English 1A:
One. Newport and Kroc (craft without morals)
Two. Frederick Douglass, Black Panther, Lionel Richie's "Sweet Love," Northstar, Lost Cause and Alex Jones or Lost Cause and Glory
Three. Compare The Social Dilemma or "Nosedive" to Haidt "Stupid" essay and 2 essays from The New Yorker or The Atlantic (listed below): Write a thesis about manipulation and "dumbing down."
Four. Sunken Place 4 options
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English 1C
One. Food, Inc. 2 and Ozempic (Johann Hari)
Two. Choice A. When Is It Okay for a Comedian to Lie?
Responding to the New Yorker article “Hasan Minhaj’s ‘Emotional Truths,’” many critics have argued that Hasan Minhaj doesn’t get a pass for his lies like other comedians for several reasons. One, in the context of his stories, Minhaj is asking us to believe in their literal truth. Two, he is not a pure comedian. Rather, he presents himself as a hybrid of a comedian and a journalist who wants to drive home political messages. Three, he tells lies about real people, which puts a target on their backs and shows his reckless disregard for their wellbeing for the service of his political messages and self-aggrandizement. Four, by telling lies about racist incidents and bigotry, he is making it more difficult for people to be believed when these real incidents occur. In the context of these criticisms, write an argumentative essay that addresses the claim that Hasan Minhaj’s lies have crossed moral boundaries and have compromised his career as a beloved comedian. Be sure to interrogate Hasan Minhaj’s defenses of his lying to make “emotional truths” in his YouTube video “My Response to The New Yorker article.” Finally, be sure to have a counterargument-rebuttal section. Conclude your essay with a MLA-format Works Cited page with a minimum of 4 sources.
Two. Choice B. Interrogating Fantasy Narratives of Amanda Knox and Elizabeth Holmes
Analyze the witch-hunt-like persecution in the Netflix documentary Amanda Knox in which a young woman is victimized by a misogynistic legal system and a media enterprise that relies on misogynistic fantasies to sell a murder trial as salacious entertainment. Then analyze the rise and fall of grifter Elizabeth Holmes in the HBO Max documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley in which Holmes sells herself as a super tech savior come to save the world. Then write an essay titled, “Fantasies of the Femme Fatale Archetype and the Tech Super Savior" in which you explore the way fantasies misled the public, resulting in mass deception, chaos, injustice, and ruined lives.
Three. Choice A: Brandy Hellville and White Hot or Choice B: Her, Eternal Sunshine, Sherry Turkle (pick at least 2 of the 4)
Four. Mexican food
Write an essay that supports, refutes, or complicates the claim that the documentary Food, Inc. 2 and the pervasive use of Ozempic and related drugs show that weight management is more dependent on economic power and industrial manipulation than a matter of self-discipline and self-agency.
Write an essay that addresses the claim that the movie Her (2013), the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), the Netflix Black Mirror episode “Nosedive,” and Sherry Turkle’s Ted Talk video “Connected But Not Alone” are evidence that technology is dehumanizing us by manipulating us to replace human connection and natural suffering with superficial connections that leave us emotionally and spiritually impoverished.
Write an essay that addresses the claim that the misinformation that fuels The Lost Cause and the misinformation that made Alex Jones liable to criminal charges as evident in the HBO Max documentary The Truth Vs. Alex Jones makes a persuasive case that misinformation is the enemy of moral decency and a liberal democracy.
Glory Vs. The Lost Cause:
Cal Newport writes that passion must be combined with a craftsman mindset. Otherwise, passion is worthless. At the same time, developing a craftsman mindset must be done within a moral framework. Otherwise, being a craftsman is a fool’s errand. In this context, write an essay that addresses the claim that the Netflix movie The Founder, about the rise of Ray Kroc, is a cautionary tale about a man who pursues the craftsman mindset but does so without a moral compass.
Phil Stutz warns us of pursuing a Moment Frozen in Time, a false ideal of perfection that has “no depth or dynamism,” but is an empty promise that dooms us to emptiness, misery, and a sense of self-betrayal. In this context, write an essay that addresses the claim that the 1967 movie The Graduate and the 2018 movie Private Life are similar in that they provide us a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing a Moment Frozen in Time.
Sunken Place: 4 Options
Prompt 1:
In a 1,200-word essay with 5 sources, write an extended definition of the Sunken Place. For your definition, draw from Jordan Peele's movie Get Out, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and Childish Gambino's video "This Is America."
OR
The Sunken Place can be defined as a place of depression and demoralization to the point of paralysis often as the result of racist stereotyping. In this context, write an essay that compares the way Chris Washington in the movie Get Out succumbs and resists the Sunken Place to the way Frederick Douglass succumbs and eventually resists his own Sunken Place.
Prompt 3
Essay Prompt:
In recent years, there have been critics of teaching Jim Crow and racial injustice in the classroom. These critics claim that such teachings have degenerated into biased and extremist political ideology that is intended to indoctrinate students into an anti-American mindset with America painted as the unredeemable devil; that this anti-American mindset encourages helplessness and victimization, and that this mindset has corrupted educational institutions so that rather than teach critical thinking, they foster “Woke” political indoctrination. However, some will counter argue that such renditions of African-American history are a perversion of real African-American history, which through ignorance or malice twist the essence of African-American history in order to attack it. While it's true there are political dimensions to the study of African-American history, there are also spiritual, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. To truly understand African-American history, we must look to Frederick Douglass whose writings were designed to uplift the oppressed from what Jordan Peele calls The Sunken Place. In this context, write an essay that addresses the claim that teaching about the life of Frederick Douglass is a way of learning about racial injustice that avoids the aforementioned pitfalls because Douglass’ life embodies the importance of helping others rise above the Sunken Place, bearing witness to the truth, embracing individual self-agency to resist societal injustice, fighting to redeem America, and championing the wisdom of the Ancients for our continual self-improvement.
Variation with Black Panther Comparing Black Panther to Frederick Douglass
In recent years, there have been critics of teaching Jim Crow and racial injustice in the classroom. These critics claim that such teachings have degenerated into biased and extremist political ideology that is intended to indoctrinate students into an anti-American mindset with America painted as the unredeemable devil; that this anti-American mindset encourages helplessness and victimization, and that this mindset has corrupted educational institutions so that rather than teach critical thinking, they foster “Woke” political indoctrination. Write an essay that addresses the claim that the movie Black Panther and the life of Frederick Douglass present a way of learning about racial injustice that avoids the aforementioned pitfalls because the movie embodies the importance of bearing witness to the truth, embracing individual self-agency to resist societal injustice, struggling to reach an Aspirational Self defined by loyalty, discipline, and strength, and championing the wisdom of the Ancients for our continual self-improvement.
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Certainly! "The Social Network" explores themes such as ambition, entrepreneurship, technology, and the impact of social media on society. Here's a curated list of essays from The Atlantic and The New Yorker that share thematic similarities:
From The Atlantic:
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"The Attention Economy" by Derek Thompson - Explores how social media platforms like Facebook have commodified attention and reshaped the way people interact with content, touching on themes of technology's influence on society and the economics of digital engagement.
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"The Rise of the Social Media Influencer" by Taylor Lorenz - Examines the phenomenon of social media influencers and their impact on consumer culture, discussing themes of entrepreneurship, self-branding, and the blurred lines between personal and professional identity online.
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"The Dark Psychology of Social Networks" by Jonathan Haidt and Tobias Rose-Stockwell - Discusses the psychological mechanisms at play in social media platforms and their effects on individual well-being and societal cohesion, addressing themes of addiction, manipulation, and the erosion of trust.
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"The Cost of Connectivity" by Franklin Foer - Explores the consequences of living in a hyperconnected world, discussing themes of isolation, alienation, and the paradox of being more connected than ever while feeling increasingly disconnected from meaningful relationships and communities.
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"The Internet as a Force for Good - or Evil?" by Alexis C. Madrigal - Examines the dual nature of the internet as a tool for both positive social change and negative consequences, touching on themes of technological utopianism, dystopian realities, and the complexities of navigating the digital landscape.
From The New Yorker:
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"The Disruption Machine" by Jill Lepore - Critically examines the ideology of disruptive innovation and its impact on industries and society, discussing themes of entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and the mythos of the Silicon Valley startup culture.
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"The Tyranny of Convenience" by Tim Wu - Explores the consequences of prioritizing convenience in the digital age, discussing themes of technological determinism, the erosion of autonomy, and the trade-offs between efficiency and human flourishing.
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"The Problem with Online Dating" by Jia Tolentino - Critiques the commodification of romance and intimacy in the era of online dating apps, addressing themes of algorithmic matchmaking, gamification of relationships, and the impact of technology on modern courtship rituals.
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"The Death of the Phone Call" by Megan Garber - Examines the decline of traditional phone communication in favor of text-based messaging platforms, discussing themes of intimacy, authenticity, and the changing nature of interpersonal relationships in the digital age.
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"The Filter Bubble" by Eli Pariser - Explores how personalized algorithms on social media platforms create echo chambers and limit exposure to diverse perspectives, touching on themes of polarization, echo chambers, and the challenges of maintaining a shared reality in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.
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"The Illusion of Internet Freedom" by George Packer - Critically examines the idea of internet freedom and its limitations, discussing themes of censorship, surveillance, and the role of technology companies in shaping the public discourse and political landscape.
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"The Mindlessness of Social Media" by Maria Konnikova - Discusses the psychological effects of social media consumption on attention, cognition, and emotional well-being, addressing themes of addiction, distraction, and the need for mindfulness in the digital age.
These essays from The Atlantic and The New Yorker offer insightful perspectives on the themes explored in "The Social Network," providing valuable commentary on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and society.
Title: The Paradox of Gang Dynamics: Exploring Structure, Belonging, and Chaos in "Goodfellas" and "City of God"
In both Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" and Fernando Meirelles' "City of God," the portrayal of organized crime gangs offers a fascinating juxtaposition of themes: on one hand, they provide structure and a sense of belonging akin to a family, while on the other hand, they are marked by chaos and ruthless tribalism. This essay delves into the contradictions inherent in these depictions, examining how these films navigate the complexities of gang dynamics.
Both films present the allure of belonging to a gang as a means of finding identity and purpose in the absence of traditional family structures. In "Goodfellas," Henry Hill is drawn into the world of organized crime at a young age, finding camaraderie and mentorship among his fellow mobsters. The mafia offers him a sense of belonging and hierarchy, with figures like Jimmy Conway and Paulie Cicero acting as surrogate fathers. Similarly, in "City of God," the characters gravitate towards gang life as a way to escape poverty and marginalization, forming tight-knit communities within the favela. The gangs provide a sense of protection and belonging, with Lil Zé and Benny assuming roles of authority and respect within their respective groups.
However, beneath the facade of camaraderie lies a darker reality of violence, betrayal, and moral decay. In both films, the pursuit of power and status within the gang leads to a breakdown of trust and loyalty. In "Goodfellas," Henry's rise through the ranks is accompanied by a trail of betrayals and bloodshed, culminating in the infamous Lufthansa heist and the unraveling of his criminal empire. Similarly, in "City of God," Lil Zé's thirst for dominance results in a reign of terror, as he eliminates anyone who dares to challenge his authority. The gangs become embroiled in a cycle of vengeance and retribution, where loyalty is a commodity easily traded for personal gain.
Moreover, the gangs in both films perpetuate a culture of chaos and lawlessness that undermines any semblance of order or stability. In "Goodfellas," the mob operates outside the bounds of society's norms, engaging in illicit activities with impunity. Despite their claims of honor and loyalty, their actions are driven by greed and self-interest, leading to a constant state of paranoia and violence. Likewise, in "City of God," the favela descends into anarchy as rival gangs vie for control, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake. The pursuit of power becomes an end in itself, with little regard for the consequences or the lives destroyed in the process.
Yet, amidst the chaos and brutality, moments of humanity and redemption emerge, challenging the simplistic portrayal of gang life as inherently evil. In "Goodfellas," Henry's eventual downfall serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the fleeting nature of power and the cost of betrayal. Similarly, in "City of God," characters like Rocket and Bené offer glimmers of hope amidst the despair, striving to break free from the cycle of violence and forge a better future for themselves and their community.
In conclusion, "Goodfellas" and "City of God" offer nuanced portrayals of gang dynamics, exploring the contradictions of structure, belonging, and chaos within organized crime. While the gangs provide a sense of identity and community, they are ultimately marked by violence, betrayal, and moral decay. Yet, amidst the darkness, moments of humanity and redemption remind us of the complex interplay between good and evil, challenging us to confront the contradictions within ourselves and society at large.
Title: The Seductive Poison of Revenge: A Comparative Analysis of "Oldboy" and "Munich"
Revenge, often portrayed as a primal instinct, can be likened to a drug that promises catharsis but ultimately leads to derangement and destruction. Park Chan-wook's "Oldboy" and Steven Spielberg's "Munich" delve into the complexities of revenge, illustrating how it serves as a theater of justice, undermines long-term planning, and offers fleeting gratification at the expense of moral decay. This essay explores these themes through a comparative lens, examining the consequences of vengeance in both films.
In "Oldboy," Oh Dae-su's obsessive quest for revenge consumes him, transforming him from a mild-mannered businessman into a relentless force of vengeance. His single-minded pursuit blinds him to the collateral damage inflicted on those around him, leading to a cascade of violence and despair. Revenge becomes his sole purpose, driving him to increasingly deranged acts as he descends into madness. The film vividly portrays how the desire for vengeance can consume a person, distorting their sense of morality and rationality.
Similarly, in "Munich," Avner's mission to avenge the deaths of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics spirals out of control, as his team becomes embroiled in a cycle of violence with no clear end in sight. Revenge becomes a theater of justice, where moral boundaries are blurred and collateral damage is justified in the name of retribution. Avner's initial sense of righteousness gives way to doubt and disillusionment, as he grapples with the moral ambiguity of his actions and the toll they take on his humanity.
Both films highlight how revenge destroys effective long-term planning, trapping its protagonists in a cycle of violence and retribution with no escape. In "Oldboy," Oh Dae-su's fixation on revenge blinds him to the larger conspiracy at play, preventing him from seeing the truth until it's too late. His tunnel vision ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes ensnared in a web of deception and betrayal. Similarly, in "Munich," Avner's mission becomes increasingly futile as he realizes that each act of vengeance only begets more violence, with no resolution in sight. Revenge becomes a self-perpetuating cycle, consuming its participants in a never-ending spiral of destruction.
Moreover, both films illustrate how revenge entices us with short-term gratification, offering the illusion of justice and closure while ultimately leading to moral decay. In "Oldboy," Oh Dae-su's acts of vengeance provide him with a temporary sense of satisfaction, as he believes he has finally avenged the wrongs done to him. However, this satisfaction is short-lived, as he soon realizes the emptiness and futility of his actions. Similarly, in "Munich," Avner's initial sense of purpose gives way to disillusionment and despair, as he grapples with the moral consequences of his actions and the realization that revenge offers no true solace.
In conclusion, "Oldboy" and "Munich" offer compelling portraits of the seductive poison of revenge, illustrating how it leads to derangement, provides a theater of justice to appease others, destroys effective long-term planning, and entices us with short-term gratification. Through their powerful narratives, these films serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the corrosive effects of vengeance and the importance of seeking justice through more constructive means.
Title: Fantasies of the Femme Fatale Archetype and the Tech Super Savior: Deception, Chaos, Injustice, and Ruined Lives
In the modern era of sensationalized media and tech-driven narratives, two gripping documentaries, "Amanda Knox" on Netflix and "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley" on HBO Max, delve into the intertwined tales of two remarkable women: Amanda Knox and Elizabeth Holmes. These documentaries unveil the perilous consequences of societal fantasies, manifesting as the femme fatale archetype and the tech super savior mythos, which have ensnared the public imagination, resulting in mass deception, chaos, injustice, and ruined lives.
The Netflix documentary "Amanda Knox" exposes the witch-hunt-like persecution of a young woman entangled in a murder trial in Italy. Amanda Knox's ordeal highlights the insidious workings of a misogynistic legal system and a media frenzy fueled by sensationalism and misogyny. Knox becomes the target of a salacious narrative perpetuated by both the legal apparatus and the media enterprise, portraying her as the seductive femme fatale responsible for the tragic death of Meredith Kercher. The public's fascination with the "femme fatale" archetype, characterized by its portrayal of women as inherently deceptive and dangerous, eclipsed the pursuit of truth and justice. Knox's innocence was overshadowed by the lurid fantasies spun by the media, resulting in her wrongful conviction and years of unjust incarceration.
Similarly, in the HBO Max documentary "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley," the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes unfold as a cautionary tale of deception and hubris in the tech world. Holmes fashioned herself as the embodiment of the tech super savior, promising revolutionary advancements in healthcare through her company, Theranos. With her charismatic persona and grandiose claims, Holmes captivated investors, media, and the public alike, perpetuating the myth of the visionary entrepreneur poised to revolutionize an industry. However, behind the facade of innovation lay a web of deceit and manipulation. Holmes's promises of groundbreaking technology were built on a foundation of falsehoods, leading to widespread deception, financial ruin for investors, and jeopardizing the health and well-being of countless individuals.
Both documentaries underscore the perilous allure of societal fantasies and their devastating real-world consequences. The portrayal of Knox as the femme fatale and Holmes as the tech super savior demonstrates how deeply entrenched these archetypes are in our cultural consciousness. These fantasies not only distort reality but also perpetuate systemic injustices and enable the exploitation of individuals for the sake of sensationalized narratives and financial gain.
Moreover, the documentaries shed light on the complicity of the media and the legal system in perpetuating these fantasies. Sensationalized reporting and biased legal proceedings further fuel the public's fascination with these archetypes, amplifying their destructive impact. The failure to critically examine these narratives and hold accountable those who perpetuate them perpetuates a cycle of deception and injustice, leaving behind a trail of ruined lives in its wake.
In conclusion, "Amanda Knox" and "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley" serve as powerful indictments of the dangers posed by societal fantasies, specifically the femme fatale archetype and the tech super savior mythos. These documentaries compel us to interrogate the narratives we consume and the individuals we idolize, urging us to confront the reality behind the illusions. Only through critical thinking and skepticism can we hope to dismantle these fantasies and prevent further deception, chaos, injustice, and ruined lives.
Title: Wakanda, the City of the Aspiring Self: Black Panther's Celebration of African-American History and Empowerment
In the cinematic masterpiece "Black Panther," director Ryan Coogler crafts a narrative that transcends traditional narratives of African-American history, offering a refreshing departure from partisan politics, critical race theory, and narratives of victimization. Instead, "Black Panther" celebrates African-American heritage through the lens of empowerment, emphasizing themes of Ancient Wisdom, community rituals, disciplined self-improvement, and a clear moral code. In this essay, titled "Wakanda, the City of the Aspiring Self," I argue that "Black Panther" focuses on moral improvement and community building, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of victimization and nihilism that often plague African-American studies.
Central to the narrative of "Black Panther" is the fictional African nation of Wakanda, a technologically advanced society that has thrived in isolation from the rest of the world. Wakanda serves as a utopian vision of an African nation untouched by colonialism, embracing its rich cultural heritage while also embracing innovation and progress. Within Wakanda, the values of Ancient Wisdom are revered, with rituals and traditions passed down through generations. These rituals serve not only as a connection to the past but also as a source of strength and unity for the community.
Moreover, "Black Panther" portrays a society dedicated to rigorous self-discipline and moral improvement. The character of T'Challa, the titular Black Panther, exemplifies this commitment to self-betterment as he grapples with the responsibilities of leadership and the legacy of his ancestors. T'Challa's journey is one of growth and self-discovery, as he learns to navigate the complexities of power and the moral dilemmas that accompany it. His adherence to a clear moral code, guided by principles of justice, compassion, and responsibility, sets him apart as a true hero.
Additionally, "Black Panther" presents a vision of group identity that is nurturing and dignified, rejecting the divisive politics that often characterize discussions of race. In Wakanda, unity and solidarity are prized virtues, with each member of society contributing to the greater good. The film celebrates the diversity of the African diaspora, showcasing a range of cultures and traditions that coexist harmoniously within Wakandan society.
By focusing on themes of moral improvement and community building, "Black Panther" avoids the trap of victimization and nihilism that too often plagues discussions of African-American history. Rather than dwelling on past injustices or perpetuating narratives of oppression, the film offers a vision of empowerment and resilience. Through the example of Wakanda, "Black Panther" inspires audiences to embrace their heritage with pride and to strive for a better future.
In conclusion, "Wakanda, the City of the Aspiring Self" presents "Black Panther" as a groundbreaking film that celebrates African-American history in a way that is empowering and uplifting. By emphasizing themes of Ancient Wisdom, community rituals, disciplined self-improvement, and a clear moral code, the film offers a refreshing alternative to narratives of victimization and nihilism. Through the example of Wakanda, "Black Panther" invites audiences to imagine a world where unity, dignity, and moral integrity reign supreme.
Title: "A Baby Won’t Solve Your Problems": Ethical Considerations in Parenthood as Portrayed in "Private Life"
In the Netflix movie "Private Life," the characters Rachel and Richard navigate the emotionally fraught journey of trying to conceive a child. Their desperation and longing for parenthood drive them to extreme measures, but upon closer examination of their motives, flawed characters, and unrealistic expectations, it becomes evident that bringing a child into their lives would not only be unwise but also ethically questionable. In this essay, titled "A Baby Won’t Solve Your Problems," I argue that Rachel and Richard would be making a better ethical decision to not have children, rather than subjecting a child and themselves to the potential misery resulting from their unrealistic expectations as parents.
Throughout "Private Life," Rachel and Richard grapple with the pressures of societal expectations and their own desires for fulfillment. They view parenthood as the solution to their dissatisfaction and yearn for the sense of purpose and fulfillment they believe a child will bring. However, their motivations are deeply flawed, driven by a desire to fill a void rather than a genuine understanding of the responsibilities and sacrifices inherent in parenting.
Furthermore, both Rachel and Richard exhibit significant character flaws that raise serious concerns about their ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for a child. Rachel's obsession with conceiving a child borders on desperation, leading her to pursue invasive fertility treatments despite the physical and emotional toll they exact. Richard, on the other hand, grapples with his own insecurities and shortcomings, which manifest in his reluctance to fully commit to the idea of parenthood and his tendency to prioritize his own desires above those of his partner.
Additionally, Rachel and Richard harbor unrealistic expectations about parenthood, viewing it through a romanticized lens that fails to acknowledge the challenges and complexities involved. They envision a child as the key to unlocking happiness and fulfillment in their lives, failing to recognize that parenthood is not a panacea for their underlying issues. By clinging to this idealized vision of parenthood, they risk subjecting themselves and a potential child to profound disappointment and disillusionment.
In light of these considerations, it becomes clear that Rachel and Richard would be making a more ethical decision to forego parenthood rather than subjecting a child to the potential consequences of their flawed motives, character flaws, and unrealistic expectations. By choosing not to have children, they would be sparing themselves and a potential child from the turmoil and misery that could result from their misguided pursuit of parenthood as a solution to their problems.
In conclusion, "Private Life" offers a poignant exploration of the complexities and challenges of parenthood, highlighting the ethical considerations that accompany the decision to bring a child into the world. Through the characters of Rachel and Richard, the film underscores the importance of critically examining one's motives, character, and expectations before embarking on the journey of parenthood. Ultimately, "A Baby Won’t Solve Your Problems" serves as a reminder that the decision to have children should be made with careful consideration and a clear understanding of the responsibilities and sacrifices involved.
Title: Self-Obsession and Ferocious Competition: A Critical Examination of Doping in Sports
Introduction:
In the world of elite athletics, the pursuit of victory often blurs the lines between fair competition and unethical behavior. Ronnie Coleman, celebrated as the "King" of bodybuilding, and Lance Armstrong, renowned for his dominance in cycling, both faced allegations of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use during their careers. While some argue that condemning Armstrong for doping while giving Coleman a pass is hypocritical, a closer examination reveals nuanced differences in their circumstances and the ethical implications of their actions. This essay delves into the debate surrounding doping in sports, addressing the argument that all athletes seek any advantage they can, legal or not, before presenting a counterargument and rebuttal.
Body:
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The Prevalence of Doping in Sports:
- It is undeniable that doping has been a persistent issue in sports across various disciplines, with athletes constantly seeking ways to gain a competitive edge. From anabolic steroids to blood doping, the history of sports is rife with instances of athletes resorting to banned substances to enhance performance.
- Both Coleman and Armstrong competed in sports where the pressure to excel was immense, and the temptation to use PEDs as a means to gain an advantage was pervasive.
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Ethical Considerations:
- While it is true that many athletes may feel compelled to bend or break the rules in pursuit of success, the ethical implications of doping cannot be overlooked. Doping undermines the integrity of sport, deceives fans and sponsors, and poses serious health risks to athletes.
- The distinction lies in how athletes respond to this pressure and temptation. While some succumb to the allure of PEDs, others choose to uphold the principles of fair play and compete within the confines of the rules.
Counterargument and Rebuttal:
- Different Degrees of Moral Responsibility:
- It is argued that condemning Armstrong for doping while giving Coleman a pass is inconsistent, as both athletes engaged in behavior that compromised the integrity of their respective sports.
- However, this overlooks the fact that the severity of their actions and the consequences thereof differ significantly. Armstrong not only violated anti-doping regulations but also orchestrated one of the most elaborate doping schemes in sporting history, deceiving fans, sponsors, and fellow competitors.
- In contrast, while Coleman's PED use may raise ethical concerns, it did not involve the same level of deceit or manipulation. Moreover, the cultural acceptance of PEDs in bodybuilding, while not justifiable, may mitigate the moral culpability of individual athletes to some extent.
Conclusion:
In the realm of elite athletics, the ethical implications of doping remain a contentious issue. While it is true that many athletes feel pressure to seek any advantage they can get away with, whether legal or not, the line between fair competition and cheating must be firmly upheld. Condemning Lance Armstrong for his doping while giving Ronnie Coleman a free pass reflects the nuanced differences in their circumstances and the severity of their actions. Ultimately, the integrity of sport depends on the commitment of athletes, governing bodies, and fans to uphold the principles of fair play and ethical competition, regardless of the temptations that may arise.
A. Winter Dreams (Hasan Minhaj?) or B. The Graduate and Private Life or C. Goodfellas and City of God: Write an essay comparing Goodfellas and City of God that explores the contradictions of the gang providing structure and a family belonging on one hand and chaos and ruthless tribalism on the other. (see response below). The Oldboy and Munich (revenge, justice, derangement): Comparing the movie The Oldboy and Munich, write an essay that addresses the claim that revenge is a drug that leads to derangement, provides a theater of justice to appease others, destroys effective long-term planning, and entices us with short-term gratification.
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