Blog Assignment #2--Part 1

Watch this video:

• Write a comment on the video post—click on the “comments” link below and add a comment like we did in class when we set up the blogs and you commented on the pictures.
• I am expecting that you will write a concise (about 100 words), organized, thoughtful comment, giving me some insight into what you think about the ideas in the video.
• There are no “right” or “wrong” answers here. I am interested in what you think.
• I will be evaluating you on how thoughtfully you are engaging with the ideas as well as how clearly you present them in writing.

Your comment will consist of a brief response to one of the following questions:

1. Colbert raises the idea that “truth” is just a matter of majority consensus—if enough people agree on something it must be true. He brings up the example of Galileo to point out that what “truth” is can change based on developments in areas of knowledge like science. What do you think about this idea? Is truth merely something “enough” people have agreed on? Why or why not?

2. One of the points Colbert is trying to make is that it’s kind of scary that anyone could change “facts” based on dubious motives—a whim, a political agenda, etc. Was it “ethical” for Colbert to change the Wikipedia entry on elephants like that (assuming he actually did)? Is it ethical for people to “use” information sources for their own ends? Why or why not?

• I realize that some of these questions are bigger than I am giving you space to write about here. Feel free to write a bigger post on your own blog if you are feeling inspired.
• Each student is required to make one comment, using the guidelines above. I am hoping that you will also read each other’s comments and perhaps engage in an online discussion. Any additional comments will make me happy but will not affect your grade.

Have fun with this...

America vs. Americans

This semester, as we have explored the unique development of Chicago as a dynamic community, we have spent time learning about the immigrants who came to make up the city. Our conversations and reading have helped us to understand Chicago as a global city, connecting with other nations as early as the mid- to -late 1800s for trade and industry.

To continue this conversation, we read Mark Hertsgaard's book "The Eagle's Shadow: Why America Fascinates and Infuriates the World," which looks at the United States and it's residents from a global perspective. On October 9th, our class began discussion of Hertsgaard's book, with a conversation about the following question:

Hertsgaard suggests that the world sees the United States in two parts: 1) America, and 2) Americans. How would you characterize each of these? Compare and Contrast.

Click on their individual blogs to see their responses. Enjoy!

Note: Photo taken from Wright State University at: www.wright.edu/uc/book.jpg.