Reflecting on the above videos ...
1. As budding journalists, how might you explain to Mr. Penn that jailing journalists for criticizing leaders is a bad thing? Use the First Amendment in your answer.
2. If you take a moment to learn about Mr. Chavez and the charges of a state-controlled media and jailed dissenting journalists, why is Penn's statement deeply ironic?
3. When you first watched the E*Trade video above, did you think they were referring to Lindsay Lohan? Do you feel there is validity to her lawsuit?
Back to Truman ...
The Truman Show raises many deep questions about society, media and culture directly related to our previous and upcoming discussions and projects.
So before we move on, let's take a closer look at this film. Please answer each question thoroughly and thoughtfully: Use Word or paper - your choice. This assignment is due Wednesday March 10 at the start of class.
1. This movie has been called prophetic, in terms of predicting the rise and impact of reality TV on our culture. Do you agree?
2. Is reality TV real? To what extent?
3. When did The Real World first air? How has reality TV changed since this show's debut?
The quotes of the show's producer, Christof, bring up some intense ethical issues. I'm paraphrasing these as closely as possible:
4. "Truman prefers this world; yours is the sick world."
What does this quote tell you about Christof?
5. When asked how Truman has believed his false reality so long, Cristof replies, "People accept the reality with which they are presented."
Do you believe this is the case?
6. How do you feel toward Christof? Why?
7. What do you feel this film is saying about the concept of free will?
8. When Truman reaches the wall, at the end of his traumatic boat ride, he pounds on the wall and weeps. What do you think he is feeling at this moment?
So before we move on, let's take a closer look at this film. Please answer each question thoroughly and thoughtfully: Use Word or paper - your choice. This assignment is due Wednesday March 10 at the start of class.
1. This movie has been called prophetic, in terms of predicting the rise and impact of reality TV on our culture. Do you agree?
2. Is reality TV real? To what extent?
3. When did The Real World first air? How has reality TV changed since this show's debut?
The quotes of the show's producer, Christof, bring up some intense ethical issues. I'm paraphrasing these as closely as possible:
4. "Truman prefers this world; yours is the sick world."
What does this quote tell you about Christof?
5. When asked how Truman has believed his false reality so long, Cristof replies, "People accept the reality with which they are presented."
Do you believe this is the case?
6. How do you feel toward Christof? Why?
7. What do you feel this film is saying about the concept of free will?
8. When Truman reaches the wall, at the end of his traumatic boat ride, he pounds on the wall and weeps. What do you think he is feeling at this moment?
