I have a few, but lately I’ve been focused on, in a general sense, gender issues. In a more zeroed in sense: Twilight, unhealthy relationships, dating violence, ways in which fiction really can teach that bad things are good so stop telling me it’s “just a story”.
Internet porn and chat sites. When is it crossing the line when a married person uses these sites. This topic is most important to me because it is personal. On a bigger level, the homeless and hungry in our own country before helping others .
Development of drugs/vaccines for infectious diseases of the third world. In Western countries, we spend so much money and resources on drug development for rare/lifestyle diseases (think, drugs for chronic myelogenous leukemia (i.e. Gleevac) or erectile dysfunction (viagra, etc.)) but yet cannot find new drugs for malaria or tuberculosis (which kill millions of people annually).
The quality of public education as compared to that of private schools in my community. The need for common sense sex education in schools. The importance of parents as role models in their children’s lives. The necessity of early intervention for children with special needs. Reproductive rights. Race relations. Not talking shit that one wouldn’t say to another person’s face. Parents who equate love with money. The importance of trust. The impact of roundhouse kicks. The importance of remaining calm, and not letting little mishaps throw you off. Washing hands after you use the restroom. The value of cultures different from yours. Not putting hands or non-food goods in your mouth.
I just thought of all the things my students can do/say that will make me go on a tangent. I love being the queen of my classroom…I am molding the future!!
Asmonet: I don’t know how many links I could find showing you Uberbatman’s feelings about marijuana. I don’t know how you missed them. Oh. Wait. You were being facetious, weren’t you?
@Pixie – I’m still not sure about the extent to which media shapes thought, but I agree that Twilight is an awful series and full of disgusting role models for relationships.