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BIPOC Research Paper
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BIPOC Research Paper
Introduction
Background Information: Hamilton’s American musical portrays a post-racial perception of America’s society. The musical achieved this by intentionally using non-white characters in parts where the production group should have used white casts. By using this strategy, the musical has received numerous reviews from its viewers to be the best musical ever made, further indicating the public’s acceptance of intentionally avoiding the use of white casts and a shift to a post-racial society.
Relevant History: Hamilton was produced by Broadway Production Company that has historically supported white supremacy with its premium pricing, indicating the company’s acceptance of a post-racial society.
Relevant History: the production of the musical aligns with the then-president Barrack Obama’s re-election, further dwelling on the country’s acceptance of a post-racial society
Hypothesis or thesis: This paper shall counter the argument that Hamilton depicts a post-racial society by analyzing reviews, literature, and music from the performance, hoping to shed light on why Americans continue to pursue the post-racial narrative, the impact of minority representation in art on larger political discourses, and the importance of inspiring future “Hamiltons” in contemporary American culture through Hamilton: An American Musical and contemporary research.
Main Idea: Continued racial discrimination within post-racial societies.
Supporting Topic: Continued racial discrimination in cinemas despite claims of the existence of post-racial societies.
Even though Broadway has been called “The Great White Way” without reference to race, scholars have given it a second connotation owing to its high cost (Umehira 3). In the United States, white people have the most direct and indirect access to that level of wealth.
This historical trend has persisted until the current day. Caucasians bought 77 per cent of all tickets sold in 2015–2016 (Umehira 4). B.
Supporting Topic: Struggling Acceptance of non-white performers in cinemas
Lin-Manuel Miranda used non-white performers in white parts on purpose, so non-white actors portray white people in Hamilton. African-American performers Daveed Diggs, Christopher Jackson, and Leslie Odom Jr. played Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Aaron Burr, the Marquis de Lafayette. Miranda played Alexander Hamilton, while Ramos played John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton. Both Miranda and Ramos are of Puerto Rican heritage. Hamilton’s earlier productions, including those on Broadway, have employed a non-white casting technique
There is still outrage following the casting call for “non-white performers,” Hamilton producers declared they would continue to cast the production with the same ethnic diversity that had been employed up to that point
Supporting Topic: Importance of Inspiring Future “Hamiltons” in Contemporary American Culture
Diggs and many others depend on rap, or “the voice of [his] generation and people of colour,” as the show’s dominant musical style (Mead, 23). Diggs, an African-American, understands the importance of these images in the lives of ethnic minorities. It is vital for people of colour to claim and identify with a tale that they were previously excluded from since this produces a more inclusive narrative for everyone.
However, as per the arguments, the past is crucial and may influence how people of colour perceive historical tales like Hamilton’s.
Supporting Topic: Americans continue to pursue the post-racial narrative.
It is vital for people of colour to claim and identify with a tale that they were previously excluded from since this produces a more inclusive narrative for everyone. Therefore, as per the arguments, the past is crucial and may influence how people of colour perceive historical tales like Hamilton’s.
Supporting Topic: Questioning post-racial trends in cinemas
While Hamilton’s efforts to hire non-white individuals are commendable, the program as a whole has flaws. In my perspective, Hamilton’s portrayal of American History was typical of whitewashed History. Hamilton’s characters are entirely white, despite the reality that the bulk of the cast members is black. Research portrays Hamilton’s advantages as a white man deepen this difference.
Miranda claims that Hamilton can “write his way out of his circumstance in the documentary Hamilton’s America.” His song “Hurricane” has him sending a letter about the storm that destroyed his Caribbean house and convincing community members to donate money to let him study in the North American colonies. Throughout the Revolutionary War, George Washington wrote love letters to Eliza as well as the Federalist Writings, legislation, and other papers explaining his financial and banking goals for America.
Supporting Topic: White community is still more socially privileged than black communities
The capacity to “write his way out” was, in my opinion, a combination of privilege and chance. Research contends that Hamilton benefited from both the late-eighteenth-century and contemporary white privilege regimes. Racial, social, and other political and cultural barriers may prohibit Hamilton from achieving professional success in a broad range of fields, including politics.
People of colour encounter challenges in their personal, professional, and political lives. The persistence of these obstructions undermines the post-racial concept that barriers to people of colour have been removed.
Supporting Topic: Masquerading of racism within post-racial societies.
But white privilege isn’t the only distinction between white and black life. Hamilton avoids many awful difficulties. The drama portrays Hamilton as an enthusiastic abolitionist, which is false. In “Cabinet War #1,” a rap battle between Hamilton and Jefferson, Hamilton proposes allowing the federal government to buy state debts. “Hello neighbour, here’s a civics lesson from a slaver,” the slaver says (Miranda, 44). This is how John Laurens explains his new position in the American Revolution: We publish anti-slavery articles, and every day is a test of our friendship and fortitude. (Miranda, 44). In these songs, Hamilton is portrayed as a staunch anti-slavery activist, which he was not (Scherr, 34).
Slavery was a political and personal concern for Hamilton, which revealed slaves were purchased and exchanged (Scherr, 26). Hamilton’s desire to climb the social ladder overshadowed his fervour for abolition, according to Michelle DuRoss, a lecturer at the University of Albany (“Somewhere in Between”). According to her, he was able to fit into the wealthy slaveholding milieu he desired by marrying into the aristocratic Schuyler family.
Supporting Topic: People of colour denied political coverage in America’s political History
In “The Chamber Where It Happens,” Burr conveys his wrath and desire to be in the “great old room” with Madison, Hamilton, and Jefferson. “Only the two Virginians and the foreigner were in the room,” Burr adds. To be fair, Slaves did serve and prepare the meal in “The Room Where It Happened,” which Jefferson hosted.
Slave-talking characters are removed from the musical’s historical tale. Slavery was abolished by Hamilton, confirming the Anglo-centric History taught in public schools. The absence of colour characters in Hamilton perpetuates the myth that people of colour have no stories to tell, no part in American History, and no place in today’s society (Scherr).
Supporting Topic: Racial discrimination against immigrants
In a harsh political climate, Hamilton’s immigrant status is frequently cited, empowering immigrants. Hamilton went to America to study. Being Born in Saint Kitts, in the West Indies. For Miranda, “Hamilton’s America” means “working twice as hard to go half as far”. “Immigrants / We get the job done,” says Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette in the musical’s most iconic moment.
According to Emory University sociology professor Frank Lechner, Hamilton shows that even immigrants may achieve the American Dream, counteracting current anti-immigration and anti-Latino propaganda.
Supporting Topic: Unequal distribution of people enjoying the American dream
Miranda’s depiction of Hamilton’s immigration experience is uplifting for Latinos. Until Hamilton, she had never pictured herself in a Broadway musical or identified with American History in the way that many minorities do. In her Hamilton review, Ariana Quiónez remarked, “With a Latino actor portraying an immigrant on Broadway.”
However, such encouraging replies feed the post-racial narrative. In reality, the portrayal of white people vs black people is unequal.
Supporting Topic: Conflicting political interests on race in post-racial societies
The musical’s depiction of people of colour went beyond Broadway. The appearance of Vice President Mike Pence at the musical was remarkable (Mele and Healy, 24). Brandon Victor Dixon, who portrayed Aaron Burr that night, sent Pence a note from the cast expressing concern about Trump’s leadership (Mele and Healy, 26).
On social media, many Trump fans, including Trump himself, criticized the ensemble for making a statement after Trump’s triumph. The performers stressed their issues as persons of race, which drew much criticism (Mele and Healy, 27). Characters like Hamilton’s would not exist in a post-racial society; much alone face racist public criticism.
Supporting Topic: Racism is used as a financial tool in the post-racism society
Broadway is no longer indicative of the “diverse America” of 2015 and 2016. In the next two years, Titanic and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will have all-white casts on Broadway. Miranda referred to the 2015–2016 Broadway season’s diversity as an “accident of time” (Seymour, 50).
Despite apparent success in the entertainment industry for minorities in 2016, there was no visible movement in minority representation and appreciation in the media in 2016. More than 95% of Tony Award nominees are Caucasian, which is somewhat less than the total number of Oscar nominations (Seymour). Only a few new musicals, television shows, and films have a significant minority cast (Hallemann, 45). Racial barriers have not vanished, but they are developing and being analyzed more rigorously than in the past.
Supporting Topic: Discrimination in visual minority art.
There is a continued comparison of minority art with other visual parts perpetuating the notion that they are dissimilar art pieces. Like minorities in art, Hamilton stood out in the media when contrasted to other works of visual art.
The media industry as a whole is used to “othering” movies, theatre, art, and other visual works that include a substantial proportion of minorities. Art that is deemed “diverse” or “pioneering for minorities,” such as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, is sometimes lauded exclusively for that distinction.
Supporting Topic: Supporting topic: Distinction of Art as Minority art
Minority art is a term that is often used. According to writer Erica Hunt, although most people do not identify art with the artist’s race when the artist is white, this is not the case when the artist is non-white. Miranda, a Puerto Rican, wrote Hamilton to reflect the cultural diversity he encountered growing up as a Latino. Miranda, his non-white co-stars, and the show as a whole were labelled “diverse.” Hamilton’s “otherness” adds to the “diversity” of the show.
While neither harsh nor pejorative, this term indicates why Hamilton is not representative of a post-racial America. Such a phrase does not exist in a post-racial society. Today’s “diversity” is seen as usual rather than deviant. A post-racial society would, in theory, dismiss the word “diversity” is redundant.
Supporting Topic: Continued pursuit of post-racial narrative
With its exceptional racial representation and controversial re-telling of American History, Hamilton emphasizes the necessity of diversity on Broadway and in American culture (Quiñónez, 68). As the musical shows, it is vital to include individuals of color in historical tales. The musical’s paradoxes and obstacles, as well as the public’s view, cast doubt on the idea that Hamilton represents post-racial accomplishment. Irrespective of its critical and economic success, the argument that Hamilton depicts the US resolving racial tensions is definitely wrong.
A post-racial America does not mean that all injustices and structural barriers are gone for people of colour. The necessity for additional “Hamilton’s” and the need of sharing people of color’s tales alongside the Founding Fathers’ stories is highlighted in Hamilton (Walsh). Hamilton is a notable historical landmark along the way, but the goal is yet unknown.
Works Cited
Hallemann, Caroline. “How the Cast of ‘Hamilton’ Made Giving Back Their Mission.” Town & Country, 8 June 2016, www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/news/a6439/hamilton-cast-gives-back/.
Herrera, Patricia. “Hamilton: An American Musical by Lin Manuel-Miranda.” Theatre Journal, vol. 73, no. 1, 2021, pp. 83–85, https://doi.org/10.1353/tj.2021.0014.
Mele, Christopher, and Patrick Healy. “‘Hamilton’ Had Some Unscripted Lines for Pence. Trump Wasn’t Happy.” The New York Times, 19 Nov. 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/11/19/us/mike-pence-hamilton.html?_r=0.
PBS. “Hamilton’s America ~ about the Documentary | Great Performances | PBS.” Great Performances, 7 June 2016, www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/hamiltons-America-documentary/5048/.
Quiñónez, Ariana. “The Cultural Significance of ‘Hamilton’s Diverse Cast.” Hypable, 10 Oct. 2015, www.hypable.com/hamilton-diverse-cast/.
Scherr, Arthur. “Alexander Hamilton and Slavery: A Closer Look at the Founder.” The Historian, vol. 83, no. 2, Apr. 2021, pp. 130–70, https://doi.org/10.1080/00182370.2021.1933693.
Seymour, Lee. “The Tonys Are Just as White as the Oscars – Here Are the #TonysSoWhite Statistics.” Forbes, 4 Apr. 2016, www.forbes.com/sites/leeseymour/2016/04/04/the-tonys-are-just-as-white-as-the-oscars-here-are-the-tonyssowhite-statistics/#77032c1f50a4.
Walsh, Shannon. “Hamilton: An American Musical Dir. By Thomas Kail.” Theatre Journal, vol. 68, no. 3, 2016, pp. 457–59, https://doi.org/10.1353/tj.2016.0081.
A report on the monetary policy of the Fed during the economic crisis between 2007 and 2009
A report on the monetary policy of the Fed during the economic crisis between 2007 and 2009
Introduction
Monetary policy is a process by which the central bank of a country controls the money supply in that country. The fundamental goals of the monetary policy are to stabilize prices and reduce unemployment rates among others. The monetary authority often uses tools of monetary policy to adjust the supply of money in a country. These tools mainly target the interest rate in pursuit of promoting economic growth and stability in the country. Depending on the situation on the ground, the monetary policy applied can be expansionary or contractionary. Expansionary policies aim at reducing unemployment rates by increasing money in circulation whereas contractionary policies aim at lowering inflation rate by reducing money in circulation. The Fed refers to the central bank of the United States (U.S), and is the body that controls monetary policy in the U.S. This is mainly done by the Federal Open Market Committee (FMOC). During the summer of 2007 financial crisis came up in the U.S. The reasons that led to the crisis are traceable as pointed out by Brunnermeir (77). According to Gourinchas (27) there was excess demand for safe debt instruments which made the financial sector to come up with pseudo triple-A assets which are vulnerable to financial crisis. Crisis in 2007-09 “reflected panic in wholesale funding markets that left banks unable to roll over short-term debt” (Wheeler 89). Once the crisis hit, it also became rapidly obvious that the policy interest rate was not a sufficiently powerful instrument to offset the contraction in aggregate demand and stabilize output. With federal funds rate rapidly approaching the zero nominal bound, traditional monetary policy had to be supplemented by vigorous fiscal policy as well as non-conventional monetary policy. Aggressive reaction to financial crises should be taken by the central banks (Wheelock 89). President Obama nominated Ben Bernanke for the second term as the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Fed to assist in preventing the economic crises.
Open market operation
This is a monetary policy tool that uses government securities to solve the problems money supply in an economy. The Fed buys or sells U.S treasury securities in the secondary market which ensures a desired level of bank reserves has been produced. Buying of securities from the public serves as an expansionary monetary policy as it increases the amount of money in the banks. This increases the amount of money in circulation. Selling treasury securities on the other hand decreases the amount of money in circulation since people will now hold their wealth in terms of securities and not cash balances.
The Fed increased the level of temporary open market operations on 9th August 2007. This helped in increasing money in circulation which stimulated economic activities (tobias and Hyun 1). The Fed further announced its intention to repurchase of securities ‘repos’ in 28 days cumulating to $100 billion (Thornton 16). It also created Term Securities Lending Facility (TSLF) with an intention to lend $200 billion worth of treasury securities to primary dealers.
Reserve requirement
This implies the fraction of demand deposit accounts and fixed deposits that must be held as reserves at the Federal Reserve Banks. They are non-interest bearing reserves. An increase in reserve requirements discourages borrowing by banks hence individuals thereby restraining economic activities. A decrease in reserve requirements ratio encourages borrowing by the banks. This avails enough cash to banks for lending to individuals which in turn stimulates economic activities.
The Fed decided to reduce the reserve ratio to encourage borrowing.
Discount rate
This is the interest rate at which the Fed lends money to the financial institutions as their lender of last resort. These are secured short term loans which aim at providing money to the depository institutions which require them. Increasing the discount rate will discourage borrowing from the Fed. This will translate to low amounts of cash that could be used to lend to the general public. As a result, the banks will increase their lending rates which will discourage borrowing by the public. This restrains economic activities. To stimulate the economic activities, the Fed should lower the discount rates which will make the bank to offer cheap loans to individuals.
On the onset of financial crises in August 2007, the FOMC reduced the discount rates and extended term loans to banks. This was to encourage borrowing by institutions from discount window. Credit terms were extended to 30 days in August 2007 and further increased by 60 days by March 2008 (Ceccetti 19). The Fed reduced the federal funds target and the discount rate. By December 2008, the target had decreased to 0%-0.25% which is the current range.
Figure 3, which plots the monetary base, the federal funds rate, and the FOMC’s federal funds rate target weekly over the period January 2006 through April 2012, shows that the massive increase in the monetary base was accompanied by a decline in the federal funds rate to near zero long before the FOMC reduced its federal funds rate target to that level. Indeed, the 10last three reductions in the FOMC’s federal funds rate target were the endogenous responses of the FOMC to a supply-induced decline in the federal funds rate. This is illustrated in Figure 4 which shows the effective federal funds rate, the federal funds rate target, and the 1-month OIS rate daily from January 2, 2007 through February 28, 2009. The vertical line denotes September 15, 2008. Prior to that date, the federal funds rate declined immediately on the announcement of a target change—reflecting the open mouth operations discussed in Section 2. Moreover, the 1-month OIS rate declined ahead of the target change, reflecting the fact that target changes were anticipated somewhat before they occurred. After Lehman, however, the federal funds rate declined in advance of target changes and the OIS rate lagged rather than led changes in the federal funds rate.
Conclusion
During the summer of 2007 the U.S. experienced severe financial crisis. This was characterized by increased home prices levels and decline of mortgage quality as well as spread of asset-backed security beyond its usual levels. Banks had held few asset-backed securities whose valuation posed difficulties to bankers. Due to large losses by the banks, they became reluctant in lending. Some financial intermediaries had difficulties in getting short-term financing which is essential for their daily operations. Policy makers had to intervene and try to make things work better for the economy. They created Term Auction Facility to change the way they used to lend to commercial banks since traditional interest rate instruments were not effective (Ceccetti 26). They went ahead to offer loan on Treasury securities in exchange for lesser grade instruments. In addition, they started making loans directly to investment banks. As a result of these interventions, the economy began to grow again by the second half of 2009, thanks to the Fed.
References
Brunnermeier, Markus, 2009, “Deciphering the Liquidity and Credit Crunch 2007-2008,”
Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 23(1), pages 77-100, winter.
Ceccetti, S. Monetary Policy and the Financial Crisis of 2007-2008, April 2008. Retrieved from http://fmwww.bc.edu/ec-j/Sems2008/Cecchetti.pdf
Tett, Gillian, “US banks quietly borrow $50bn from Fed via new credit facility” Financial Times, 19 February 2008, pg. 1.
Thornton, Daniel. The Federal Reserve’s Response to the Financial Crisis: What It Did and What It Should Have Done. Working Paper 2012-050A http://research.stlouisfed.org/wp/2012/2012-050.pdf
Tobias Adrian and Hyun Song Shin. “The Changing Nature of Financial Intermediation and the Financial Crisis of 2007-2009.” (2010): Federal Reserve Bank of New York Staff Reports, no. 439, Revised April.
Biopsychosocial Assessment and the Mental Status Examination
Biopsychosocial Assessment and the Mental Status Examination
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Institution
Course
Instructor
Date
Part A: Basic Information
Identifying information
The client is a 27-year-old Caucasian female. She is currently unemployed, although actively searching for employment. She has a daughter, with whom they used to live with her boyfriend Sean. However, Alex chose to leave her house with her daughter in order to get away from Maddy’s father, Sean, who is an alcoholic.
Referral
Alex was referred by the management of a shelter where she had gone to seek assistance. Alex was seeking a place for her daughter to be accommodated as she tried to figure out how she could provide for herself and her daughter after leaving her alcoholic husband.
Presenting problem
Alex has presented with relationship challenges. She feels that her relationship with Sean, whom she cohabits with is toxic and that it puts her daughter at risk. According to Alex, Sean frequently drinks alcohol, under the influence of which, he gets violent. Although he has never hit her or his daughter, Maddy, he has thrown items at her including glass objects which end up getting shuttered against the wall and littering the floor. Although it had happened for a while, Alex decided to leave the house when it became apparent that Maddy was not growing up in a healthy environment. While she was living with Sean, he provided for the bills and utilities. She now had the challenge of finding a job that she could use to sustain Maddy.
Sources of Data
The referring agency provided much of the preliminary information about the client. However, for each fact that was reported by the referring agency, the client was asked to confirm during interviews.
General Description of Client
During a presentation for the biopsychosocial assessment and the mental status examination, the client was distressed. Her anxiety seemed to be caused by running or hiding from someone that the client feared would eventually catch up with them. Even though she was running from Maddy’s father, she was protective of his behavior. She tried to make it apparent that the relationship was toxic in terms of creating an unhealthy environment for Maddy. However, she was very clear to mention that Sean was a good dad that was loved by Maddy and that she did not think that Sean was likely to ever physically hurt them.
Part B: Background and Current Functioning
Family Composition and Background
Alex is part of a nuclear family, composed of herself, her daughter Maddy, and her husband Sean. Maddy is 2 years, which means she is totally dependent on her parents for her all-around well-being, including psychological well-being. Alex’s husband owns the trailer that they used to reside in. Sean was also responsible for taking care of the family’s needs since Alex had not been currently employed. However, Sean has a drinking problem whereby he becomes violent after consuming alcohol. Alex has no siblings and the only family member whom she keeps in touch with is her mother. However, Alex and her mother have never had a good relationship. Alex’s mother has a diagnosable mental health condition but she has not embraced treatment or taken any medication.
Educational Background
Alex’s education life was not smooth. Even though she completed her high school education, she frequently transferred to new schools. After completing his high school education, Alex was eligible to join college. However, she did not enter college and instead preferred looking for employment as she sought freedom and independence from her mother.
Employment and Vocational Skills
The client, Alex, is currently unemployed. However, she has tried house cleaning jobs in the past as a maid. Earlier on before she got pregnant with Maddy, she used to do waitressing in a restaurant.
Religious/Spiritual Involvement
The client has not disclosed her identity with any religion or spiritual practices that she engages in. Since religion is an important aspect of culture, in its absence, other personal beliefs and attitudes influence her biopsychosocial wellbeing.
Military Service History
The client was never in the military.
Physical Functioning, Health Conditions, and Medical Background
The client seemed a little bit pale, weak, and distressed. Her presenting problem explained the distress. The paleness and weakness were explained by the client as a result of poor feeding. Alex did not report having any underlying health conditions. However, she noted a genetic predisposition to mental health conditions.
Substance Abuse, Psychological, Psychiatric Functioning, and Background
Alex did not report any history of having psychiatric problems. Although she consumes beer, it is on a few occasions and only to a limited degree. Alex has never considered herself an alcoholic. In terms of her psychological well-being, Alex has suffered an unhealthy relationship. Her husband, Sean, is an alcoholic who gets violent when he is drunk. Sean punches things when he is drunk as well as throws objects against the wall.
Social Community and Recreational Activities
The client does not have a good support system. Her mother has an unstable life which makes her unable to provide the support that her daughter needs. However, Alex does have a friend whom she can turn to when she needs help. When her friend cannot provide help, Alex does not have anyone else who can provide her with social support. IN terms of her hobbies, Alex enjoys writing, reading, and narrating in front of crowds.
Basic Life Necessities
Due to her unemployment status of Alex, she is currently finding it very hard to afford basic life necessities such as housing and food. As a result, she has to turn for help from a domestic violence shelter. As Maddy’s mother, Alex feels responsible for her wellbeing. She, therefore, believes that Maddy must be under custody. However, her husband Sean has petitioned to be granted full custody of Maddy. Since Maddy is Alex’s strongest motivation for living, she urgently requires legal representation in the litigation process.
Current Legal Concerns/History of Incarceration
The client does not have a history of the previous incarceration. The client is a documented citizen currently pursuing separation from her husband.
Other Environmental Psychological Factors
The client’s condition may be exaggerated as a result of her gender. For example, it is clear that Sean believes that a woman should be controlled and that they cannot support themselves without getting help from men. Similarly, the fact that she is from a low socioeconomic class, she receives bad treatment from the high-class citizens.
Client Strengths, Capacities, and Resources
The client is motivated by her daughter. She knows that she has to do everything that she can in order to provide for her daughter. This makes her consider seeking help as well as trying to resolve the situation on her own. She has even tried to look for employment in order to cater to her needs and those of her daughter.
Reference
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Maid. Dir. Smith Metzler Molly. Netflix. 2021. TV Series.