scholarly journals Afterword: A Functional Analysis of the Crisis in American Society, 2020

Author(s):  
Victor Lidz

AbstractIn 2020, American society experienced a number of crises. They involved raced relations precipitated by the Black Lives Matter movement, the Covid 19 pandemic with its huge loss of life and rates of illness, the economic recession that accompanied the pandemic and efforts to control it, and the tensions of the national political campaign, followed by the refusal of President Trump to acknowledge his defeat. Each of these crises led to cleavages in the relationships of solidarity in the societal community subsystem of American society. The cleavages may prove to be the most enduring of the crises.

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Alfred Smith

The Black Lives Matter movement is one of the most dynamic social justice movements currently emerging in the USA. This movement led by young Blacks unapologetically calls out the shameful, historical legacy of American racism and White supremacy while asserting the humanity and sacredness of Black lives, particularly those of unarmed persons senselessly murdered by police officers. While Black Lives Matter is a new movement, it is also an extension of the 400-year struggle of Black people in America to affirm Black dignity, equality, and human rights, even while the major institutions of American society have propagated doctrines and enforced unjust rules/laws to denigrate Black life. Black Christians have found hope and inspiration from the Gospel to claim their humanity and to struggle to gain justice for Black lives and for the lives of all oppressed people. In addition, the Black Lives Matter movement provides a helpful critique of many Black churches, challenging them to confront their biases, which label young Black males as “thugs” (the new N-word) and which cruelly demonize the LGBTQ community. The story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10 provides a scriptural basis for Christian introspection and responses to God’s vision for beloved community, and for the call to action from the Black Lives Matter movement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 483-483
Author(s):  
Peiyi Lu ◽  
Dexia Kong ◽  
Mack Shelley

Abstract Discrimination has been more prevalent since the pandemic. Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement flourished in the summer of 2020 as protests against police brutality and racial injustice. However, the extent to which individuals’ discrimination experiences and associated mental health outcomes change amid a global pandemic and a dramatic societal movement in American society remains unknown. This study examines the dynamic relationship of racism and/or Covid-19-related discrimination with changes in mental health in the context of BLM and Covid-19. Data were from U.S. adults (age ≥18) who completed the online Understanding Coronavirus in America survey in June and September of 2020 (n=3,502). Respondents were asked to attribute their discrimination experience to 8 main reasons: (1) Covid-19; (2) national origin/race/skin color; (3) gender/sexual orientation; (4) age; (5) physical feature; (6) education/income; (7) health condition; and (8) religion/other. Quasi-Poisson regression models examined the associations between discrimination and anxiety/depression/stress. Results indicated about 33% of respondents reported discrimination in June compared to 21% in September. Racism was significantly associated with more anxiety/depression/stress in June, but not in September or in the longitudinal trend. Covid-19-related discrimination was associated with elevated levels of anxiety/depression/stress in September and in the longitudinal trend, but not in June 2020. We concluded that individuals’ discrimination experiences are shaped by societal contexts. Specifically, racism was the dominant discrimination attribution in June 2020 when BLM was at its peak. However, Covid-19 discrimination overtook racism as the primary attribution and showed a significant relationship with poorer mental health over time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Benoit ◽  
Jennifer M. Benoit-Bryan

This study applied the Functional Theory of Political Campaign Discourse to the July 25, 2010 Australian Prime Minister debate. Attacks were more common than acclaims, both of which occurred more frequently than defenses. Incumbent Prime Minister Gillard acclaimed more, and attacked less, than challenger Abbott. This contrast was particularly acute when the candidates discussed past deeds (record in office). The two candidates discussed policy more than character. When discussing general goals and ideals, they acclaimed more than they attacked. These results are compared with studies of political leaders debates in other countries and elections.


2011 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
Janelle Reinelt

(Note: This statement started its life as part of the State of the Profession panel at the joint American Society for Theatre Research / Congress on Research in Dance conference in Seattle [November 2010]. I was asked to respond to the question of “how power has worked on/through/with bodies in the fields of dance and theatre studies, and in the academy at large.” I decided to speak about the serious crisis facing higher education in light of the economic recession, and its particular challenges to the academy and our field, using my present context in the United Kingdom, where I have lived since 2006, as a case study.)


Author(s):  
John J. Friel

Committee E-04 on Metallography of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) conducted an interlaboratory round robin test program on quantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The test program was designed to produce data on which to base a precision and bias statement for quantitative analysis by EDS. Nine laboratories were sent specimens of two well characterized materials, a type 308 stainless steel, and a complex mechanical alloy from Inco Alloys International, Inconel® MA 6000. The stainless steel was chosen as an example of a straightforward analysis with no special problems. The mechanical alloy was selected because elements were present in a wide range of concentrations; K, L, and M lines were involved; and Ta was severely overlapped with W. The test aimed to establish limits of precision that could be routinely achieved by capable laboratories operating under real world conditions. The participants were first allowed to use their own best procedures, but later were instructed to repeat the analysis using specified conditions: 20 kV accelerating voltage, 200s live time, ∼25% dead time and ∼40° takeoff angle. They were also asked to run a standardless analysis.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document