Interpretation of the Clip "America"

I would like to begin this blog entry by acknowledging that I am a huge fan of Hugh Laurie and his work.  However, it seems as if Hugh Laurie was attempting to portray himself has the singer/song writer Bruce Springsteen.  I made this assumption from the very worn blue jeans and flannel shirt that is common with Bruce's concerts.  In addition, Hugh Laurie was also wearing a bandana tied around his head which is Bruce's signature trademark per se.  I would assume that this skit was purposely arranged to represent the heart of American culture
Hugh Laurie also plays a familiar melody but keeps repeating America over and over which seems to make the audience laugh.  Although I have never been someone that greatly understood British humor, I assume that Hugh Laurie is again poking fun at the lack of content that many American songs have.  I assume that Hugh Laurie is representing that Americans are either happy / vain enough to just hear the word America over and over again.  However, Hugh Laurie could be demonstrating a satirical reference that we expect our culture to be everything American.  As the clip ends, a man come over and knocks out the American singer being portrayed by Hugh Laurie.  I think the man was knocked out to represent that, depending on the situation; American culture needs to be toned down or tuned off.  I think this clip cleverly points out how American culture is interpreted.

Week 2: Stanford's Prison Experiment

I found that Dr. Zimbardo's prison experiment was dangerous but ethical.  Dr Zimbardo mitigated the danger by screening each student for mental defect and remaining present for most of the experiment.  I think that most people were surprised of the finding or result which triggered outrage in regards to his method.  Any type of experiment involving human interaction should be very closely vetted and tested before it is implemented on human subjects.  Although I am sure that none of these student ever went to prison, their behavior reflects what society defined as the prisoner / guard role at the time.  I'm sure that most of this behavior was learned from TV and situations transpiring in society at the time.  I'm sure it was common to turn on the TV and find police night sticking protesters or watch the movie Cool Hand Luke to help define their behavior.
     I also found it interesting that Dr. Zimbardo drew the conclusion that the escalation of violence was predicated on the verbal exchange of insults between prisoners and guards magnified by long periods on inactivity.  I also found it interesting that this also led to the violence experienced at Abu Ghraib.  I would think that we would be able to apply some of what we learned to our own civilian and military prisons.

Week 1 Introductions

Hello class and welcome to my first blog.  This will be my second semester at NVCC so I am relatively a new student.  Although this is not my first class with NVCC it is my first semester enrolled in distant education classes.  I have already found it challenging because most of the material seems to be lost in translation when I read it.  I'm confident that this will get easier as we all acclimate to the process.
     My current degree plan is general studies but I'm confident that may change as I get more involved in different classes.  I have found that general studies provides a well rounded perspective for student to explore different majors.  I'm currently employed in the maintenance career field with a local printer.  However, I do have plans to change my career field within the next year.  I moved to this area just over four years ago for the position I have now.  It have been tasking learning how to drive in an area so congested but it has a lot to offer those who take the time and explore it.  I look forward learning more about this class and each one of you.