What Influences Gender Identity?

Do the gender stereotypes reflected (and exploited) in popular culture define and codify gender identity, or do they derive from fundamental, innate gender differences? To what extent do the messages about what it means to be male and female that we see in television, film, print, and web media influence our gender identities?

As you reflect on the gender stereotypes that pervade our culture, consider their implications: are they dangerous pigeonholes that limit understanding and personal growth (as many strident writers have noted), or are they less insidious charicatures, more deserving of playful mocking and armchair speculation (Dave Barry and Maureen Dowd) than passionate rebuke (Sut Jahlly and Jackson Katz in Tough Guise)? Additionally, what gender issues does screenwriter Tina Fey explore (and lampoon) in Mean Girls?

Fahrenheit 9/11: Persuasion or Propaganda?

Moore's controversial film attacks and ridicules President Bush and his administration for the failure to anticipate and respond effectively to the events of 9/11/01. Consider the message and methods of the film. Does it amount to a valid piece of rational discourse, mere ad hominem (argumentation through personal attack) propaganda, or something in between? How accurate is the evidence Moore presents in the film?

In his scathing critique of the film, writer Christopher Hitchens challenges Moore's film for its misrepresentation of facts and the manipulative way it presents information. After viewing the film and reading Hitchens' essay, begin a blog group discussion about the controversy. Brendan Nyhan's Spinsanity website also analyzes the film for factual distortions (and provides links to others who do as well). Still, Moore defends his facts and techniques on his own website. How can you determine who's right here?

Impact of 9/11

Once you have sent Mr. Inloes the link to your blog, start a discussion thread among your group members concerning the impact that the events of 9/11/01 have had on popular culture. Was Teresa Wiltz right in discounting the dramatic pronouncements of pundits immediately following the event, or will daily American life be forever altered in a fundamental way? You may also want to respond to Sontag’s concerns about the “infantilization” of public discourse.
Has viewing the disturbing images from On Native Soil changed your perspective on the impact of 9/11 on our culture? The film’s stark editing and dramatic soundtrack evoke a visceral response to the documented events. I found myself watching with a lump in my throat, a factor of both the memories of the day and the style of the film.