Nov. 11 Cult of Personality

A cult of personality arises when an individual uses mass media, propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized, heroic, and at times, god-like public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.

 Many advertising agencies attempt to create a cult of personality for products. Also, celebrities also may reach the heights of a cult of personality. And obviously, world leaders may also develop a cult of personality through propaganda.


In what ways is a cult of personality good? How can it be bad?

Oct. 18--Satire

Satire is "the use of ironic humor and sarcasm to expose and criticize corruption, greed and foolishness." Satire is everywhere in our culture; in books, magazines, music, movies TV shows, websites, etc. 
1. What satires have you read, heard or seen and what was the message behind the humor?
2. Do you believe that satire is an effect form of social criticism? 
3. Can you find examples where a piece of satire has helped bring about change?

Soundtrack to F451

If Fahrenheit 451 was going to be made into an upcoming feature film, what song do you think would best exemplify one of the themes or motifs that we've discussed in class? What connections can you make between the lyrics of the song and the theme or motif of the book? Why would you pick this song to be on the soundtrack--does it fit in with setting/plot/emotion of the book?

Paste a video to your song.

Journal for Sept. 11: Is it right to censor?

Is it right to censor actions or words so that they become politically correct? Are we helping anyone by doing so? Or is it harmful to our free thought?

Political correctness is defined as "the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult certain groups of people."

What examples of censorship can you think of that really restrict our rights to express ourselves?

Journal Entry for Sept. 5: What is something that you have experienced in your lifetime but is slowly becoming archaic to the younger generation?

What is something that you have experienced in your lifetime but is slowly becoming archaic to the younger generation? Why is it special to you?

Journal for Sept. 3--What is ONE example of technology that humans rely upon too much?

What is ONE example of technology that humans rely upon too much? Why do you think we use it too much? Would we able to function without it? What did we do without it 50 years ago—or even 10 years ago?


Steve Jobs--the iPod is obsolete!