Gloria Steinem on Nike

In the article "Nike Steers Advertising Toward Reality Anatomy," Gloria Steinem explains the tradition of advertising in women's magazines, and comments on the Nike ad campaign that focuses on women's body parts: "'It's a step forward,' she said, 'but I just question whether Nike would do an ad about a man talking about his butt.'" How do you explain her point? Do you think this ad campaign positively impacts gender equality or not? Does it represent a positive shift in the identities that are portrayed and perpetuated through advertising media? Does it adequately represent the perspective of the women to whom it appeals?

Chrysler

Answer your question on the Chrysler ad here:

Advertising Debate

Is advertising an example of propaganda or a promotion of free trade and prosperity? Explain.

Facebook's Secret Role

Ask three discussion questions about last night's article; offer an answer to one of them (yours or your classmates').

Patch

Choose one of the questions below and answer in a page on the class blog.

1.      How does she determine what is newsworthy?

2.     How does she rely on social media? The article she quoted says that watching the debates without social media is unthinkable, that you might as well not watch it. Do you agree?

3.     How does she write differently with different technology or in different media?

Review of Political Blogs

When evaluating a blog, consider:

-       Aesthetics: does it look nice? Does it appear professionally done? Does it look like it’s selling something? What colors, fonts, layout are used? Why?

-       Potential bias: this could be made clear through the content itself, but also more subtly, as in advertising featured on the page. Where else do you bias?

-       Level of professionalism?

-       Smart, well-informed?

-       Credible?

-       Purpose?

-       Audience?

-       Tone?

Free Marketplace of Ideas

Consider all you read about the concept of the Free Marketplace of Ideas, including the quotes by Thomas Jefferson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and John Milton. Imagine a current situation – it can be political, global, personal, etc. – that involves some version of the conflict between free speech and censorship, and put the Free Marketplace of Ideas to the test. Without some outside intervention or regulation, do the best ideas rise to the surface? Are the weakest ideas eliminated by those participating in the discussion? Does external interference somehow diminish the exchange of ideas? Why or why not? Write one page of reflection and post to the class blog. 

You can also use the following questions from class as guidelines:
1. What would a free marketplace of ideas look like in this case?
2. What would be the end result with or without a freemarketplace of ideas. 
3. Is the free marketplace of ideas a practical or realistic model for success in this case? ("Success" may mean a safe and open sharing of ideas and information.)

*Do not feel the need to answer ALL of the above questions; just use them as a guide.