Revised & Polished Essay Prompts for Fall 2024

 

Revised & Polished Essay Prompts for Fall 2024

1A Essay 1: Is Following Your Passion Bad Career Advice?

Choice A:

In a 1,200-word essay that adheres to current MLA format and provides a minimum of 4 sources for your Works Cited page, write an argumentative essay that defends, refutes, or complicates Cal Newport’s claim from his YouTube video "Core Idea: Don't Follow Your Passion," his online article “The Passion Trap” and "The Career Craftsman Manifesto" and Ali Adbaal's YouTube video "Follow Your Passion Is Bad Advice. Here's Why" that the career advice to follow your passion is dangerous and should be replaced by the craftsman mindset. Be sure to have a counterargument-rebuttal paragraph before your conclusion. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

 

1A Essay 2: Frederick Douglass Champions the Real Version of African-American History 

Choice A: Frederick Douglass Lifted Others Out of the Sunken Place

In recent years, there have been critics of teaching slavery, 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 and silence African-American voices. These defenders of African-American history will posit that 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. 

Choice B: Frederick Douglass and the movie Black Panther Point to a Way Out of the Sunken Place

In recent years, there have been critics of teaching slavery, 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 and silence African-American voices. These defenders of African-American history will posit that 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 can compare the themes in the 2018 Ryan Coogler movie Black Panther and 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 compares the way we can learn the essence of African-American history in the movie Black Panther and the writings of Frederick Douglass. This comparison should address 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 so that we can find our “Inner Wakanda.” Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice C. Glory Vs. The Lost Cause

The Lost Cause is a perversion of African-American history, a fabrication that claims that slavery was blessed by God and that in the system of slavery, whites and blacks lived in peaceful harmony, but the evil North ruined this harmony through “Northern aggression” and the “violation of state rights.” Write an essay that addresses the claim that the 1989 movie Glory provides an effective counter-narrative to the heinous mythologies behind The Lost Cause. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice D. Misinformation Is the Enemy of the People 

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. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

1A Essay 3: How Social Media Is Manipulating Us

Choice A

Using as your sources the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma,  Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid," and Sherry Turkle’s Ted Talk video “Connected But Not Alone," write a 1,200-word essay that explains the "nosedive" or mental breakdown of Lacie Pound in the Black Mirror episode "Nosedive." Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice B

Comparing the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma and Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid,"write a 1,200-word essay that addresses the claim that technology is dehumanizing us by manipulating us with cheap and easy dopamine and other insidious techniques that leave us emotionally and spiritually impoverished. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

 

1A Essay 4: The Sunken Place

Choice A: Defining the Sunken Place

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." Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice B: Resisting the Sunken Place

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 resists the Sunken Place to the way Frederick Douglass overcomes his own Sunken Place. Consider the following: Both have developed personalities with a strong point of view, a strong articulation of their point of view, and the kind of self-agency and self-worth that make any attempt to enslave or oppress them a near impossibility. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice C: Comparing Get Out and American Fiction 

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 and contrasts the Sunken Place in Jordan Peele’s movie Get Out with Cord Jefferson’s movie American Fiction. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

***

1C Essay 1: Is Losing Weight a Fool’s Errand? And Interrogating the Fantasies of Amanda Knox and Elizabeth Holmes

Choice A: Is Losing Weight the Domain of the Rich?

Consider the difficulty of losing weight as argued in Harriet Brown’s essay “The Weight of the Evidence” and Sandra Aamodt’s essay “Why You Can’t Lose Weight on a Diet”; consider the advantages of having disposable income to have access to Ozempic and similar drugs (look at author Johann Hari’s book Magic Pill, for example). Then write a 1,200-word argumentative essay that addresses the claim “losing weight and keeping it off is the domain of the rich.” In other words, can we rely on self-agency, nutrition literacy, and self-discipline, regardless of our economic standing, to control our weight, or is weight management governed by economic forces we cannot control? Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources. 

Choice B: 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 a 1,200-word 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. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can include the assigned movies as 2 of the sources. 

1C Essay 2: “Winter Dreams”

Choice A: “Winter Dreams” and Magical Thinking

Analyzing the therapist and best-selling author Phil Stutz's notion of magical thinking, write a 1,200-word essay that analyzes the manner in which Dexter Green from the short story “Winter Dreams” squanders his existence by obsessing over his all-consuming chimera Judy Jones. Because this essay is an analysis and not an argument, there is no counterargument-rebuttal section. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can use my Canvas modules for your sources. 

Choice B: “Winter Dreams” and Homecoming King: Centripetal Vs. Centrifugal Character Development

Centripetal character development can be defined as a character beginning with a maladaptive character trait at the beginning of the story or movie. As the story or movie progresses, the character’s undesirable personality traits intensify more and more until he is consumed by his inner psychological malignancy. In contrast, centrifugal character development can be defined as a character having limitations and impediments to his moral growth at the beginning of the story or movie. As the character engages with conflicts in the story or movie, he goes through a transformation so that he is a radically changed man, usually for the better. In this context, write a 1,200-word essay that addresses the claim that “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Netflix comedy special Homecoming King present us with radically different iterations of grand ambition. Analyze the causes behind Dexter Green’s ambition as a source of his centripetal character development. Then analyze Hasan Minhaj’s ambition and changing attitudes toward Bethany Reed as a study in centrifugal character development. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can use my Canvas modules as sources. 

Choice C: Comparing Ambition in “Winter Dreams” with the 3-Part Docuseries Arnold:

Centripetal character development can be defined as a character beginning with a maladaptive character trait at the beginning of the story or movie. As the story or movie progresses, the character’s undesirable personality traits intensify more and more until he is consumed by his inner psychological malignancy. In contrast, centrifugal character development can be defined as a character having limitations and impediments to his moral growth at the beginning of the story or movie. As the character engages with conflicts in the story or movie, he goes through a transformation so that he is a radically changed man, usually for the better. In this context, write a 1,200-word essay that addresses the claim that “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Netflix documentary Arnold present us with radically different iterations of grand ambition. Analyze the causes behind Dexter Green’s ambition as a source of his centripetal character development. Then analyze Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ambition as a study in centrifugal character development. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can use my Canvas modules as sources. 

1C Essay 3: FOMO and the Manipulation of Young People, Consumer Body Shaming; and When Is It Okay for a Comedian to Lie? 

Choice A: FOMO and the Manipulation of Young People

Read Derek Thompson’s essay “How Anxiety Became Content” and watch the documentary Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion (HBO Max). Then 1,200-word essay that addresses the way the essay and the documentary show how young people are manipulated by FOMO (fear of missing out), a pathologized notion of anxiety, a pathologized notion of fashion, herd behavior, peer pressure, social status, and how the marketing of extremes is used to exploit, manipulate, and abuse young people. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can use my Canvas modules as sources.   

For paragraph 1, write about how you were once manipulated into doing something as a result of desiring belonging, social status, and FOMO. 

For paragraph 2, summarize the major points in Thompson’s essay and the documentary.

For paragraph 3, your all-important thesis paragraph, write a claim that compares the manner in which social influencers market exaggerated maladies and Brandy Melville markets pathologized fashion resulting in a toxic, self-destructive culture. 

In terms of structure, your thesis might look something like this: 

“How Anxiety Became Content” and Brandy Hellville expose a toxic culture that manipulates and exploits young people by unscrupulously relying on _________________, _________________, _________________, and _____________________________, _________________________

 

Your body paragraphs, 4-8, would expound on the mapping components represented by the blank spaces that follow the above thesis structure. 

Because this essay is analyzing the causes of toxic culture and is more of an analysis essay than it is argumentative, there is no counterargument-rebuttal section.

Paragraph 9, your conclusion, is a powerful restatement of your thesis. 

Your last page is your Works Cited page in MLA format. You need 4 sources, the documentary, Thompson’s essay, and at least one of my modules from Canvas. 

 

1C Essay 4 Cultural Appreciation Vs.Cultural Appropriation

Our fourth essay will be an argumentative essay that defends, refutes, or complicates food and culture writer Gustavo Arellano’s claim in his essay “Let White People Appropriate Mexican Food” and elsewhere that in the realm of food, especially Mexican food, we must step away from the Cult of Authenticity and embrace the idea that the greatness of Mexican food is related to its constant evolution from stealing, borrowing, synthesizing, and even culturally appropriating from one ethnic culture to another and that cuisines that fail to evolve lack relevance and vitality. 

In this context, write an argumentative essay that defends, refutes, or complicates the claim by food and culture writer Gustavo Arellano in his essay “Let White People Appropriate Mexican Food” and elsewhere that in the realm of food, especially Mexican food, we must step away from the Cult of Authenticity and embrace the idea that the greatness of Mexican food is related to its constant evolution from stealing, borrowing, synthesizing, and even culturally appropriating from one ethnic culture to another and that cuisines that fail to evolve lack relevance and vitality. 

Sample Outline:

Paragraph 1: Summarize the main ideas in the article by Gustavo Arellano titled “Let White People Appropriate Mexican Food.” Or summarize the main ideas in the YouTube video “Cultural Appropriation Tastes Damn Good.”

Paragraph 2: Then transition to an argumentative claim in which you show support or repudiation of Arellano’s main ideas.

Paragraphs 3-6 would be your supporting paragraphs.

Paragraphs 7 and 8 would be your counterargument-rebuttal.

Paragraph 9 would be a powerful restatement of your thesis, which is your conclusion.  

Your last page would be your Works Cited page in MLA format and a minimum of 4 sources. 

***

Choice B

The Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma shows how we are manipulated and dehumanized so that metaphorically we turn into zombies with our brains intoxicated by the liquor of cheap dopamine. Write a 1,200 word essay that shows how The Social Dilemma compares this zombie state to that of the virus in the 2013 movie World War Z. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 credible sources. You can use my Canvas modules as sources. 

Sample Outline:

Paragraph 1: Summarize the ways we become dehumanized by social media according to The Social Dilemma. 

Paragraph 2, your thesis: Argue that the "zombie state" in The Social Dilemma compares to the 2013 movie World War Z in 5 ways, making the movie an allegory of a global digital society dissolved into mindless chaos as the result of a pandemic. 

Paragraphs 3-7, your body paragraphs expound on the comparison points. 

Paragraph 8, your conclusion, is a dramatic restatement of your thesis. 

For comparison ideas, I put the following prompt in ChatGPT:

 

The documentary The Social Dilemma shows how we are manipulated and dehumanized so that metaphorically we turn into zombies. Present 5 ways The Social Dilemma compares this zombie state to that of the virus in the 2013 movie World War Z. 

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

"The Social Dilemma" and "World War Z" both offer chilling perspectives on the loss of agency and autonomy within society. Here are five ways they compare the metaphorical zombie state portrayed in both narratives:

1. Infectious Behavior Spread: Just as the virus spreads rapidly in "World War Z," the addictive and manipulative algorithms portrayed in "The Social Dilemma" spread throughout society, infecting individuals with behaviors that mimic those around them. Much like how the virus in the movie turns people into mindless zombies, the addictive nature of social media algorithms can turn users into passive consumers, devoid of critical thinking skills.

2. Loss of Individuality: In "World War Z," individuals lose their sense of self and become part of a mindless horde. Similarly, "The Social Dilemma" depicts how social media platforms gather vast amounts of personal data to tailor content and advertisements, leading to a loss of individuality as users are bombarded with targeted messaging designed to influence their thoughts and behaviors.

3. Mob Mentality and Groupthink: Both narratives explore the dangers of mob mentality and groupthink. In "World War Z," the infected move as a single, frenzied mass, while in "The Social Dilemma," online communities can become echo chambers where dissenting voices are silenced, leading to a collective mindset that stifles critical thinking and reinforces polarized viewpoints.

4. Manipulation by External Forces: In "World War Z," the virus manipulates individuals to serve its own destructive purposes. Similarly, "The Social Dilemma" reveals how social media platforms manipulate user behavior to maximize engagement and profit, often at the expense of users' well-being and autonomy.

5. Struggle for Control: Both narratives depict a struggle for control over one's own mind and actions. In "World War Z," survivors fight to maintain their humanity amidst the chaos of the zombie apocalypse. Likewise, "The Social Dilemma" highlights the importance of awareness and critical thinking in resisting the manipulative tactics employed by social media platforms to control users' attention and behavior.

These comparisons underscore the powerful parallels between the metaphorical zombie state portrayed in "The Social Dilemma" and the viral outbreak in "World War Z," both of which serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of relinquishing control to external forces.

***

Variation of the Above with COVID Pandemic Factor Added

 

The documentary The Social Dilemma shows how we are manipulated and dehumanized so that metaphorically we turn into zombies. This dehumanization worsened during the COVID pandemic when we fell deeper down various social media platforms. Present 5 ways The Social Dilemma compares this zombie state to that of the virus in the 2013 movie World War Z and the zombie state during the COVID pandemic.  

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Certainly, "The Social Dilemma" offers a compelling narrative on how social media platforms manipulate users and foster a sense of detachment from reality, akin to a metaphorical "zombie" state. Here are five ways this comparison can be drawn between the themes explored in "The Social Dilemma," the zombie apocalypse depicted in "World War Z," and the societal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Contagious Behavior: Just as the virus spreads rapidly in "World War Z," the addictive nature of social media content spreads swiftly among users, influencing their behavior and thoughts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this spread was exacerbated as people spent more time online, leading to a proliferation of misinformation and echo chambers that further detached individuals from reality.

2. Loss of Autonomy: In both scenarios, individuals lose their autonomy and become slaves to their impulses. In "The Social Dilemma," algorithms tailor content to manipulate user behavior, while in "World War Z," the infected lose control of their actions to the virus. Similarly, during the pandemic, excessive reliance on social media led to a loss of critical thinking skills and independent decision-making as individuals became consumed by online narratives.

3. Dehumanization: The dehumanization of individuals is a central theme in both narratives. In "World War Z," the infected lose their humanity as they succumb to the virus, while in "The Social Dilemma," users are reduced to data points and targeted for profit without regard for their well-being. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the depersonalization of individuals online contributed to polarization and divisiveness, further eroding empathy and understanding.

4. Erosion of Social Fabric: Both scenarios illustrate the erosion of societal norms and institutions. In "World War Z," the collapse of governments and social order leads to chaos and anarchy, while in "The Social Dilemma," the breakdown of authentic human connections in favor of virtual interactions undermines social cohesion. Similarly, the isolation and disconnection fostered by the pandemic exacerbated feelings of alienation and distrust within communities.

5. Overcoming the Threat: Despite the bleakness of their respective situations, both narratives offer hope for redemption. In "World War Z," the protagonist seeks a cure to halt the spread of the virus and restore humanity, while in "The Social Dilemma," awareness of the manipulative tactics employed by social media platforms sparks a movement for change. Likewise, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to combat misinformation and promote digital literacy have emerged as crucial steps towards reclaiming agency and rebuilding trust in online spaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

Show 5 ways the virus in the 2013 World War Z is a metaphor for the kind of mental virus that is dehumanizing us as explored in Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid."

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Certainly, here are five ways in which the virus depicted in the 2013 novel "World War Z" serves as a metaphor for the kind of mental virus that dehumanizes individuals, as explored in Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid":

1. Infectious Spread and Polarization:

   • The virus in "World War Z" spreads rapidly and indiscriminately, infecting individuals across all demographics.
   • Similarly, the ideological "viruses" discussed by Haidt, such as political polarization and tribalism, have spread widely in American society, leading to increased division and animosity between different groups.

2. Loss of Individuality and Groupthink:

   • Once infected in "World War Z," individuals lose their sense of self and individuality, becoming mindless drones driven solely by the virus's agenda.
   • Likewise, Haidt observes a trend towards conformity and groupthink in modern American society, where individuals adhere rigidly to ideological narratives at the expense of critical thinking and independent judgment.

3. Dehumanization and Othering:

   • Infected individuals in "World War Z" lose their humanity, viewing non-infected humans as "other" and often resorting to violence against them.
   • Similarly, Haidt discusses how ideological polarization has led to dehumanization of political opponents, with individuals demonizing those who hold different beliefs as enemies rather than fellow citizens.

4. Erosion of Empathy and Compassion:

   • The virus in "World War Z" erodes empathy and compassion among infected individuals, leading to acts of cruelty and violence against others.
   • Similarly, Haidt highlights how ideological "viruses" can diminish empathy and compassion in society, as individuals prioritize loyalty to their group over concern for the well-being of others.

5. Destructive Consequences and Societal Collapse:

   • In "World War Z," the spread of the virus ultimately leads to societal collapse, with widespread chaos, violence, and loss of life.
   • Similarly, Haidt warns of the destructive consequences of unchecked ideological polarization, including societal breakdown and the erosion of democratic norms and institutions.

 

***

The 2013 movie World War Z is not just a prophecy about the Covid pandemic. It’s a prophecy about how the Covid pandemic put people in an internet crucible in which they got drunk on the liquor of cheap dopamine and were dehumanized and “zombified.” Present 7 examples of how this aforementioned prophecy was fulfilled.

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Comparing the themes of "World War Z" to the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals several striking parallels, showcasing how the film's portrayal of a global crisis resonates with aspects of our contemporary reality. Here are seven examples illustrating how the prophecy was fulfilled:

1. Information Overload and Panic: In "World War Z," the rapid spread of the zombie virus leads to widespread panic and misinformation. Similarly, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the flood of conflicting information and rumors on social media platforms contributed to heightened anxiety and confusion among the public.

2. Dopamine-driven Behavior: The film portrays individuals succumbing to impulsive and reckless behavior in their pursuit of survival, often driven by the adrenaline rush of facing imminent danger. Similarly, during the pandemic, people turned to social media and online entertainment as a form of escapism, seeking instant gratification and dopamine hits through likes, shares, and viral content.

3. Dehumanization and Polarization: As society grapples with the zombie outbreak in "World War Z," there is a breakdown of social cohesion, leading to the dehumanization of both infected and uninfected individuals. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing societal divisions, fueling hostility and polarization between those advocating for public health measures and those resisting them.

4. Digital Echo Chambers: The internet serves as a breeding ground for conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies in the film, amplifying fear and distrust among the population. Similarly, the pandemic fueled the proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories online, leading to the formation of echo chambers where individuals reinforce their preexisting beliefs without critical evaluation.

5. Economic Disruption and Inequality: "World War Z" portrays the collapse of global economies and widespread unemployment as a consequence of the zombie outbreak. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant economic disruption, exacerbating inequalities and disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, including low-income workers and marginalized communities.

6. Governmental Response and Accountability: The film depicts the challenges governments face in coordinating an effective response to the crisis amidst bureaucratic inefficiencies and political infighting. Similarly, the pandemic exposed shortcomings in governmental preparedness and response, leading to debates over accountability and the effectiveness of public health measures.

7. Resilience and Adaptation: Despite the chaos and devastation depicted in "World War Z," the film also highlights humanity's capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired acts of solidarity and innovation, as communities come together to support one another and adapt to new ways of living and working in a post-pandemic world.

By examining these parallels between "World War Z" and the COVID-19 pandemic, we can gain insights into the societal and psychological challenges posed by global crises and the importance of resilience, solidarity, and critical thinking in navigating uncertain times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

Compare 7 points of dehumanization in the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma and  Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid."

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Certainly, let's compare seven points of dehumanization evident in both "The Social Dilemma" and Jonathan Haidt's essay "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid."

1. Surveillance and Manipulation:

   • In "The Social Dilemma," social media platforms surveil users' behavior and manipulate their feeds to maximize engagement and profit.
   • Haidt's essay touches on how social media algorithms prioritize sensationalist content, fueling outrage and division for clicks and views. This manipulation undermines genuine discourse and fosters polarization.

2. Algorithmic Bias:

   • "The Social Dilemma" discusses how algorithms reinforce biases by showing users content that aligns with their existing beliefs, leading to echo chambers.
   • Haidt highlights how social media amplifies tribalism by presenting selective information, perpetuating stereotypes, and eroding empathy for those with differing viewpoints.

3. Addiction and Dopamine Response:

   • Both the documentary and Haidt's essay explore how social media platforms exploit users' psychological vulnerabilities to foster addiction and drive engagement.
   • They both argue that the constant dopamine hits from likes, shares, and notifications can lead to diminished attention spans and addictive behavior, dehumanizing individuals by reducing them to mere sources of attention.

4. Mental Health Impact:

   • "The Social Dilemma" discusses the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
   • Haidt's essay suggests that the constant exposure to negative news and outrage culture on social media contributes to a culture of fear and pessimism, dehumanizing individuals by undermining their sense of security and well-being.

5. Loss of Authenticity:

   • Both "The Social Dilemma" and Haidt's essay argue that social media encourages individuals to present curated, idealized versions of themselves, leading to a loss of authenticity and genuine connection.
   • They suggest that this emphasis on perfection and comparison dehumanizes individuals by eroding their sense of identity and self-worth.

6. Polarization and Tribalism:

   • Both sources explore how social media exacerbates societal divisions by amplifying extreme viewpoints and fostering tribalistic behavior.
   • They argue that this polarization dehumanizes individuals by reducing complex issues to simplistic narratives and fostering hostility towards those with differing opinions.

7. Manipulation of Reality:

   • "The Social Dilemma" highlights how social media distorts reality by promoting curated images and narratives, leading to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.
   • Haidt's essay suggests that the constant exposure to sensationalist news and viral misinformation on social media blurs the line between fact and fiction, undermining trust in institutions and dehumanizing individuals by eroding their sense of reality.

These comparisons illustrate how both "The Social Dilemma" and Haidt's essay identify various forms of dehumanization perpetuated by social media and its impact on society.

 

***

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, provide 7 examples to support the claim that teaching about the life of Frederick Douglass is a way of learning about racial injustice that 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. 

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

1. Uplifting the Oppressed: Frederick Douglass's life story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing oppression. Born into slavery, Douglass endured unimaginable hardships but ultimately liberated himself through education and activism. His narrative demonstrates the transformative power of knowledge and self-determination, inspiring generations to rise above adversity.

2. Escaping the Sunken Place: Jordan Peele's concept of "The Sunken Place" in his film "Get Out" symbolizes a state of psychological captivity and subjugation. Douglass's writings, particularly his autobiographies like "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," provide a roadmap for breaking free from societal constraints and reclaiming one's agency. By sharing his experiences, Douglass invites readers to confront the reality of oppression and challenge systems of injustice.

3. Bearing Witness to Truth: Douglass was a fearless truth-teller who exposed the brutal realities of slavery and racism. His speeches and writings, such as his famous Fourth of July address, unflinchingly confronted America's hypocrisy and demanded justice for all people. Studying Douglass's work enables students to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation's past while inspiring them to advocate for a more equitable future.

4. Embracing Individual Self-Agency: Despite facing insurmountable odds, Douglass refused to succumb to despair or resignation. Instead, he seized every opportunity to assert his humanity and challenge the status quo. Through his actions, Douglass exemplified the power of individual agency in effecting meaningful change. His life teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming oppression, each person possesses the capacity to resist and overcome.

5. Fighting to Redeem America: Douglass believed in the promise of America, even as he condemned its failures to live up to its ideals. He tirelessly advocated for the abolition of slavery, suffrage for women, and equal rights for all citizens. Douglass's activism embodied the belief that America could only fulfill its potential by confronting its history of injustice and striving towards a more inclusive society.

6. Championing the Wisdom of the Ancients: Douglass was a voracious reader and intellectual who drew inspiration from classical literature and philosophy. His speeches often referenced ancient Greek and Roman thinkers, demonstrating his appreciation for the timeless wisdom found in their writings. By integrating these insights into his advocacy, Douglass emphasized the universality of human rights and the enduring relevance of moral principles across cultures and epochs.

7. Continual Self-Improvement: Douglass's life was a testament to the power of continual self-improvement and lifelong learning. Despite achieving remarkable success as an abolitionist leader, he remained humble and committed to personal growth. Douglass's journey from bondage to freedom illustrates the transformative potential of education and self-reflection. By studying his life and legacy, students are encouraged to embark on their own paths of discovery and self-empowerment.

 

***

During the COVID pandemic, society became even more polarized, radicalized, and open to grand conspiracies. The accretion of these developments had a dehumanizing effect on people. Elaborate on these themes by comparing 7 points of dehumanization resulting from the COVID pandemic to the "zombification" and world chaos evident in the 2013 movie World War Z.

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

In the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic, societal fissures deepened, fostering a landscape ripe for polarization, radicalization, and the proliferation of grand conspiracies. This tumultuous terrain was not merely a stage for ideological clashes but also an arena where the human essence seemed to erode, giving rise to a disturbing array of dehumanizing phenomena. Drawing parallels to the "zombification" and global chaos depicted in the 2013 film "World War Z," we can discern seven points of convergence where the dehumanizing effects of the pandemic echo the chaos of a world overrun by the undead:

1. Othering and Stigmatization: Just as survivors in "World War Z" faced the dehumanizing reality of viewing their infected counterparts as soulless threats, the pandemic exacerbated tendencies to "other" and stigmatize certain groups. Whether through scapegoating ethnic minorities, vilifying frontline workers, or ostracizing those who contracted the virus, societies witnessed a troubling surge in dehumanizing rhetoric and behavior.

2. Information Warfare and Disinformation: In both the pandemic reality and the fictional world of "World War Z," the dissemination of misinformation and propaganda fueled confusion and fear. Just as the spread of false narratives in the movie led to societal breakdown, the deluge of conspiracy theories and misleading information during the pandemic undermined trust in institutions, eroding the bonds of shared reality and fostering a climate of suspicion and paranoia.

3. Erosion of Empathy and Solidarity: The breakdown of social cohesion portrayed in "World War Z" finds parallels in the erosion of empathy and solidarity witnessed during the pandemic. As individuals and communities grappled with the strain of lockdowns, economic hardship, and loss, empathy fatigue set in, giving way to a callous indifference to the suffering of others and a prioritization of self-preservation over collective well-being.

4. Weaponization of Fear and Anxiety: Just as fear served as a potent weapon in the arsenal of those seeking to exploit chaos in "World War Z," the pandemic provided fertile ground for the weaponization of fear and anxiety. From political leaders leveraging public anxiety to advance their agendas to extremist groups capitalizing on societal unrest to recruit new adherents, fear became a tool for manipulation, further fracturing society along ideological fault lines.

5. Dehumanization in Digital Spaces: The digital realm, portrayed as a battleground for survival in "World War Z," mirrored the pandemic's digital landscape, where dehumanization flourished unchecked. Online echo chambers amplified extremist views, while the anonymity afforded by screens emboldened individuals to unleash vitriol and hate with impunity, further eroding the boundaries of civil discourse and empathy.

6. Economic Exploitation and Inequality: In both the pandemic reality and the apocalyptic world of "World War Z," economic disparities deepened, exacerbating existing inequalities and widening the chasm between the haves and the have-nots. As corporations capitalized on crisis-driven demand and governments prioritized economic recovery over social welfare, marginalized communities bore the brunt of exploitation and neglect, their humanity reduced to mere collateral in the pursuit of profit.

7. Desensitization to Violence and Suffering: Finally, just as the relentless onslaught of zombie hordes in "World War Z" desensitized survivors to violence and suffering, the relentless barrage of grim statistics and harrowing images during the pandemic threatened to numb societies to the human toll of the crisis. As the death toll climbed and scenes of despair became commonplace, there was a risk of succumbing to a collective desensitization, where human tragedy became little more than background noise in the daily cacophony of news cycles.

In essence, the COVID-19 pandemic and the dystopian chaos of "World War Z" serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the fragility of our humanity in the face of existential threats. By recognizing and confronting the dehumanizing forces at play, we can strive to rebuild a society grounded in empathy, solidarity, and a shared commitment to preserving our common humanity.

 

Choice B:

In a 1,200 word essay, address the claim that the Netflix movie The Founder, about the rise of McDonald’s Fast-Food King Ray Kroc, is a cautionary tale about following Cal Newport’s notion of the craftsman mindset without a moral compass. Be sure to have a Works Cited page in MLA format with 4 sources.