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Body Modification

Taboo: Marks of Identity (Full Video 47:08)

Video Link: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/taboo/episodes/body-modification1/

This National Geographic Production journeys around the world to examine notions and indicators of identity that are as varied as the cultures that produce them. This video shows how geography shapes how an individual negotiates their appearance within society.

1. Do you feel that we have a choice in how we present our outward appearance to the world?
    
2. Identify ways that your appearance complies or deviates from our cultural norms?
    
3. After viewing this video do you believe that it is simply human nature to hold up a mask?

Reference:

Taboo: Marks of identity [Video file]. (2004). In Films On Demand. Retrieved May 7, 2016, from http://fod.infobase.com.proxy-calu.klnpa.org/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=103051&xtid=40835

Modern Polygamy: Arizona Mormon Fundamentalists Seek to Shed Stereotypes

Video Link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/modern-polygamy-arizona-mormon-fundamentalists-seek-shed-stereotypes/story?id=19322087

The polygamist lifestyle is illegal in all 50 states, but residents of Centennial Park say they allowed our cameras into their home because they want to show just how average and normal their lives are.

1. Is polygamy a degrading and harmful practice that only benefits men, or a misunderstood aspect of American subculture that deserves a break?
    
2. Did this video have an impact on your opinion of polygamy?
    
3. We are a country founded on religious freedom. Do you believe that polygamist have a point when they assert that they should be able to live as they choose?
    

Understanding Elite Deviance

Prezi Presentation: https://prezi.com/srhv0bwtt-zi/understanding-elite-deviance/

McKenzie Lynn uses Prezi online to create and share presentations online.

1. Research has shown that elite deviance (white collar crime) has more of a financial and physical cost than street crime. Why do you think that the crimes of the poor receive harsher penalties than those of the powerful?
    
2. Do you believe that the general public is naïve regarding the seriousness of elite deviance?
    
3. Elite groups are identified as corporations, politicians, etc. Discuss a crime committed by an elite group and the eventual consequences of the behavior.
    

The Paternity-Leave Stigma

Audio Link: http://www.wnyc.org/story/paternity-leave-stigma/

When working women have children, they often suffer from the "motherhood penalty" - lower salaries, fewer promotions and less responsibility. New studies show men who take paternity leave often suffer the same fate. Claire Cain Miller, New York Times reporter for The Upshot, discusses that while the stigma of dads taking paternity leave remains, the benefits to parents and children are many.

1. Do you think that our society is hypocritical when we say that we want women to be equal to men, yet stigmatize fathers who take paternity leave?
    

CrazyBoards.org

Web Link: http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/

A forum and support site for people with mental illnesses.

1. Self harm is viewed as deviant. Do you think cites like CrazyBoards help or harm those suffering from mental illness?
    

Youth subcultures: what are they now?

Web Link: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/20/youth-subcultures-where-have-they-gone

This web article reviews the past decades and the associated subcultures of our youth. Using the examples of Mods, punks, soulboys, metallers, goths, hippies the author asserts that there was a time when young people made it clear what tribe and music they were into by the way they dressed.  Author Alexis Petridis submits that he 20th-century idea of a youth subculture is now just outmoded.

1. Do you agree or disagree with the author that youth subcultures are not as clearly defined as they once were?
    
2. This article was based upon British youth culture; do you think that it applies to the United States?