https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1A9Bh5kKGdUxYpEfP1Dtbg67s7eyAtCKnIXFh6jPDXYg/edit?usp=sharing
Title Slide-
I’m Harrison, and today I’ll be presenting my research about excessiveness in American culture.
Throughout my life, I’ve heard many different indictments of American culture. Rap music is too violent, Americans are too fat, Americans are always on their phones. I’ve heard some of these examples so much that I’ve become desensitized in a way. These truths had become noise. However, in my research, I encountered statistics about American culture that were alarming and have me worried for the future of America. Our excessive culture has reached a dangerous threshold.
Jackass is a series of television episodes and movies of over-the-top stunts and pranks. In unit 1, I discussed how “Jackass” was a fixture in American culture for a brief period of time and that has a deeper meaning than mindless stunts and pranks, how the Jackass crew members were rebels against society in their own way. They live life how they want, not how society tells them to. In unit 2, I struggled finding a narrative. I ended up with a greatly exaggerated narrative, loosely connected to the story. However, I’m working on crafting a narrative centered more around a concept than Jackass itself. For unit 3, I chose the research topic of excess in America. This one stuck out to me while brainstorming with Professor Graves because I felt that there would be a plethora of information on the topic and that it would be relatively enjoyable to research. For such a broad topic, I tried to break it down into subsections. For example, in what specific ways is there excess in America, such as social media use or gluttony, or historically, when has the been excess in America. In my research, I found some surprising statistics such as 18 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder, or that hospitalization for teen suicide (ideas or attempts) doubled between 2008 and 2015. I believe that my first draft has laid out a good foundation, however, before the final draft, I believe I must add more detail, better integrate my four different sources, and improve upon my transitions. My overall connecting idea in all of my units is an analysis of our over-the-top culture and values.
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In my research, I came across a survey with shocking results. The participants were asked whether they would prefer to live in a nation in which the government can guarantee that nobody would be in need or live in a nation in which you can pursue your goals without interference. In Europe, over 62% would rather eliminate neediness. But, in America 58% believed that freedom is more important. From childhood, the ideology of individualism and personal freedoms are instilled into our minds. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, in America, we perhaps are too attached to these ideas. For example, taxes can be placed on junk food or sugary drinks to help curve the obesity epidemic. Or taxes placed on gas can reduce are carbon footprint. However, we view this as an encroachment on our liberties.
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The idea of selfishness or excessiveness in American culture isn’t completely new. One of the most famous examples of this is our behavior in the 1920’s. Fresh off of World War I, Americans wanted to move past the horrors of war and wanted to have fun. The economy was booming and there was an explosion of new culture. During this time, many Americans purchased items on credit without having any money saved. This resulted in the repossession of these items and became a major factor in the Great Depression.
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An example of excessiveness in today’s American culture is alcohol abuse and alcoholism. As of 2014, 18 million American have some type of alcohol use disorder. Over-drinking causes 88,000 deaths annually, these 88,000 deaths are completely preventable. The top 10% of American drinkers consume over 75 alcoholic beverages per week. Especially in party culture, excess drinking is glorified. Excessive drinking can lead to social and physical problems, and even death.
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One of the most widespread problems in American culture is frequent cell phone or social media use. Teens use cell phones 8 hours per day while experts recommend that we only use them for 2 hours. Cell phones affect psychological and social development, stop kids from going outside, and diminish productivity. 23% of cell phone users admit to using their cell phones in public to avoid interaction with others. Scariest of all, teen hospitalizations for suicide double between 2008 and 2015, aligning with the advent of smartphones and new, popular social media platforms. Even Bill Gates and Steve Jobs attempted to shield their kids from this new technology. Technology overuse and social media have strong links to disrupted sleep, diminished eyesight, radiation, depression, and much more. Our toxic behaviors of excessiveness can lead to harmful and even lethal consequences.