Description
Answer these 2 questions as per the criteria.
1. Edward Snowden: hero or traitor?
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVwAodrjZMY view the Ted Talk interview of Edward Snowden, or, if you like, find another interview of Edward Snowden. Respond to the following:
In June 2013, Edward Snowden blew the whistle on global-wide surveillance activities, thus giving new meaning to the phrase: “Big Brother is watching you!” (from George Orwell’s 1984, published in 1949). If nothing else, this revelation, complete with substantial proof, confirmed some of the conspiracy theories regarding the ubiquitous presence of government in ordinary citizens’ lives.
Identify one of these conspiracy theories, how we now know it is based on truth, and why (when such activities are considered illegal in a democracy), they are nevertheless allowed to continue.
2. Research, review, and discuss a conspiracy theory that you believe to be substantially and carefully researched, in the manner of Naomi Klein’s “Shock Doctrine.” BUT do not discuss Naomi Klein; choose your own conspiracy theory. In your analysis of this conspiracy theory, apply Pipes’ criteria (Common Sense, A knowledge of history, and distinct patterns) See Module 2. As an additional challenge and an additional BONUS point, choose a conspiracy that is somehow related to your field of study–eg. for culinary students: There is no lack of fresh water or food. Scarcity is made up; staged by a group of people to keep control of resources and to de-populate the planet; e.g for students in health-related fields: serious health issues are intentionally caused by pharmaceutical companies so they can profit from people’s illness.
