Culture of Reality Television
Recently a Colorado family reported that their 6-year-old son had flown away in the family's homemade balloon, resulting in an overwhelming response from rescue and law enforcement agencies. As the world watched and prayed for the child's safe return, the event was revealed to be a hoax that had been staged as an attempt to gain Hollywood's interest in their family as a reality television subject. The promise of quick fame, as well as money, has led many to become obsessed with reality television shows (which have been cited for exploitation of everyday people and dishonesty in their presentation of events - even as some contestants earn fame and fortune). Are advocates of reality television shows correct in their claims that these shows reflect "real life" more accurately than scripted television programs? Are fictional shows sometimes more realistic and truthful? Are competitive reality shows too harsh in their treatment of contestants? Have reality television producers encouraged irresponsible parent behavior? Should society more carefully consider the treatment of children as their participation in reality programming grows? (Prepared November 2009)
Suggested Reading:
Journal and newspaper articles will discuss this topic. Enter keywords such as reality television or unscripted television in the searchbox for HCC Library Electronic Resources, including the ProQuest National Newspapers and Issues and Controversies@Facts.com databases for current and comprehensive information.
Locating Articles
Books will also provide information on this topic. In our collection you will find two titles that may be helpful. One interesting book is Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture by Susan Murray and Laurie Ouellette, New York: New York University Press, 2009. Call number: PN119.8R43R45 2009. Another useful book is Reality Television by Richard M. Huff, Westport CT: Praeger Publishers, 2006. Call number: PN1992.8R43H84 2006.
Locating Books
Public Opinion and the War in Afghanistan
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley A. McChrystal, has requested that President Obama send additional troops and resources to fund the general's proposed expansion of efforts aimed at removing the Taliban from Afghan towns and villages. The General has concluded that without this increased support, the U.S. war in Afghanistan will end in failure. Republicans seem poised to support a presidential decision to increase troop strength in Afghanistan, while the Democrats are lining up to oppose such a decision by the President. More striking and troublesome for the President, recent Gallup polling of Americans reveals that 50% would oppose additional troops being sent. Additionally, these same respondents overwhelmingly favor beginning the withdrawal of U.S. troops. President Obama called Afghanistan a "war of necessity" during his presidential campaign. Does he still view it in the same way? Should he agree to the General's request, even if it means going against the wishes of the broad U.S. population? Should Democrats who oppose further escalation in Afghanistan go against a president representing their own party? What are the implications for the United States if the President does not comply with the wishes of his commanders on the ground? Will the United States find itself at increased risks from terrorists? (Prepared October 2009)
Suggested Reading:
Journal and newspaper articles will discuss this topic. Enter the keywords war in Afghanistan in the search box of the ProQuest National Newspapers database, one of the HCC Library's Electronic Resources. You will probably want to limit your results to the last three months.
Locating Articles
Books will also provide information on this topic. In our collection you will find the book In the Graveyard of Empires: America's War in Afghanistan by Seth G. Jones, New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2009. Call number: DS371.412 J665 2009.
Locating Books
