Papers by Ms. Pacificah M Mariita
International Journal of Advanced Research, 2025
This paper examines Nicole Dennis-Benn's Here Comes the Sun through an ecofeminist lens, emphasiz... more This paper examines Nicole Dennis-Benn's Here Comes the Sun through an ecofeminist lens, emphasizing the intersectionality of gender, race, and class in shaping the experiences of sex workers in Jamaica. The novel's characters, particularly Margot and Thandi, navigate societal pressures and systemic inequalities that marginalize them based on their intersecting identities. Thandi's attempts to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards and Margot's engagement in sex work illustrate resistance against oppressive structures, reflecting the broader themes of exploitation and power dynamics. Environmental degradation is portrayed as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The narrative emphasizes the disproportionate impact of ecological harm on marginalized communities, highlighting the need for inclusive development strategies that integrate social, economic, and ecological considerations. Collaborative actions and multisectoral partnerships are proposed as vital for addressing the intertwined issues of gender inequality, environmental degradation, and socio-economic marginalization. The novel invites readers to critically reflect on the complexities of oppression and advocates for intersectional feminist praxis to achieve social justice and sustainability.
Abstract
Ta-Nehisi Coates and James Baldwin are two significant voices in African-American litera... more Abstract
Ta-Nehisi Coates and James Baldwin are two significant voices in African-American literature. They are both known for their moving meditations on the thorny problems of race, identity, and institutional oppression in the United States. Coates, a contemporary novelist and journalist, wrote "Letter to My Son" as a genuine account of his experiences and worries as a Black man growing up in America and parenting a Black kid. In this moving letter, Coates addresses the pervasiveness of racism and its long-term impact on Black people and communities. In contrast, James Baldwin, a mid-century literary star, wrote "A Letter to My Nephew," which digs into the African-American experience and offers significant insights into the issues of race and identity. This comparative essay investigates the fundamental themes and messages hidden in Coates' "Letter to My Son," revealing essential events that formed his consciousness about race and racism in America. It also highlights parallels and differences between Coates' and Baldwin's tales, offering light on their shared and individual experiences while confirming the historical challenges of oppressed racial and ethnic communities in the United States.
Abstract
In the wake of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign, the intersection of class and race ... more Abstract
In the wake of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign, the intersection of class and race emerged as a central theme in American politics. This essay delves into the insightful perspectives offered by two prominent sources: Nancy Isenberg's "Class in America and Donald Trump" and Charles Blow's "The Lowest White Man." Against a deeply polarized American electorate, these sources provide invaluable insights into the appeal of "Trumpism" and the broader implications of President Lyndon Johnson's poignant 1960s quote. The Trump campaign garnered substantial attention for its resonance with a significant segment of the white working class, prompting us to explore the rationale behind this phenomenon. Specifically, I will dissect how Isenberg's historical analysis elucidates the persistence of Trump's appeal within this demographic and assess whether Johnson's prescient quote regarding racial division and economic manipulation in American politics foreshadowed the ascent of Trump's popularity. By scrutinizing the intersection of class and race as delineated by Isenberg and Johnson, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the underpinnings of Trump's political success and its implications for contemporary American democracy.
This essay delves into the complex dynamics of intersectionality and invisible identities in the ... more This essay delves into the complex dynamics of intersectionality and invisible identities in the modern workplace, stressing their tremendous influence on professional experiences and career progression. The paper dives into the issues experienced by persons navigating overlapping minority identities, grounded in academic frameworks and supplemented by personal tales. The study analyzes the diverse negotiations of identity within professional contexts, ranging from the perspectives of LGBTQIA+ physical therapists to administrators of color in primarily White organizations. Understanding workplace dynamics, challenging conventional discourses, and deconstructing systematic barriers rely on the interconnection of race, gender, sexuality, and other social aspects. The investigation develops through academic viewpoints, personal narratives, and organizational techniques. It calls for a paradigm shift in recognizing multiple workplace identities, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies, cultural shifts, and continuing education. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of intersectionality in creating workplace experiences, arguing that encouraging inclusion necessitates a communal commitment to understanding and appreciating the unique array of identities that people bring to their professional lives. Understanding and appreciating intersectionality must be at the forefront of efforts to establish fair and inclusive spaces, encouraging situations where individuals may honestly negotiate their professional identities as workplaces develop.
Converging Perspectives: Environmental Advocacy in "Silent Spring" and "Unbowed" compares the env... more Converging Perspectives: Environmental Advocacy in "Silent Spring" and "Unbowed" compares the environmental advocacy in Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" and Wangari Maathai's "Unbowed." Published in 1962 and 2006, respectively, these works emphasize the interconnectedness between ecological well-being and social justice. Carson's "Silent Spring" exposed the devastating consequences of indiscriminate pesticide use on the environment, wildlife, and human health, inspiring a global awakening to the dangers of pesticide use. Her meticulous research and compelling storytelling catalyzed policy changes, increased public concern, and the establishment of environmental regulations. In contrast, Maathai's "Unbowed" chronicles her journey as an environmentalist and women's rights advocate in Kenya. It highlights grassroots activism, community mobilization, and women's empowerment as essential components of sustainable development. By empowering women and marginalized communities, Maathai's work demonstrates the integral role of community-led initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. Both works converge in their recognition of the interconnectedness between environmental degradation, human well-being, and social equity, inspiring collective action towards a more sustainable and just world.
Thesis Chapters by Ms. Pacificah M Mariita
OhioLink, 2024
In her memoir, Unbowed, Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist, has demonstrated with... more In her memoir, Unbowed, Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmental activist, has demonstrated with literary accomplishment how the environment is a vital component of our ecosystem. Mathaai shows that significant ecological degradation has occurred over the last two centuries due to the agrarian and industrial revolutions. In connection to the parallel ecological concerns in her African activism, women from all walks of life have borne the brunt of racial and ecological challenges. This study utilizes interconnected theories of womanism and ecofeminism by recognizing their interchangeability in analyzing the parallel subjugation of women and the environment within patriarchal structures. Womanism, originating from African American feminism, emphasizes Black women's unique experiences and struggles while advocating for justice and liberation. Ecofeminism, on the other hand, examines the intersection of gender and environmental issues, highlighting the exploitation and oppression of both. This thesis examines womanism through the lens of African American writers such as Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Alice Walker's In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens, Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower, and Toni Morrison's Beloved, alongside Wangari Maathai's memoir Unbowed. These works collectively illuminate the intersectionality of race, gender, and environmental activism, showcasing the resilience and struggle against oppressive structures while advocating for justice and liberation. The existing African eco-critical analyses are notorious for ignoring the literariness of works by women if they acknowledge the work in passing. Using Womanism and ecofeminism as theoretical frameworks interchangeably, this study closely reads Mathaai's study to propose that Maathai's personal experiences and activism demonstrate the intersectionality of environmentalism and feminism and the crucial role of women in protecting and preserving the natural world.
A booming ecofeminist symphony unfolds in Wangari Maathai's book "Unbowed," merging the voices of... more A booming ecofeminist symphony unfolds in Wangari Maathai's book "Unbowed," merging the voices of women, environment, and action. This essay goes into Maathai's story to investigate the complex interaction of these voices, which are linked by threads of resilience, empowerment, and environmental justice. Maathai's biography is a strong tribute to ecofeminism, illustrating how her work composes a plea for global change-a poetic appeal for unity, balance, and shared duty toward the Earth and one another. Maathai's beginnings in the Kenyan terrain and the cultural milieu that influenced her perspective are revealed via her own words, establishing the groundwork for the ecofeminist resonance that pervades her journey. Her story unfolds like a symphony, with many ecofeminist perspectives converged to highlight the interdependence of women and environment, resulting in a harmonic call to action. As discussed in this paper, Maathai's effect on women's empowerment and her appeal for global environmental justice demonstrate her ecofeminist beliefs and inspire a way toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
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Papers by Ms. Pacificah M Mariita
Ta-Nehisi Coates and James Baldwin are two significant voices in African-American literature. They are both known for their moving meditations on the thorny problems of race, identity, and institutional oppression in the United States. Coates, a contemporary novelist and journalist, wrote "Letter to My Son" as a genuine account of his experiences and worries as a Black man growing up in America and parenting a Black kid. In this moving letter, Coates addresses the pervasiveness of racism and its long-term impact on Black people and communities. In contrast, James Baldwin, a mid-century literary star, wrote "A Letter to My Nephew," which digs into the African-American experience and offers significant insights into the issues of race and identity. This comparative essay investigates the fundamental themes and messages hidden in Coates' "Letter to My Son," revealing essential events that formed his consciousness about race and racism in America. It also highlights parallels and differences between Coates' and Baldwin's tales, offering light on their shared and individual experiences while confirming the historical challenges of oppressed racial and ethnic communities in the United States.
In the wake of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign, the intersection of class and race emerged as a central theme in American politics. This essay delves into the insightful perspectives offered by two prominent sources: Nancy Isenberg's "Class in America and Donald Trump" and Charles Blow's "The Lowest White Man." Against a deeply polarized American electorate, these sources provide invaluable insights into the appeal of "Trumpism" and the broader implications of President Lyndon Johnson's poignant 1960s quote. The Trump campaign garnered substantial attention for its resonance with a significant segment of the white working class, prompting us to explore the rationale behind this phenomenon. Specifically, I will dissect how Isenberg's historical analysis elucidates the persistence of Trump's appeal within this demographic and assess whether Johnson's prescient quote regarding racial division and economic manipulation in American politics foreshadowed the ascent of Trump's popularity. By scrutinizing the intersection of class and race as delineated by Isenberg and Johnson, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the underpinnings of Trump's political success and its implications for contemporary American democracy.
Thesis Chapters by Ms. Pacificah M Mariita
Ta-Nehisi Coates and James Baldwin are two significant voices in African-American literature. They are both known for their moving meditations on the thorny problems of race, identity, and institutional oppression in the United States. Coates, a contemporary novelist and journalist, wrote "Letter to My Son" as a genuine account of his experiences and worries as a Black man growing up in America and parenting a Black kid. In this moving letter, Coates addresses the pervasiveness of racism and its long-term impact on Black people and communities. In contrast, James Baldwin, a mid-century literary star, wrote "A Letter to My Nephew," which digs into the African-American experience and offers significant insights into the issues of race and identity. This comparative essay investigates the fundamental themes and messages hidden in Coates' "Letter to My Son," revealing essential events that formed his consciousness about race and racism in America. It also highlights parallels and differences between Coates' and Baldwin's tales, offering light on their shared and individual experiences while confirming the historical challenges of oppressed racial and ethnic communities in the United States.
In the wake of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign, the intersection of class and race emerged as a central theme in American politics. This essay delves into the insightful perspectives offered by two prominent sources: Nancy Isenberg's "Class in America and Donald Trump" and Charles Blow's "The Lowest White Man." Against a deeply polarized American electorate, these sources provide invaluable insights into the appeal of "Trumpism" and the broader implications of President Lyndon Johnson's poignant 1960s quote. The Trump campaign garnered substantial attention for its resonance with a significant segment of the white working class, prompting us to explore the rationale behind this phenomenon. Specifically, I will dissect how Isenberg's historical analysis elucidates the persistence of Trump's appeal within this demographic and assess whether Johnson's prescient quote regarding racial division and economic manipulation in American politics foreshadowed the ascent of Trump's popularity. By scrutinizing the intersection of class and race as delineated by Isenberg and Johnson, this essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the underpinnings of Trump's political success and its implications for contemporary American democracy.