The Rutgers-Camden Undergraduate Review

Title Page

2023-07-17T08:53:31-07:00

The Undergraduate Review is a publication of the Honors College at the Rutgers University-Camden. The views expressed in The Undergraduate Review are solely those of the contributors and should not be attributed to the editorial staff, the Honors College, or to Rutgers University.

I Dreamt Last Night of the Three Weird Sisters: Fate as Depicted Through Textiles

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Fate has long occupied a central role in humanity’s imagination, belief, and sense of self. It is fascinating, mystifying, and often frustrating. Fate, fortune, destiny: all seem to be apportioned arbitrarily, sometimes unfairly. To many Indo-European cultures, this pointed to a divine agency predetermining their longevity and prosperity. Specifically, they pointed to supernatural women meting out fate at the birth of every child, often determined through spinning and weaving. This tripartite imagery—that of otherworldly women controlling the destiny of Man through the production of textiles—has worked its way into the imaginations of the general population as well as those in academia. It would be reasonable, then, to assume that there is a vast amount of textual references representing these three core images, however there is only a small body of evidence linking all three. Simply because there is an absence of historical evidence for it in no way means that it is absent from history. The persistence of this metaphor alone merits its consideration, and the imagery of textile arts is so well suited to the metaphysical idea of fate that it is no large logical leap to connect all three.

Editor's Introduction

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The Honors College at Rutgers University-Camden is delighted to introduce its second edition of The Undergraduate Review for the Fall of 2020—an academic journal by the students, for the students. The Undergraduate Review provides an exciting platform for the students to publish their academic and creative work and to get noticed by thousands of their fellow campus members as well as the staff and faculty at Rutgers University-Camden.

Poetry by Burke Donnelly

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List of Works:

The Valley of Literary Ashes

The Rough

O Solemn Emily

The Tanyard Twain

Des Jo in Ted Defines the Modernists

A Dreaded Frost Upon a Bridge

Hill’s beyond this pass, shaded in gray, The Hemingway’s

A Shining Star, Great Gatsby! I See Such Beauty in the glimmering Glitz of Fitzgerald!

don't look at me

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Poetry by Jochebed P. Airede

Environmental Proposal: Implementing Manmade Mangroves Along Cape May’s Coastline

2023-07-17T12:59:36-07:00

This environmental proposal by Andrew Bové suggests implementing manmade mangroves along the Cape May coastline in New Jersey to address beach erosion and protect the area from rising sea levels. The current methods of dredging and jetty construction have proven costly and environmentally harmful. The proposed solution involves building "sectional mangrove" barriers using bamboo and recycled plastic to mimic natural mangrove roots. These barriers would be placed strategically along the coastline, providing stability to the beaches, supporting marine life, and mitigating the impact of storms and hurricanes. The proposal outlines the potential benefits of the manmade mangrove forests, including restoring beach areas, aiding the fishing industry, and protecting the coastal economy from natural disasters. Overall, the proposal presents an innovative and eco-friendly approach to address the erosion problem and enhance the ecological health of Cape May's shoreline.

Teenage Pregnancy and Poverty

2023-07-17T13:05:38-07:00

Teenage pregnancy is a significant factor contributing to poverty among women in Ghana. This article explores the link between poverty and teenage pregnancy, highlighting the consequences of unplanned pregnancies for young girls, such as dropping out of school and facing societal stigma. The stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy in Ghana forces many unmarried girls to abandon their education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The lack of formal education among women makes it challenging for them to access better job opportunities, hindering upward social mobility. Early marriages and subsequent domestic violence further exacerbate the economic hardships faced by young mothers. The article argues that empowering teenage mothers with resources and education can break the cycle of poverty and contribute to social and economic growth in the country. Comprehensive sex education and access to birth control measures are crucial in preventing teenage pregnancies. The article suggests that long-term investments in women's education and empowerment are essential for effectively eradicating poverty in Ghana and other developing countries.

Management of a Cover-up: The Secrecy Behind the 1954 Guatemalan Coup

2023-07-17T13:10:35-07:00

A discussion of the 1954 CIA-sponsored coup in Guatemala, codenamed PBSUCCESS. Despite gradual declassification of related documents, the full details remain undisclosed. The coup was driven by fears of communism amid the Cold War, triggered by Guatemalan President Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán's agrarian reform ambitions. Various historians have examined the coup's complexities, and their research sheds light on the tactics employed by the U.S., including covert and psychological operations for both the coup and the subsequent cover-up. Different authors present varied perspectives on the coup, analyzing motives and actions. The U.S. used planted evidence and manipulation to distance themselves from the coup's responsibility and shift blame to communists. Despite their belief in protecting the hemisphere from communism, the U.S. invested significant effort in the cover-up.

Nutrient-Exercise Timing: A Treatment Method for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity

2023-07-17T14:15:49-07:00

Nutrient-exercise timing's significance as a treatment method for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity is explored in this study. It delves into the impact of exercise timing relative to mealtime on glycemic responses and insulin sensitivity. The circadian rhythm and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) play crucial roles in regulating glucose and insulin secretion. Emphasizing the importance of exercise before carbohydrate consumption, the study reveals its potential to enhance lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Proper nutrient-exercise timing could be a potential therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance and metabolic disorders in patients with Type 2 DM and obesity.

Our Collective Role in the Global Pandemic

2023-07-17T14:19:51-07:00

The emergence of COVID-19 has sparked a global conversation about the need to reconsider our food choices, particularly the consumption of wildlife and domesticated animals. Viruses that cause human illnesses often originate from animals, highlighting the potential risks associated with these practices. Wet markets and factory farming facilitate interactions between animals, enabling viruses to cross-contaminate and spread to humans. This article examines the consequences of anthropocentric eating habits, corporate greed, and lack of knowledge about microbe-level issues. It emphasizes the urgent need for a cultural shift away from animal agriculture to prevent future deadly pandemics and protect public health, the economy, and the environment. By making informed and responsible food choices, we can collectively contribute to a safer and healthier world.

The Blame Game: Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Religious Context

2023-07-17T14:23:00-07:00

The global COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about responsibility and blame in various religious contexts. This article explores the arguments made by some religious individuals who point fingers at different groups and forces of nature for the outbreak. The paper delves into the theological and philosophical debates surrounding the problem of evil, examining how it relates to COVID-19's attribution. Religious figures have blamed the LGBTQIA+ community, nature, and humanity as a whole for the pandemic's cause. By analyzing these arguments, the study concludes that the blame lies within the collective actions of humanity rather than being a direct judgment from God. The paper provides insights into the complexity of attributing blame and highlights the importance of understanding the deeper implications of such narratives during a global health crisis.

The Detriment of the Death Penalty

2023-07-17T14:43:53-07:00

The death penalty has been a part of human history for centuries and continues to be practiced in some countries, including the United States. However, opposition to capital punishment is growing due to its inefficiency in deterring crime. This article examines the drawbacks of the death penalty, including its exorbitant cost, lack of proven crime reduction, and hindrance to rehabilitation. The significant financial burden it places on states, combined with its failure to deter crime effectively, raises questions about its efficacy and fairness. Furthermore, capital punishment denies inmates the opportunity for rehabilitation and risks executing innocent individuals. These ethical and practical concerns challenge the continued use of the death penalty as a form of punishment in modern society.

Take Two: Immigrants

2023-07-17T14:47:46-07:00

This exploration delves into the profound historical and contemporary significance of immigrants in shaping the United States. From the early settlers and Ellis Island arrivals to modern-day immigrants, their contributions have been pivotal to the country's development and cultural fabric. By debunking stereotypes, the study emphasizes the crucial role of immigrants in building American society. Their impact on technological progress, evident in inventions like iPhones and the telephone, further underscores their value. The article also addresses discrimination faced by newer immigrants and advocates for recognizing their immense worth, especially among those seeking asylum from perilous circumstances. With compelling historical and current evidence, the research highlights the indispensable role of immigrants in America's growth and diversity.