Read the following essays and respond to the questions below each
” Anti-Intellectualism: Why We Hate the Smart Kids”
Question #1 Penrod suggests that intellectuals are disliked in part because of the “perception that concern for grades and test scores excludes the coexistence of normal social activities – and that this becomes a “self-fulfilling prophecy; ‘nerds’ are excluded from social activity because of their label, and that label in turn intensifies through the resulting lack of social contact.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
Question #2 To support his claim that anti-intellectualism is fueled in part by the media, Penrod names celebrities from sports, music, and politics who became successful without the benefit of education. Do you agree with Penrod that the success of these celebrities is partly responsible for anti-intellectualism? Why or why not? What evidence could be offered as a counterargument?
” Whodunit-The Media ”
Question #1 “The rule of the real,” Cutler writes, “says that however strong media influences may be, real life is stronger.” How does the “rule of the real” relate to youth violence? In what ways does this rule complicate the notion that media violence in some way causes youth violence?
Question #2 What is Maggie Cutler’s main claim? Where does she state this claim? What reasons does she give to support her claim, and does she convince you? If not, do you at least accept her argument as plausible?
