Topic #1: Sub-Cultures Based in Fiction

For some reason people are engaging in lifestyles that seem based in fiction. In the early 1990's, many young people started to identify with Anne Rice and created Vampire Cults. Today, more young people seem to be fascinated with the Twilight series and have started forming communities based on that fictional world. Why do you think this is occurring? What is the benefit/deficit to this kind of conduct? Is this the result of being a "geek" about some topic or is this more? How should mainstream culture threat these trends? Why?

Please watch the videos below and respond by 5pm CST, July 9.

-Safari Bob

Topic #2: Real-Life Superheroes

Did you know that there exist real life "superheros" that patrol different cities all over the world? Some of these 'masked avengers' simply watch for crimes and report them to the police. Other heroes actually attempt to intervene when they witness a crime. A small minority actually carry weapons of some sort either purchased or created. Some critics say that these people are vigilantes while others believe they are just bored. What do you think? Should these people be arrested for vigilante crimes like trespassing, harassment, or assault? Why or why not?

Please read the three articles and respond by 5pm CST July 16.

Article #1
Article #2
Article #3

-Safari Bob

Topic #3: Virtual Crime

The lines of reality between virtual worlds, such as Second Life and other massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG), and reality are starting to blur as victims of crimes within these environments are reporting these crimes to local law enforcement organizations all over the world. In fact, the distinction between "online" and "real world" crime is being investigated by several countries--including the United States. Victims of virtual sex crimes are displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress and some crime syndicates have established "virtual sweatshops" where people are forced to play for online currency that is sold for real world currency.

What do you think? Should virtual crimes be prosecuted? Why or why not? If so, who should police these crimes? What rights (if any) should be afforded to victims of these crimes? Why? Please read the articles below and respond by 5pm CST July 21.

Article #1
Article #2
Article #3
Article #4

-Safari Bob

Topic #4: Ethics and Values

Recently, a video game called Rapelay has been criticized for how it depicts women as victims. Grand Theft Auto has also been criticized for contributing to violence among teens by organizations such as MAVAV. In light of our discussion on ethics and values, what do you think? In your response, remember these questions from our class:

- What principals do (and should) govern our lives?
- What governs ethical behavior?
- What is good/bad work or play?
- What principals do (and should) govern our lives?
- What governs ethical behavior?
- What is good/bad work or play?

Read the links in this post and respond by 5pm CST July 26. You can search the Internet for other articles and cite them in your response. Your response should be 300-500 words.

-Safari Bob

Topic #5: Immigration Reform

Certainly illegal immigration is a much debated and contentious issue today. Some people argue that illegal immigrants are taking jobs from Americans while others argue that illegal immigrants are an invaluable component to our economy. Other issues are just as important in this discussion: morality, compassion, justice, and crime. What do you think? Please watch the videos below and respond by 5pm CST July 30.

-Safari Bob

Welcome to TSI 303 Summer '10

Hello!

Welcome to the blog for TSI 303 at Texas Tech during Summer 2010. Five times during this semester I will ask a question or post a link to an article and you will respond here. Please keep the following in mind:

1. This is a public forum. Other people will be able to read your responses.
2. Keep responses between 300 - 500 words.
3. All responses are due by 5pm CST on the day they are due.
4. You will be graded for spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and content. You may use sources to support your position.
5. All responders will refrain from using pejorative language; failure to comply may result in a zero.

Wassail!

-Safari Bob