Interpretive and Evaluative Questions - 9/14/15

Jasneel Chaddha

9/14/15

WRI-UF 101.023

Prof. Mitchell Jackson

Interpretive and Evaluative Questions

“Popular Culture: What Everyone Needs to Know”

Interpretive:

1.)      From how it is described in the article, why is “popular culture” synonymous with “media culture”?

2.)      What does Nelson mean when she says that personal “popular culture produces bonds that forge the sense of community and serve as the cornerstones for the identities of individual participants”?

3.)      How does popular culture manipulate the beliefs and values held by people?

Evaluative:

1.)      Nelson argues that opportunity for leisure and pleasure often defines involvement in popular culture activities. How does this relate to the growing problem of obesity in America? Is popular culture the reason for the rise of an unhealthy generation?

2.)      Nelson states that “popular culture seeks to reach into our bodies, our minds, and our spirits to tell stories of good and evil.” How does this relate to rising consumerism and materialism in America? Is popular culture doing more evil than good?

3.)      Nelson asserts that influential popular culture, such as national and national-global popular culture, is highly profit-driven and therefore stratifies its audience in terms of social class. How has popular culture influenced our outlook on those living in poverty? To what extent, if any, has popular culture caused the poor to get poorer?

“Gen (Fill in the Blank): Coming of Age, Seeking An Identity”

Interpretive:

1.)      From Hochschild’s descriptions, what is the definition of a generation?

2.)      What does Hochschild mean she says that Gen X’ers “feel luckier than previous generations because they enjoy many more options”? Does this mean that there is more freedom?

3.)      What does Hochschild imply when says “we’re supposed to take care of ourselves. That's our only choice”?

Evaluative:

1.)      Mannheim describes a generation as “a cohort of people who feel the impact of a powerful historical event and develop a shared consciousness about it.” Which historical event would best define our generation, the New Millennials?  

2.)      Hochschild sees newer generations being defined by what its members buy rather than by what they do or who they are. How does this relate to the growing “Me” religion? Does this define our generation, the New Millennials?

3.)      Mr. de Lissovoy states that the negative aspects of newer generations include disposability, hyper speed, and consumption. He further states that more face-to-face interaction and a leisurely pace of life are necessary to sustain these newer generations. What impact did the technological revolution of the 1990’s and 2000’s have on these newer generations? Did this revolution truly make life easier, or more complicated?