Geography 98/198 paper topics: Scarface - Monday, April 5th, 2004.

Papers should be approximately 1-2 pages in length, double spaced, 12 point times or similar font.

Due in class: Monday, April 12th, 2004.

Option A:

In the film we saw a Cuban man who came to the United States and was able to excel in his chosen trade. As a refugee in the Mariel Boatlift Pacino’s character was granted some level of refugee status and referred to himself as a Political Refugee. As we see in the article Florida (and the rest of the country) is turning away hundreds of people fleeing a country which is in arguably worse condition than 1980 Cuba, since they are considered immigrants, and not refugees. What are some ways in which the differences between refugee and immigrant can be politicized? Is it possible that an “economic immigrant” might actually be a refugee?

Option B:

We see in this movie a depiction of the crime and violence usually associated with the drug trade, and some of the attempts of the "war on drugs" to put a stop to it. By all accounts, the war on drugs has been unsuccessful at preventing either the import of huge quantities of drugs, or the violence. In your mind is a change in policy in order? If so, what should it entail? A harsher treatment of offenders, or a more moderate "treatment" plan? Should we solve the problem by simply legalizing drugs? If yes, should we legalize ALL, or simply SOME?