SOC ∙ Wiley ∙ Culture Resources & Analysis, D___ Name:

Instructions: Actively read the packet of culture resources. Analyze each resource by answering the questions below.

Don’t Blame Me! The “Culture of Victimization”

  1. What key arguments are made by the author? List at least three:
  2. Do you think our cultural emphasis on individualism is less strong today than in the past? Why?
  3. What are your thoughts on this article?

Fairy Tale Analysis

  1. Before reading: To what extent do you think fairy tales and children’s stories in general impact young people and the way they see the world? What movies/books did you read as a young child? Do you think these stories and their messages had a large impact on you? Why or why not?
  1. What moral lesson is being presented by the fairy tales? Are they important moral values in American society today?
  2. What types of gender roles are present in the fairy tales? Explain several.
  1. How are the villains portrayed? Describe the language used to depict them.
  2. How is “good” (or the hero) portrayed in the fairy tales?
  3. How are social classes represented in these fairy tales? Are there any positive or negative connotations associated with them?
  4. How does the fairy tale treat the old and the young?

Little Red Riding Hood: Politically Correct Version

  1. Describe some of the changes made in this version of Little Red Riding Hood.
  2. Why do you think the author chose to remake this story?

What Are the “Culture Wars”?

  1. What is cultural conflict? Why isn’t it novel (new)?
  2. What are some examples of culture wars in America today (according to the article)?
  3. What are the differences between the traditionalists and progressives? Which side are you more alignedwith? Why?

Cultural Divide Over Parental Discipline

  1. Do you sympathize with the Chinese families described in the article? Why or why not?
  2. Do you think it is ethnocentric (see definition below) to expect the Chinese families described in this article to discipline their children according to cultural norms common in the U.S.? Or would you adopt a culturally relativist approach (see definition below) to letting these parents do what seems right to them?

Ethnocentrism is the tendency for people to judge other cultures according to their own cultural standards. It usually implies thinking one’s culture is superior to other cultures.

Cultural Relativism is the view that no culture is superior to any other culture when comparing systems of morality, law, politics, etc. It's the philosophical notion that all cultural beliefs are equally valid and that truth itself is relative, depending on the cultural environment.

How Rude! Manners in America

  1. Etiquette, rules of proper social behavior, were once taught to children and firmly reinforced in society. Consider the rules of etiquette and manners you have been taught in your home and school. Make a list of proper manners and rules of behavior that you feel should be taught and enforced in society. Include manners associated with respect, eating, dating, and other areas that you feel are important.
  2. Should “proper manners” be enforced in schools? Do you think students should be required to use titles of respect, such as Sir of Ma’am, when addressing teachers (for example)? Why or why not?
  3. Rude, crude, and often violent behaviors have become an integral part of television, movies, music, and other media, which some argue has resulted in “unruly behavior” and “insensitivity to others.” In your opinion, should media have “better manners”? Why or why not?


The Power of Gestures

  1. Why are gestures important from a cultural standpoint?
  2. How can gestures of one culture be misinterpreted by members of another culture? Give specific examples from the reading.
  3. Describe the “rules” of elevator behavior discussed in the passage. What is another situation that is governed by unwritten laws of behavior?

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