Why are fewer Americans interested in the news? What is the effect of an uninformed citizenry on the health of American democracy? What should be done to re-engage the public? Use these questions to help students understand the important role that media play in helping to create an informed public. Direct the discussion toward the need for a free press in a democratic society to perform this role and how the corporatization of media has made this more difficult.
In the 1950s the United States enjoyed a broad-based, unprecedented level of prosperity. Rising purchasing power, expanding credit, and a rapidly growing advertising industry stimulated consumerism. One industry that rapidly developed and expanded was the automobile industry. During the 1950s, Americans purchased 58 million cars. By 1960, 75 percent of American families owned one. The automobile created mobility on a scale not known before, and the automobile industry became a vital element in the economy. It became one of the world's major manufacturing industries. The automobile dramatically impacted American society, whether you owned one or not.
Discuss how the automobile positively or negatively impacted American society.
Do you agree or disagree with the the assessment that has been made on the importance of the automobile?
Full Answer Section
On the negative side, the automobile has contributed to air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. It has also been a factor in traffic accidents, which are a leading cause of death in the United States. The automobile has also been blamed for the decline of public transportation and the rise of suburban sprawl.
Overall, the automobile has been a mixed blessing for American society. It has brought many benefits, but it has also come with some costs. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of the automobile carefully before making a judgment about its overall impact.
I agree with the assessment that the automobile has been a vital element in the American economy. It has created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and made it possible for people to live in more remote areas. However, I also believe that the automobile has had some negative impacts on society, such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. It is important to find ways to mitigate these negative impacts while still reaping the benefits of the automobile.
Here are some things that can be done to make the automobile more sustainable and less harmful to the environment:
- Invest in public transportation. Public transportation is a more efficient way to move people around than cars, and it produces less pollution.
- Improve fuel efficiency standards for cars. This will reduce the amount of fuel that cars use and the amount of pollution that they produce.
- Promote the use of electric cars. Electric cars produce zero emissions, so they are much better for the environment than gasoline-powered cars.
- Build more bike lanes and pedestrian paths. This will make it easier for people to get around without cars.
By taking these steps, we can make the automobile a more sustainable and less harmful part of American society.
Sample Answer
The automobile has had a profound impact on American society, both positive and negative.
On the positive side, the automobile has given people greater freedom and mobility. It has allowed people to travel more easily and to explore new places. It has also made it possible for people to live in more remote areas, as they no longer need to be close to public transportation. The automobile has also been a major driver of economic growth, as it has created jobs in the manufacturing, service, and tourism industries.