IdeaWazaWiki - User contributions [en]

Archive:Criticism of the term Latino

2009-05-16T16:54:36Z

86.138.238.50:

Since the adoption of the term '''[[Latino]]''' by the [[US Census Bureau]] in [[2000]]<ref>Fisher, Celia B. and Lerner, Richard M. ''Encyclopedia of Applied Developmental Science''
SAGE, 2004, ISBN 0761928200 Page 634
</ref> and its subsequent widespread there have been several controversies. Regarding it as an [[artificial]] US-manufactured word, many [[Latin Americans]]<ref>''Hispanic'' magazine, December 2000</ref> have objected against the [[mass media]] use of the word "Latino". One of its most well-known critics is [[Mexican-American]] journalist Raoul Lowery:
<blockquote>
"For years I have campaigned against the [[Los Angeles Times]]-imposed word, "Latino", in describing the country's fastest growing ethnic "Group," those with Spanish-surnames, those who speak Spanish, et al. The LA Times set it's feet in concrete and the use of the word "Latino" and nothing has cracked the concrete since. Worst of all, other newspapers have followed the Times' lead and news coverage, accuracy and the community have suffered."<ref>Raoul Lowery Contreras, ''A Hispanic View: American Politics and the Politics of Immigration'', i Universe, 2002 ISBN 0595256910 Page 7</ref>
</blockquote>

Lowery argues that, according to the statistics of the Census Bureau, most [[middle-class]] people with Latin-American [[background]] living in the United States reject the term.<ref>Ibid. Page 3</ref> He traces back the poularization of the word to the Los Angeles Times columnist Frank del Olmo who regarded the term Hispanic as "ugly and impresice"<ref>Ibid. Page 7</ref>. He writes:
<blockquote>
"The third reason Del Olmo objected to the word "[[Hispanic]]" and championed the word "Latino" was that "[[Chicano]]" had been roundly rejected by all Mexican Americans but the most radical, [[blue collar]], less educated, under-class people of Mexican-origin. Del Olmo pushed "Latino" as a substitute for the rejected "Chicano". Unfortunately, he was in a position to push this substitution into the language of the "[[Newspaper of Record]]" in the West. Other papers and broadcast stations took up the word because it was the "style" of the LA Times. Frank Del Olmo single handedly branded millions of people.<ref>ibid.</ref>
</blockquote>

According to a poll conducted in December [[2000]] by Hispanic Trends, 65 percent of the registered voters preferred the word "Hispanic" while 30 percent chose to identify themselves as "Latino"<ref>Arreola, Daniel David, ''Hispanic spaces, Latino places: community and cultural diversity in contemporary America'', University of Texas Press, 2004
ISBN 029270562X</ref>

Daniel David Arreola, in his book ''Hispanic spaces, Latino places: community and cultural diversity in contemporary America'' points out that many Latin Americans feel more confortable identifying themselves with their country of origin:
<blockquote>
What most of us know and what the results from the [[1992]] Latino National Political survey demonstrate is a preference for place of origin or national identity in what we call ourselves. Face-to-face interviews of 2,817 people were conducted in [[1989]] and [[1990]]. Some 57 percent to 86 percent of Mexicans and [[Puerto Rican]]—whether born in Mexico or born in the United States, whether born in the island or in the mainland—preferred to call themselves Mexican or Puerto Ricans rather than panethnic names like Hispanic or Latino.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
</blockquote>

Similar conclusions are found in David Reimers' ''Other Immigrants: The Global Origins of the American People'':
<blockquote>
"The [[Pew Hispanic Center]] and the Henry J. Kaiser Family foundation found in a 2002 study that 53 percent of "Hispanics" or "Latinos" do not use either term and call themselves Mexicans, Mexican Americans, Mexicanos, [[Dominicans]], [[Dominican Americans]], or some other nationality or ethnic group. Those making a choice of the two terms had a slight preference for "Hispanic" over "Latino"."<ref>Reimers, David M., ''Other immigrants: the global origins of the American people'', [[NYU Press]], 2005
ISBN 0814775357 Page 8</ref>
</blockquote>

One of the major arguments for rejecting the term is the perceived stereotypical overtones it carries.<ref>Gary McDonogh, Robert Gregg, Cindy H. Wong, Cindy Wong, Encyclopedia of contemporary American culture, Taylor & Francis, 2001, ISBN 0415161614, Page 416</ref> Journalist Juan Villegas writes:
<blockquote>
"The word 'Latino' may be loaded with negative connotations when used by non-Latinos in American culture because of its association with the sign "Latin" which may imply a stereotyped character partially imposed by [[Hollywood]]. Latino is a sign that needs to be contextualized. It may bring some groups together, but it also may contribute to depoliticize a movement and to stereotype a diversity of social groups and cultures.<ref>Diana Taylor, Juan Villegas Morales, Juan Villegas, ''Negotiating performance: gender, sexuality, and theatricality in Latin/o America''
Duke University Press, 1994
ISBN 0822315157 Page 314</ref>
</blockquote>

Others such as Catherine Alexandra Carter or Rodolfo Acuña address the issue from a more global and political perspective:
<blockquote>
"The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino,” although first created for the purpose of lumping together a diverse group of people and making them more economically marketable, have grown into something far more significant. Over time the legitimacy and accuracy of these terms have come to influence not only the functioning of the marketing industry, but the organization and structure of many other aspects of life".<ref>Catherine Alexandra Carter, 'Changing Views of Identity in the Face of Globalization Among Hispanic Communities in Diaspora', Illinois State University Page 14 [http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/downloads/anthro_theses/carter_alex.pdf.]</ref>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
"When and why the Latino identity came about is a more involved story. Essentially, politicians, the media, and marketers find it convenient to deal with the different U.S. Spanish-speaking people under one umbrella.
However, many people with Spanish surnames contest the term ''Latino''. They claim it is misleading because no Latino or Hispanic nationality exists since no Latino state exists, so generalizing the term ''Latino'' slights the various national identities included under the umbrella. Some critics argue that Latino identity was artificially constructed by the U.S. goverment. According to the critics, the purpose was to erase the historical memory of the various Spanish-speaking groups. These critics accuse the promoters of the term ''Latino'' of being cheerleaders for the system that celebrate a false impression that Latinos are making in society, resulting in falg-waving ceremonies celebrating, "We are number one."<ref>Acuña, Rodolfo, ''U.S. Latino issues'', Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003
ISBN 0313322112</ref>
</blockquote>

== See also ==
*[[Semantic change]]
*[[Loaded language]]
*[[Political correctness]]
*[[Media bias]]
*[[Glittering generality]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Sociology stubs]]
[[Category:Ethnic and religious slurs]]
[[Category:Latin America]]
[[Category:Latin American studies]]
[[Category:Pejorative terms for people]]
[[Category:Controversies]]
[[Category:Media bias controversies]]
[[Category:Naming controversies]]

Developing A Universal Religion

2007-11-12T00:36:57Z

86.138.18.152: /* Possible Applications (Ch.12) */

===Developing A Universal Religion===

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Introduction|Introduction]]===

(Please read the Discussion Section for a comment upon this Introduction.)

Before we begin we should clarify the distinction between a “meta-purpose” and the “universal purpose” we have been seeking to guide our collective morality.

Part Three sought evidence that the behaviour of the universe or life might be directed toward achieving some kind of purpose. It found none. It then suggested that (and proposed a reason why) life might continue evolving until it became an omnipotent being (but emphasized that there is no proof that this must occur).

Since the universe behaves rationally, life’s survival depends upon behaving rationally also. Sentient beings, able to plan ahead before acting, behave rationally when they pre-determine a purpose and make decisions that, when acted upon, help to achieve the chosen purpose. We might decide that “supporting life’s journey to become omnipotent” is a worthy goal, and we could make it our “meta-purpose” to guide moral decision making. However, this is too loose a statement for many practical purposes. While it might convey some emotional desires or feelings, it is not precise enough.

A statement intended to guide the moral (and therefore physical) behaviour of an entire civilization must be able to withstand all manner of challenges—legalistic, moralistic, religious, economic, and many more. “Helping life to become oB” will never survive a rational attack; a more robust definition of humanity’s goal is required. A clearly defined “universal purpose,” possibly based upon the desire to help life evolve to become oB, could turn wishful conjecture into practical precision. Moreover, if a “universal purpose” were to be derived from the concept of assisting life to become oB, then a potentially dry legal document might come to life—the vision empowering the definition.

How a universal purpose might be defined is touched upon in the Postscript to Chapter Fourteen; it is difficult task but not one we need dwell upon. The question, “why bother to do anything?” is a much more important topic and must be addressed. Why should anyone go to the trouble of contemplating the precise wording of a universal purpose?

Chapter Eleven suggests some philosophical reasons why the effort should be made while Chapter Twelve offers some practical ones. I hope that one or more of the thoughts expressed in those chapters convince at least a few readers that the undertaking would be well worth while.

Chapter Thirteen delves into the nitty gritty of a possible new morality. Assuming a universal purpose based upon the premise of oB was crafted, just what behaviours would it support, and what might it forbid? And what is the rationale for the answers provided? My thoughts, hopelessly biased by my constructs, are provided only to initiate the discussion. Superior minds will hopefully someday undertake the task of developing a rational morality, one that might better guide us in solving the extraordinarily complex issues we face today and will surely encounter tomorrow.

In eras past, religions took generations to develop, with emotions playing a large part. Nowadays a sound religion might be rationally grown in a decade or two, via electronic communications. As shown in the subtitle of this book, my emphasis is upon the need to develop a universal religion, and where one might look, not upon actually doing so. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to outline how such a fantasy might someday become a reality; Chapter Fourteen offers my musings.

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Introduction|Why Bother? (Ch.11)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/1. Why Develop A Universal Purpose?|Why Develop A Universal Purpose?]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/2. Why Choose Life's Possible Endpoint?|Why Choose Life's Possible Endpoint?]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/3. Why Do Anything?|Why Do Anything?]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Introduction|Possible Applications (Ch.12)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/1. World Problems|World Problems]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/2. Exploitive Excesses|Exploitive Excesses]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/3. Globalization|Globalization]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/4. Terrorism|Terrorism]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/5. Genetics|Genetics]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/6. Technological Singularity|Technological Singularity]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours|Determining Moral Behaviours (Ch.13)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/1. The Facts Of Life|The Facts Of Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/2. Behaviours Rewarded By Life|Behaviours Rewarded By Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/3. Behaviours That Enhance Life|Behaviours That Enhance Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4. Determining Moral Behaviour|Determining Moral Behaviour]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.1 Killing|Killing]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.2 Personal Freedom|Personal Freedom]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.3 Genetic Manipulation|Genetic Manipulation]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion|A Universal Religion (Ch.14)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/1. Characteristics Of A Universal Religion|Characteristics Of A Universal Religion]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/2. Developing A Universal Religion|Developing A Universal Religion]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/3. Universal Religion Proposal|Universal Religion Proposal]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Conclusion|Conclusion]]===

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Postscripts|Postscripts]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/Multi-year Targets|Multi-year Targets]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Links to other Parts|Links to other Parts]]===
[[Thinking And Moral Problems|Part One. Thinking And Moral Problems]]

[[Religions And Their Source|Part Two. Religions And Their Source]]

[[Purpose|Part Three. Purpose]]

[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Developing A Universal Religion]]
{{Alphabetical|D}}
{{shelf|Humanities}}
{{DDC|300}}

Developing A Universal Religion

2007-11-12T00:36:19Z

86.138.18.152: /* Possible Applications (Ch.12) */

===Developing A Universal Religion===

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Introduction|Introduction]]===

(Please read the Discussion Section for a comment upon this Introduction.)

Before we begin we should clarify the distinction between a “meta-purpose” and the “universal purpose” we have been seeking to guide our collective morality.

Part Three sought evidence that the behaviour of the universe or life might be directed toward achieving some kind of purpose. It found none. It then suggested that (and proposed a reason why) life might continue evolving until it became an omnipotent being (but emphasized that there is no proof that this must occur).

Since the universe behaves rationally, life’s survival depends upon behaving rationally also. Sentient beings, able to plan ahead before acting, behave rationally when they pre-determine a purpose and make decisions that, when acted upon, help to achieve the chosen purpose. We might decide that “supporting life’s journey to become omnipotent” is a worthy goal, and we could make it our “meta-purpose” to guide moral decision making. However, this is too loose a statement for many practical purposes. While it might convey some emotional desires or feelings, it is not precise enough.

A statement intended to guide the moral (and therefore physical) behaviour of an entire civilization must be able to withstand all manner of challenges—legalistic, moralistic, religious, economic, and many more. “Helping life to become oB” will never survive a rational attack; a more robust definition of humanity’s goal is required. A clearly defined “universal purpose,” possibly based upon the desire to help life evolve to become oB, could turn wishful conjecture into practical precision. Moreover, if a “universal purpose” were to be derived from the concept of assisting life to become oB, then a potentially dry legal document might come to life—the vision empowering the definition.

How a universal purpose might be defined is touched upon in the Postscript to Chapter Fourteen; it is difficult task but not one we need dwell upon. The question, “why bother to do anything?” is a much more important topic and must be addressed. Why should anyone go to the trouble of contemplating the precise wording of a universal purpose?

Chapter Eleven suggests some philosophical reasons why the effort should be made while Chapter Twelve offers some practical ones. I hope that one or more of the thoughts expressed in those chapters convince at least a few readers that the undertaking would be well worth while.

Chapter Thirteen delves into the nitty gritty of a possible new morality. Assuming a universal purpose based upon the premise of oB was crafted, just what behaviours would it support, and what might it forbid? And what is the rationale for the answers provided? My thoughts, hopelessly biased by my constructs, are provided only to initiate the discussion. Superior minds will hopefully someday undertake the task of developing a rational morality, one that might better guide us in solving the extraordinarily complex issues we face today and will surely encounter tomorrow.

In eras past, religions took generations to develop, with emotions playing a large part. Nowadays a sound religion might be rationally grown in a decade or two, via electronic communications. As shown in the subtitle of this book, my emphasis is upon the need to develop a universal religion, and where one might look, not upon actually doing so. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to outline how such a fantasy might someday become a reality; Chapter Fourteen offers my musings.

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Introduction|Why Bother? (Ch.11)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/1. Why Develop A Universal Purpose?|Why Develop A Universal Purpose?]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/2. Why Choose Life's Possible Endpoint?|Why Choose Life's Possible Endpoint?]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/3. Why Do Anything?|Why Do Anything?]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/1. Why Bother?/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Introduction|Possible Applications (Ch.12)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/1. World Problems|World Problems]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/2. Exploitive Excesses|Exploitive Excesses]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/3. Globalization|Globalization]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/4. Terrorism|Terrorism]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/5. Genetics|Genetics]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/6. Technological Singularity|Genetics]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/2. Possible Applications/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours|Determining Moral Behaviours (Ch.13)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/1. The Facts Of Life|The Facts Of Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/2. Behaviours Rewarded By Life|Behaviours Rewarded By Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/3. Behaviours That Enhance Life|Behaviours That Enhance Life]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4. Determining Moral Behaviour|Determining Moral Behaviour]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.1 Killing|Killing]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.2 Personal Freedom|Personal Freedom]]
##[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/4.3 Genetic Manipulation|Genetic Manipulation]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/3. Determining Moral Behaviours/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion|A Universal Religion (Ch.14)]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/1. Characteristics Of A Universal Religion|Characteristics Of A Universal Religion]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/2. Developing A Universal Religion|Developing A Universal Religion]]
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/3. Universal Religion Proposal|Universal Religion Proposal]]
[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/Summary|Summary]]

[[Developing A Universal Religion/4. A Universal Religion/Endnotes|Endnotes]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Conclusion|Conclusion]]===

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Postscripts|Postscripts]]===
#[[Developing A Universal Religion/Multi-year Targets|Multi-year Targets]]

===[[Developing A Universal Religion/Links to other Parts|Links to other Parts]]===
[[Thinking And Moral Problems|Part One. Thinking And Moral Problems]]

[[Religions And Their Source|Part Two. Religions And Their Source]]

[[Purpose|Part Three. Purpose]]

[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Developing A Universal Religion]]
{{Alphabetical|D}}
{{shelf|Humanities}}
{{DDC|300}}

Archive:Aquamarine

2006-08-12T11:26:44Z

86.138.120.83: /* See also */

{{otheruses1|the mineral}}
[[Image:Aquamarin cut.jpg|Aquamarine|thumb|250px]]
'''Aquamarine''' (Lat. ''aqua marina'', "water of the sea") is a [[gemstone]]-quality transparent variety of [[beryl]], having a delicate blue or blue-green color, suggestive of the tint of [[seawater]]. It's closely related to the gem [[emerald]]. Colors vary and yellow beryl, called ''heliodor''; rose pink beryl, ''morganite''; and white beryl, ''goshenite'' are known.

Aquamarine is a beryl with a [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|hexagonal]] crystal structure and a chemical formula of Be3Al2Si6O18, a [[beryllium]] [[aluminium]] [[Silicate minerals|silicate mineral]]. It has a [[specific gravity]] of 2.68 to 2.74 and a [[Mohs hardness]] of from 7.5 to 8. Aquamarine typically is on the low end of the specific gravity range, normally at less than 2.7. The pink variety exhibits a high specific gravity of around 2.8. [[Refractive index|Refractive indices]] range around 1.57 to 1.58.

It occurs at most localities which yield ordinary beryl, some of the finest coming from [[Russia]]. The gem-gravel [[Placer mining|placer]] deposits of [[Sri Lanka]] contain aquamarine. Clear yellow beryl, such as occurs in [[Brazil]], is sometimes called aquamarine chrysolite. When [[corundum]] presents the bluish tint of typical aquamarine, it is often termed Oriental aquamarine.

In the [[United States]], aquamarines can be found at the summit of [[Mount Antero|Mt. Antero]] in the [[Sawatch Range]] in central [[Colorado]]. In [[Brazil]], there are mines in the states of [[Minas Gerais]], [[Espírito Santo]] and [[Bahia]]. Zambia also produces nice aquamarine as well as Madagascar, Malawi,Tanzania and Kenya. Much of today's aquamarine is heated to give it a better color blue.

The biggest aquamarine ever mined was found at the city of Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1910. It weighed over 110 kg, and its dimensions were 48.5 cm long and 42 cm in diameter.

Aquamarine is the [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|official state gem]] of Colorado.

==Culture and historical/mythical usage==
*Aquamarine is the [[birthstone]] associated with March. It is also the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary.
*People in the [[Middle Ages]] thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of [[poison]].
*Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would insure a safe passage, and often slept with the stones under their pillow to insure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine.

== See also ==
* [[List of minerals]]
*[http://www.pomeroi.co.uk/jewellery-articles/colour-gem-stones-a-to-l.cfm Aquamarine - The Basics]

== References ==
* Weinstein, Michael, 1958, ''The World of Jewel Stones'' Sheriden House, New York, pp 104-107
* Diamond Bug. [http://diamondbug.blogspot.com/2006/03/flawless-aquamarine-march-birthstone.html "Flawless Aquamarine: March Birthstone"]. Retrieved March 16, 2006.

[[Category:Silicate minerals]]
[[Category:Gemstones]]

[[bg:Аквамарин]]
[[da:Akvamarin]]
[[de:Aquamarin]]
[[et:Akvamariin]]
[[fr:Aigue-marine]]
[[he:אקוומרין]]
[[lt:Akvamarinas]]
[[nl:Aquamarijn]]
[[ja:アクアマリン]]
[[no:Akvamarin]]
[[pl:Akwamaryn]]
[[pt:Água-marinha]]
[[ru:Аквамарин]]
[[sl:Akvamarin (kamen)]]
[[vi:Berin]]
[[sv:Akvamarin]]
[[tr:Akuamarin]]
[[uk:Аквамарин]]