Confederate Flag Causes Controversy
The Confederate Flag was raised over a Texas courthouse and residents were divided as to whether or not this was appropriate as they did not share the same definition of the symbol. In this clip, a black Vietnam veteran and a white Civil War re-enactor offer different meanings of the flag.

Questions to Consider:

1. Though the people being interviewed were looking at the same physical object, they had very different understandings of what it “is” and what it “means.” (The Vietnam veteran said, “I don’t think of the flag that way.”) How can we account for this?
2. One man who was in favor of raising the flag explained why others objected. He said that opposition is the result of a “lack of education” and that when teaching about the flag, schools offer a “biased point of view.” How would a sociologist explain his ideas?
3. Is there a single “correct” meaning for the Confederate flag? Explain your answer.

Millions Irrationally Feared Dead In Minor Train Accident
Satirical look at how television news programs treat tragedies. In this fake news segment, the topic is a train derailment. The hosts speak with a disaster “expert,” use pie charts, and take calls from people who fear for the safety of their loved ones.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is this “fake news” segment drawing attention to?
2. What elements of “real” news casts are they borrowing in order to make the point?
3. Television news programs often use maps, graphs, pie charts, and interviews with “experts” in their coverage of stories. How do these lend credibility to the story?

News War
This program examines how larger social forces shape the media we consume. It considers how political, legal, economic, and technological forces have influenced the last forty years of journalism.

Questions to Consider:

1. How do the events described in this program relate to the notion that reality is socially constructed? Give examples.
2. Did you learn anything about the production of “news” that you found surprising?

The Persuaders
Influencing opinions is big business and a great deal of money is spent on attempts to shape consumers’ attitudes. Elaborate and sophisticated marketing campaigns are not limited to brands and products; they are increasingly part of American politics. This program examines how the techniques of the advertising and marketing industries are used in the political arena.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does this story relate to the notion that reality is socially constructed?
2. Do any of the actors in these situations fit the profile of moral entrepreneurs?
3. Can you find any examples of a self-fulfilling prophecy in this program?

Revisiting the ‘Crack Babies’ Epidemic That Was Not
This video is part of a New York Times series that revisits old news stories. In the 1980s there were numerous reports about the ways in which a woman’s use of crack cocaine during pregnancy would damage the developing fetus. The research on which these claims were based was seriously flawed. This video updates the news story and highlights not only the importance of conducting good research but the ways in which scientists and journalists shape our understanding of reality.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why do you think that the “crack babies” story gained such traction?
2. What role did the reporters play in perpetuating the myths?
3. Why is it so difficult to correct misperceptions about social phenomena once they are in place?