Fact vs. Fiction

A number of the movies that are receiving praise this year at the awards ceremonies are based on history (Argo, Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty). However, they have been criticised quite a bit because they strayed from the truth. So, what you need to decide is, does that matter?

Read the the following two articles and discuss the line between fact and fiction. The articles ask the following questions to help guide your response:

Does the audience deserve the truth, the whole truth and nothing but? Surely not, but just how much fiction is OK?

Is art supposed to make us better people, give us moral instruction, work toward the social good or exist merely for our personal pleasure? Above all, does it have to be true?

But where, in a work of imagination drawn from real life, are we supposed to draw the line between acceptable invention and irresponsible fabrication?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/23/movies/awardsseason/the-history-in-lincoln-argo-and-zero-dark-thirty.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/20/lincoln-inaccuracies-argo-zero-dark-thirty-fiction_n_2723733.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment

Task #1

First, you need to spend some time creating and customizing your blog. Practice by making your first blog post explaining who you are, and why people should be interested in reading your blog (keep it brief).

Second, you are going to write a blog post in response to yesterday's lesson about gender roles and images in the media.

Choose one of the following topics and blog away!! You are on the computer, so do a little research if that will help. Feel free to add pictures, videos or headings that will make your blog more interesting.

Due: At the end of class

Topic ONE:  How have style and popular image changed over the years?
     
To help you, think about....
      - What style trends have come and gone in your lifetime?
      - What do males or females need to dress or look like in order to be considered "cool" or
      "popular"?
      - How does media reinforce an accepted norm for appearance? (think about ads, tv shows,
      news, etc.)
      - How does this accepted "norm" affect our ideas of self worth/identity?

Topic TWO: Why do you think society is so obsessed with image and appearance?
      
To help you, think about....
      - In your opinion, has it always been this way?
      - Do you think image and appearance are important? Why?
      - Are we all just acting under a "guise"? If so, how might that affect our relationships
      (with ourselves and others)
      - Is it different for males vs. females? How?

Happy Blogging!!

Welcome To Our Class Blog

I know you have a lot of opinions, and we want to hear them! As a part of the course, you will be running your own class blog. We will be going to the computer lab weekly, where you will have the chance to sound off on something that's been going on in the media - I'll be giving you prompts, and you take it from there!

So you may be asking "What's a blog??"

Well, blogging is really pretty simple.  Basically, a "blog" is an online journal or web-log of your ideas, opinions, questions, and reflections.  Remember, whatever you write is accessible to EVERYONE on the internet, so protect your identity and do not post personal details.  Have fun and remember, blogs are meant to be interactive and creative - express yourself!

Once you have created your blog, post the link to it in the comments section below - that way I know where to find your work.