TOPIC 1 sad teenagers
What is "childhood"?
It's a modern concept that people under a certain age should have different lives to "adults".
Why did we choose football as a topic?
It is the world's #1 sport, and a major industry.
Give three examples of famous celebrities.
e.g. Aang Sang Suu Kyi, Mr. Bean, Lionel Messi.
Does Japan have a good global ranking for gender rights?
Nope. 118th in the world. China is in the similar area. FWIW Britain is 15th.
What is wrong with the usual world map?
It exaggerates the size and importance of Europe and North America. It undervalues S. America and Africa.
What problems began to increase among children since the 2010s?
fatter, more depressed, less fit, less sleep, less time with friends, more self-harm & suicide etc.
What is the issue with footballers' salaries?
They are crazy. You'd have to work 9 days to earn what a footballer gets in 1 hour.
What is the celebrity industry?
All the jobs that support celebrities, from marketing to security, or dogwalking.
What exactly is Feminism?
The belief that women's rights should be supported.
How do we define developed or developing?
technology, big companies, democracy, and GDP
Why is "stranger danger" a moral panic?
People are too afraid to let their kids leave the house now, because of the media.
Why is it bad if people get distracted and enjoy watching football games?
They ignore social problems that really need fixing.
Why do people have Celebrity Obsession Disorders?
To escape, to feel connected, to copy, or for identity.
What is women's "double burden"?
What is the Rostow theory of development?
That if countries copy America and become a capitalist democracy, they can be rich.
How did education make teenagers sadder?
It teaches to the test and focuses more on practical subjects. There is also a private industry.
How did football replace religion?
It provided a group space and joy, while religion became less important.
We only care about entertainment now, not what they truly achieved.
How can we help women's rights improve?
teach self-defence, force companies to hire, more legal experts, fight stereotypes, do not help countries that abuse women, etc.
Acemoglu's extractive institutions theory.
How can we fix the problem of toxic childhoods?
e.g. ban smartphones under a certain age, encourage outdoor play, reduce testing, give young kids free play time, stop selling things to kids etc.
Why are people worried about sportswashing?
It allows bad countries to escape punishment, it tricks young people, and it encourages more climate change.
What happens if we focus too much on celebrities?
We lose empathy for people, and use less critical thinking. Consumerism and focus on appearances would increase.
Why is discrimination against women increasing?
Social media pressure, technology advances quicker than laws, angry men wanting more power etc.
How can we fix global inequality?
e.g. encourage countries to rely on experts (Botswana, Singapore). end the civil war trap. give aid to the bottom billion.