Swimsuit Role Models?

Read Jim Kent's news article "Rez Dog Swimsuit Models Address Native Voice Criticism" on pp.430-433. Do you think the author of the Native Voice article (Lise King) has a point? Are we a nation of prudes or do we use young women as a commodity or a way to sell products? Would you choose to appear on a swimsuit calendar as a career move? Do women who appear in swimsuits seem to be likely role models? Don't most people own swimsuits? Would you want your employer to see you in a swimsuit? Is Lise King confusing swimwear with nudity or are the images in the article problematic?

Rock and Roll

Read Jay Harrington's essay "The Origin of Grunge" on pages 72-75. What is Harrington's pointing out about the music industry? Do you like commercial music or underground music? Have any of your favorite bands "sold out"? If so, are they still your favorite bands?

Slants in the News

Read Ben Stapleton's essay, "A Pipe Dream: Real Reporting from Newsweek," on pages 438-440. What is Stapleton's criticism of mainstream news reporting? How is the example from Newsweek relevant to his argument? How is the Newsweek article he discusses biased or based on false premises?

Propaganda and Control

Read pp. 447-448, which contain an excerpt from the website Propaganda which is run by Aaron Delwiche (www.propagandacritic.com). What is the nature of propaganda? How does propaganda affect our daily lives? Do you feel that your thinking is affected by propaganda? How can you tell if your thinking is affected by propaganda? Would you rather be told what to think and what choices to make, or would you rather make your own decisions?