this way. To absconded reporters who bilk their lodgings, we have of course no account to give: but if the Speaker be of any eminence or substantiality, and feel himself aggrieved by the transaction, let him understand that such, and such only, is our connexion with him or his affairs. As the Colonial and Negro Question is still alive, and likely to grow livelier for some time, we have accepted the Article, at a cheap market-rate; and give it publicity, without in the least committing ourselves to the strange doctrines and notions shadowed-forth in it. Doctrines and notions which, we rather suspect, are pretty much in a "minority of one," in the present era of the world! Here, sure enough, are peculiar views of the Bights of Negroes; involving, it is probable, peculiar ditto of innumerable other rights, duties, expectations, wrongs and disappointments, much argued of, by logic and by grape-shot, in these emancipated epochs of the human mind! - Silence now, however; and let the Speaker himself enter. My Philanthropic Friends, - It is my painful duty to address some words to you, this evening, on the Rights of Negroes. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works."
Laughing Saints and Righteous Heroes: Emotional Rhythms in Social Movement Groups (Morality and Society Series)
by Erika Summers EfflerWhy do people keep fighting for social causes in the face of consistent failure? Why do they risk their physical, emotional, and financial safety on behalf of strangers? How do these groups survive high turnover and emotional burnout? To explore these questions, Erika Summers Effler undertook three years of ethnographic fieldwork with two groups: anti–death penalty activists STOP and the Catholic Workers, who strive to alleviate poverty. In both communities, members must contend with problems that range from the broad to the intimately personal. Adverse political conditions, internal conflict, and fluctuations in financial resources create a backdrop of daily frustration—but watching an addict relapse or an inmate’s execution are much more devastating setbacks. Summers Effler finds that overcoming these obstacles, recovering from failure, and maintaining the integrity of the group require a constant process of emotional fine-tuning, and she demonstrates how activists do this through thoughtful analysis and a lucid rendering of their deeply affecting stories.
Laughing Saints and Righteous Heroes: Emotional Rhythms in Social Movement Groups (Morality and Society Series)
by Erika Summers EfflerWhy do people keep fighting for social causes in the face of consistent failure? Why do they risk their physical, emotional, and financial safety on behalf of strangers? How do these groups survive high turnover and emotional burnout? To explore these questions, Erika Summers Effler undertook three years of ethnographic fieldwork with two groups: anti–death penalty activists STOP and the Catholic Workers, who strive to alleviate poverty. In both communities, members must contend with problems that range from the broad to the intimately personal. Adverse political conditions, internal conflict, and fluctuations in financial resources create a backdrop of daily frustration—but watching an addict relapse or an inmate’s execution are much more devastating setbacks. Summers Effler finds that overcoming these obstacles, recovering from failure, and maintaining the integrity of the group require a constant process of emotional fine-tuning, and she demonstrates how activists do this through thoughtful analysis and a lucid rendering of their deeply affecting stories.
Laughing Saints and Righteous Heroes: Emotional Rhythms in Social Movement Groups (Morality and Society Series)
by Erika Summers EfflerWhy do people keep fighting for social causes in the face of consistent failure? Why do they risk their physical, emotional, and financial safety on behalf of strangers? How do these groups survive high turnover and emotional burnout? To explore these questions, Erika Summers Effler undertook three years of ethnographic fieldwork with two groups: anti–death penalty activists STOP and the Catholic Workers, who strive to alleviate poverty. In both communities, members must contend with problems that range from the broad to the intimately personal. Adverse political conditions, internal conflict, and fluctuations in financial resources create a backdrop of daily frustration—but watching an addict relapse or an inmate’s execution are much more devastating setbacks. Summers Effler finds that overcoming these obstacles, recovering from failure, and maintaining the integrity of the group require a constant process of emotional fine-tuning, and she demonstrates how activists do this through thoughtful analysis and a lucid rendering of their deeply affecting stories.
Laughlab: The Scientific Quest for the World's Funniest Joke
by The British Association For The Advancement Of ScienceIn September 2001 the British Association for the Advancement of Science (the BA) embarked on the world's largest, and most unusual, scientific experiment. The aim of the project was to find the world's funniest joke, and answer important questions about the psychology of humour. For example, Do men and women find the same jokes funny? Does our sense of humour change as we get older? What is the best time of day to tell a joke? Do different nations laugh at the same jokes? The experiment was called LaughLab and was carried out as part of Science Year in the UK. An Internet site was established containing two sections: in the first, people submitted their favourite jokes; in the second they answered a few simple questions about themselves - male or female, age, nationality, etc - and then rated how funny they found a random selection of jokes. The experiment captured the imagination of individuals throughout the world. 40,000 jokes were received and evaluated by 350,000 people. At the end of the project the information was carefully examined and discoveries made about the jokes that made men giggle and women groan, those that tickled kids but not adults, and the jokes that were the most popular in different countries. Along the way the 'winning' jokes in different categories were uncovered, including the best 'doctor' jokes
Laughter and Ridicule: Towards a Social Critique of Humour
by Michael Billig`From Thomas Hobbes' fear of the power of laughter to the compulsory, packaged "fun" of the contemporary mass media, Billig takes the reader on a stimulating tour of the strange world of humour. Both a significant work of scholarship and a novel contribution to the understanding of the humourous, this is a seriously engaging book' - David Inglis, University of Aberdeen This delightful book tackles the prevailing assumption that laughter and humour are inherently good. In developing a critique of humour the author proposes a social theory that places humour - in the form of ridicule - as central to social life. Billig argues that all cultures use ridicule as a disciplinary means to uphold norms of conduct and conventions of meaning. Historically, theories of humour reflect wider visions of politics, morality and aesthetics. For example, Bergson argued that humour contains an element of cruelty while Freud suggested that we deceive ourselves about the true nature of our laughter. Billig discusses these and other theories, while using the topic of humour to throw light on the perennial social problems of regulation, control and emancipation.
Laughter At The Foot Of The Cross
by M.a. Screech"Christian laughter is a maze: you could easily get snarled up within it." So says Michael A. Screech in his note to readers preceding this collection of fifty-three elegant and pithy essays. As Screech reveals, the question of whether laughter is acceptable to the god of the Old and New Testaments is a dangerous one. But we are fortunate in our gu
Laughter At The Foot Of The Cross
by M.a. Screech"Christian laughter is a maze: you could easily get snarled up within it." So says Michael A. Screech in his note to readers preceding this collection of fifty-three elegant and pithy essays. As Screech reveals, the question of whether laughter is acceptable to the god of the Old and New Testaments is a dangerous one. But we are fortunate in our gu