Final Blog

This class has given me the opportunity to really examine our culture from other perspectives. I really never used to question our pop culture, I just excepted it. Now I find myself looking at it though new eyes. Why are we so entranced by reality tv? Why do we like watching people beat each to a pulp on live tv? Are we really the dumbest generation? Do we still appreciate the items shown to us in "Because its good for you"? If not, why? I  find myself asking questions about our society and culture much more often. I don't just want to be another pre-wrapped piece of american cheese. I want to be something with a little more kick, maybe a wedge of swiss?

When I read I find myself thinking more instead of just absorbing the words on the page. Culture Jam was a real eye opener for me. It was the first time I read articles really attacking our culture and it forced me to analyze parts of it that we just excepted before. I never really noticed the "noise" around me before. Now, it seems a bit annoying, I guess ignorance can be bliss.

Recently we have been discussing freedom of speech. We examined the Westboro Baptist Church in Tuesdays class. Its weird to say this, but it made me proud to be an American. Our country not only allows that behavior but protects the rights of those horrible people even though they offend 99.9999 (maybe another few 9's) percent of our countries population. After saying that, we don't allow numerous books in public schools. Censorship should not be allowed in any form, in my opinion. If you do not want your child reading a book, don't try to have the school board ban it. It angers be that so many parents get these books banned for the language, and ignore the bigger picture. Books like, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, and A Color Purple have all been banned in schools. I find that offensive.