FYS Newsroom Discussion Questions September 21, 2013
1.) In the first portion of Will McAvoy’s outburst, he lists several pieces of
evidence as to why he feels that America is not the greatest country in the
world. He states categories in which the United States ranks behind other
countries such as math, science, infant mortality, and income. Is this a valid
measure to determine the “greatest country in the world” ?
2.) He lists three things at which the United States leads the world: incarcerated
citizens per capita, number of adults who believe that angels are real, and
defense spending (more than the next 26 countries combined, 25 of which
are our allies). Clearly from his context, his tone of voice and his body
language, he does not feel that these are good categories in which to lead
the world. Others might argue that capturing lots of criminals, belief in
the spiritual, and a strong defense are good qualities. Does this part of his
argument work for you? Why or why not?
3.) In the second part of his outburst, once he has calmed down a bit, he
identifies ways in which the United States used to be better. He claims that
we didn’t scare as easy, we fought poverty, not poor people, we struck down
laws for moral reasons, and we admired intelligence, not belittled it. Do
these arguments justify his claim that the U.S. is not the greatest country in
the world?
4.) Later in the episode, Mackenzie says that the thing he didn’t mention in the
outburst was that the U.S. is the only country whose people never stop trying
to be better. Does this rebuttal balance the issues McAvoy brings up in the
outburst? Do you belief that it is true?
5.) One point that the later portions of the show emphasizes is that news
stations (and the people who work there) decides what is “news”. It seems
the opposite of what we expect in “real life” – that news happens and news
organizations report it. Based on the show, to what extent to employees of
news programs “make” the news versus report the news?
6.) Clearly Mackenzie has strong feelings about what makes a good news show,
and Will argues that her vision would violate the revenue model of news
organizations. What desirable characteristics does Mackenzie promote? Why
could this potentially conflict with the show’s revenue generation?