Writting Eassy

 

READ FIRST: POST 3 — THE GREAT SOCIETY & EXPLORING A TOPIC

As will always be the case, if there was anything from our class discussions this week that you didn’t get a chance to say, feel free to share it now and ignore the prompt below if you wish. If you want more privacy, please write your response in your Writing Journal, remembering to create a post on the discussion board stating, “Refer to [Title of Entry] in Journal.” 

This week, we discussed Lyndon B. Johnson’s vision stated in “Great Society” speech — an America free from poverty and racial injustice, with cities of beauty and classrooms that inspire “every young mind [. . . to] scan the farthest reaches of thought and imagination.” What do you think of Johnson’s vision? Is it still worth pursuing today? Should colleges be dedicated to helping individuals explore the “farthest reaches of thought and imagination,” or should such lofty goals be reserved only for those who already have wealth? Should we still strive to eliminate poverty?

In today’s America, Johnson’s vision has been overshadowed by the belief that some people “deserve” to be poor because they aren’t working hard enough. Do you agree with this sentiment? Do you think poverty is solely the fault of those experiencing it? Do you believe billionaires have earned their wealth and that anyone can achieve similar success if they work hard enough?

This week and last, you were introduced to the first writing assignment, which asked you to take a position on a topic you care about. Is there an issue you care about deeply? Why do you care about this issue? Does it affect you or a loved one? Or does it generate strong emotions or deep intellectual curiosity in you? I invite you to use the opportunity of this post to articulate your viewpoint on the issue and make your best case to persuade your readers to support your perspective. Here are the suggested topics (in alphabetical order) from Assignment 1. Feel free to explore one or more of the topics here: 

• Affirmative Action: Should affirmative action policies be implemented to address historical inequalities and promote diversity in education and the workplace?
• AI Regulation: Should artificial intelligence be more strictly regulated to prevent job displacement, bias, and ethical misuse?
• Animal Rights: Should animals receive stronger legal protections, including bans on practices like factory farming and animal testing?
• Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet: Should individuals adopt a plant-based diet for health, environmental, or ethical reasons?
• Campaign Finance Reform: Should stricter campaign finance laws be enacted to reduce the influence of money in politics and ensure fair elections?
• Censorship in Media: Should certain levels of censorship be implemented to prevent the spread of harmful content, hate speech, and misinformation?
• Climate Change Action: Should governments take immediate and aggressive action to combat climate change, including implementing stricter carbon emission regulations?
• Climate Change and Renewable Energy Adoption: Should societies transition to renewable energy sources to effectively combat climate change?
• Corporate Tax Reform: Should higher corporate taxes be implemented to fund public services and reduce income inequality?
• Cultural Appropriation: Should stricter guidelines be established to prevent cultural appropriation in fashion, art, and media, emphasizing respect for marginalized cultures?
• Data Privacy: Should individuals have greater control over their personal data, with stricter laws governing how companies collect and use it?
• Electoral College Reform: Should the U.S. abolish the Electoral College and transition to a popular vote system for presidential elections?
• Eliminating Standardized Testing: Should standardized tests (like the SAT/ACT) be removed from college admissions due to concerns that they are outdated and biased?
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Should the rapid development of AI technologies be curtailed due to ethical concerns outweighing their benefits?
• Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Should genetic engineering in humans be pursued as an ethically justifiable practice?
• Foreign Aid Increase: Should foreign aid to developing countries be increased to promote global stability, economic growth, and humanitarian relief?
• Gene Editing Ethics: Should CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies be heavily regulated to prevent unethical use?
• Gig Worker Protections: Should gig economy workers be classified as employees to ensure fair wages, benefits, and labor protections?
• Global Climate Agreements: Should international cooperation on climate change be prioritized, with all countries adhering to agreements like the Paris Accord?
• Gun Control Laws: Should stricter gun control measures, such as universal background checks, be implemented to reduce gun violence?
• Impact of Remote Work on Productivity: Should remote work be promoted as a means to enhance employee productivity?
• Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Should social media usage be considered beneficial or detrimental to users’ mental well-being?
• Influence of Globalization on Cultural Identity: Should globalization be viewed as a force that strengthens or erodes cultural identities?
• Mental Health Services in Schools: Should colleges and universities provide free, accessible mental health services to all students?
• Necessity of Space Exploration: Should investments in space exploration be prioritized for scientific advancement and the future of humanity?
• Plastic Ban: Should single-use plastics be completely banned to reduce pollution and protect marine ecosystems?
• Police Reform: Should systemic police reforms be enacted to address racial bias, improve accountability, and rebuild trust with communities?
• Raising the Minimum Wage: Should the minimum wage be increased to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for low-income workers?
• Refugee Support: Should wealthier nations accept and support more refugees fleeing conflict and persecution?
• Renewable Energy Research: Should investment in renewable energy research be increased to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels?
• Renewable Energy Transition: Should societies transition to 100% renewable energy to ensure a sustainable future?
• Role of Art in Society: Should art and cultural programs be considered essential for community development and individual well-being?
• Role of Technology in Education: Should the integration of technology in classrooms be increased to enhance learning outcomes?
• Social Media Accountability: Should social media platforms be held legally responsible for spreading misinformation and harmful content?
• Space Exploration Funding: Should governments increase funding for space exploration to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation?
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Should student loan debt be forgiven to alleviate financial burdens and stimulate economic growth?
• Term Limits for Congress: Should term limits be implemented for members of Congress to reduce corruption and increase accountability?
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): Should Universal Basic Income be implemented to reduce poverty, inequality, and economic insecurity?
• Universal Healthcare: Should the U.S. adopt a universal healthcare system to ensure affordable and equitable access to medical care?
• Vaccine Mandates: Should mandatory vaccination policies be enacted to protect public health and prevent the spread of preventable diseases?