FISHER Topics (II)

1. Celebrities and politics.
   The United States has a tradition of electing celebrities to public office. Do you think that celebrities, for example Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbin, Jesse Ventura, Jerry Springer, Ronald Reagan, Sonny Bono, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ben Affleck - make good leaders and why? Can you think of any that you would like to see run for office or stay out of office?
   
   
2. Felon re-emancipation.
   In the United States, state laws vary as to when if ever convicted felons regain his/her right to vote. For example in Alaska a felon can vote upon unconditional fulfillment of his/her sentence, in Mississippi, a felon can never vote. What do you think of this decision - should it be changed, and if so, how?
   
   
3. Children and extracurricular activities.
   What do you think of children being over-committed to extracurricular activities at very young ages? Is it what they want to do? Is it healthy for them? Should they have more play time? Is it a symptom of a competitive society?
   
   
4. Animal testing - Animal rights.
   Do you take animal testing into consideration when you are making purchasing decisions? Are there circumstances to justify animal testing? For example - human life-saving drugs. Do you care - why or why not? Are you conscious of whether or not you are buying products involved in animal testing?
   
   
5. Music.
   "Music is the universal language of mankind" - Henry Longfellow. Is music a way to bring people together from different backgrounds? Can music help to achieve peace or help make the world a better place, or is music the source of social divisions? What about music with violent or aggressive lyrics? Is the message the medium or is the medium the message?
   
   
6. Music.
   What music do you like? Does music play a large part in your life? How do you find your music?
   
   
7. Music.
   What do you think about downloading music and movies from the internet? Do you have sympathy for the music industry or believe that unauthorized downloading is a violation of copyright law? Do you think consumers should have to pay $18 for a CD - are CDs overpriced?
   
   
8. Marriage.
   Interracial marriage. Do you think interracial marriage is a good thing? Would you marry someone of a different race? Do you think it would be difficult raising biracial kids? Would it be hard being a biracial kid? Do you think some interracial marriages are easier than others, for example, asian and white marriages as opposed to black and white marriages?
   
   
9. Religion.
   Do you think that religion is divisive? Or is it unifying? Example: Do the beliefs of Christians, Muslims, and Jews bring people together? Or do the beliefs of various religions ostracize or marginalize people; like the views of Christians on homosexuality? Would there be less divisions in society if everyone were of the same religion?
   
   
10. Cell phones.
    How do you feel about the popularity of cell phones today? Do you find cell phones to be a convenience or an annoyance? Do you believe laws defining appropriate or safe use of cell phones are necessary to prevent public safety risks or misuse? For example, do you believe there should be laws against driving while talking on a cell phone or using cell phones in movie theaters?
    
    
11. Abortion.
    Are you pro-life or pro-choice? How do you feel about the activists on either side? How do you think religion factors into people's opinions towards abortion laws? Do you think that abortion restrictions should be the government's responsibility?
    
    
12. Home-schooling.
    How do you feel about home-schooling as an alternative to the public and parochial school systems? What benefits or consequences do you think home-schooling could cause? For example, do you believe the isolation of home-schooling might have a negative impact on how a child interacts with others?
    
    
13. Self-regard.
    If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be? What qualities does that animal possess that you think relate to you? Would you rather be a domesticated pet, or exist in the wild?
    
    
14. Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
    How do you feel about the recent sexual abuse cases involving priests ? Do you think that the justice system should be allowed to be prosecuted for events that occurred several years ago? How have these accusations affected your opinions toward the Catholic Church?
    
    
15. Dating.
    What were your best and worst dates? How has dating changed over the past years? Have you ever participated in internet dating or personal ads? In your opinion, what are the advantages or disadvantages of meeting people this way?
    
    
16. Amusement Parks.
    Do you or your family frequent amusement parks? What do you like or dislike about amusement parks? Have they changed in your lifetime? Do you have a favorite park/ride/concession stand food?
    
    
17. Telemarketing and SPAM.
    Have you ever bought anything via an unsolicited email or phone call? Do you think this form of marketing works? Do you support the DO NOT CALL lists? Should there be a DO NOT SPAM list?
    
    
18. Politics.
    Is there a difference between the Democratic and Republican parties, or are they simply two peas in a pod? Do the fact that we only have two parties stifle debate or provide stability? Should we have more mainstream parties? If so how many, any kind in particular?
    
    
19. Politics.
    Do you think special interests have too much impact on politics? For example, oil companies have given a lot of money to Bush; because of that do you think that Bush is beholden to oil companies? Should we limit the amount of money any person or organization is allowed to contribute to a candidate? Maybe we should change how much money candidates need in order to get elected?
    
    
20. Travel.
    Do you travel frequently? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling? If money and time were not an issue, where would you visit and for how long? Describe your dream vacation. Who would you take with you and what would you do?
    
    
21. Extreme sports.
    How do you feel about extreme sports and thrill adventures? Would you ever participate in an activity such as sky-diving, bungee jumping, etc.? Why or why not?
    
    
22. Technical devices.
    What kind of technical devices are part of your daily life? What piece of technology could you not live without? Do you think this dependence is good or bad? How have these gadgets affected your life? Do you feel that they have simplified or complicated it?
    
    
23. Hypothetical situations.
    If you were in a position of power, how would you improve the job market? Do you think the government is effectively dealing with this problem presently? How would you go about justifying your position to the current government?
    
    
24. Healthcare.
    How has the United States healthcare system affected you? Do you, or does someone you know, live without healthcare? How do you feel about this? Do you think the United States should or could have a socialized healthcare system as opposed to the for-profit system in place now?
    
    
25. Class.
    Did princess Di have class? How would you define class? Do you believe that class is dictated by money and power, or by attitude and stoicism?
    
    
26. Advertisements.
    Describe your favorite or least favorite advertisement. How do you think advertisements affect who buys what? Are children more susceptible to advertising than adults? Do you think that some possibly dangerous products such as cigarettes and alcohol are marketed towards children?
    
    
27. Education.
    How do you think education towards children with respect to drug use and sexual activity should be handled? Presently, do you think the school system offers information too early or too late? When and how do you think that information should be presented?
    
    
28. Power.
    What do you think is the proper role of the United States in the world? Do you think that the U.S. has a special role to play in the world or is it just another country? If you think the U.S. should play a special role what should the nature of that role be, global policeman, political leadership, moral example, or something else entirely? If not, how do you think the U.S. should behave?
    
    
29. Media.
    Can we trust the media? Do you think that the media outlets in this country are biased, are they liberal or conservative? Do you think news sources have a responsibility to be non-biased, or should they simply declare they're bias? What news sources do you trust?
    
    
30. Occupations.
    Is it bothersome to you when people make a lot of money for doing little to nothing? There are people who make thousands of dollars as hand models, is that absurd? How do people find these jobs? What are some other ways to make money that you find shocking? Would you do them if you knew how?
    
    
31. Media.
    How do you think the media's portrayal of physical beauty affects one's view of him- or herself? Do you think that the media holds any responsibility for the amount of time and money spent on beauty and hygiene products?
    
    
32. Movies.
    Which do you prefer, older or newer movies? If you're a fan of black and white movies, how do you feel about recent black and white movies such as Ed Wood or Quiz Show, that attempt to capture the time they represent by using the colors of film and television in that day? If you're a fan of modern movies, how do feel about computer animation and special effects used in films such as Toy Story and Star Wars, that create entire worlds using software?
    
    
33. Art.
    Do we have time to smell the roses? Taking into consideration the social problems of late in the United States, what role has poetry and art assumed in our society? Do you think that people are too distracted by the other issues to pay attention to creations viewed as entertainment, or could art help people deal with the problems at hand?
    
    
34. Craftsmanship.
    As both a consumer and a worker, what is your view of today's craftsmanship and workmanship? For example, as a consumer would you be more interested in purchasing a hand-made individualized item, or something mass-produced for the best cost to function ratio? Many people choose Walmart over Mom & Pop stores - do you have an opinion about this?
    
    
35. Movies.
    What do you think of the U.S. movie rating system? Do you think that it helps or hinders movie makers find their target audience? How do you feel about television ratings such as TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA? Do you think that either of these systems is effective in repelling the viewers that they are attempting to repel? What about the V-chip, that was proposed to block violent programs from young viewers?
    
    
36. U.S. obesity.
    The obesity prevalence rates are at an all-time high right now. Over half the states in the country have between 20 and 24 percent and one state has 25. How do you feel about this? Do you think that it is a priority that we need to thin down as a country? What do you think are some of the causes of our obesity?
    
    
37. Poverty in Africa.
    Africa has become so impoverished that it contains two-thirds of all AIDS victims in the world, largely due to the fact that their contraceptive supply, if evenly distributed, would equal three condoms per man per year. What do you think a nation of such deprivation can do to even begin to deal with a problem of this magnitude? What role should the United States, who give out condoms for free in many places, play in the lives of these people? AIDS is a problem everywhere in the world, what are some of your ideas on how to stop such epidemics?
    
    
38. U.S. Welfare.
    How do you feel about the U.S. Welfare system? Do you think that the system should move farther towards the European end and offer more money to the people who need it, or should the government make it more restrictive in order to motivate those who rely on it to become self-sufficient?
    
    
39. Food.
    Do you like different kinds of food? Do you prefer to vary what you eat, or would you rather eat the same thing for every meal out of convenience? Do you view food as a tasty meal or strictly as a source of energy? Would you rather prepare your own food or eat out?
    
    
40. Breaking up.
    People say that breaking up is hard to do. Do you agree or disagree? Are some relationships easier to terminate than others? Do you think that the level of difficulty changes with age?
    
    
41. Location.
    Which do you prefer, city life, country life or suburban life? How would you describe the community in which you currently reside? If you had to move, what kind of setting would you pick? Why? What are some of your reservations about moving to another mode of life? Describe you dream home in your new area.
    
    
42. Justice.
    Do you think that preventive measures such as illegalization of prostitution, casinos, marijuana, etc. and also the high drinking age in the United States help discourage the use of these vices? How do you feel about people who indulge in these illegal activities? Do you think that under controlled circumstances these addictions could be fulfilled without risk to one's self, family, or society?
    
    
43. Justice.
    Our justice system relies heavily on a "jury of our peers." Do you think that it's important for people to serve Jury Duty in order to help protect this element of our justice system? Have you performed Jury Duty? Describe your experience. If you've never served, can you think of any reasons why you were not selected? Do you have any desire to participate in a jury?
    
    
44. Voting.
    Do you vote? Why or why not? Does one have a responsibility to vote? Do our votes, taken individually, even matter to electoral outcomes? In other words, can one vote make a difference? Has your opinion changed since the 2000 Presidential elections?
    
    
45. Politics.
    Is democracy a good and/or a stable form of government? Is our democracy democratic? Should it be more or less democratic? For example: could the last Presidential election have been more democratic? Would our democracy be more democratic if we had more parties? Should the average American have a greater voice in politics? If so, what could be done to afford the average Joe a greater political voice?
    
    
46. Memories.
    What is the best thing that has ever happened to you? How has that event shaped you up to now? What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? How has that event affected your life? What do you think your life would be like without either of these occurrences?
    
    
47. Boxers or Briefs.
    Do you prefer boxer shorts or briefs? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to either?
    
    
48. Fashionably late or reasonably early.
    Do you prefer arriving a few minutes early, and waiting for things to begin, or coming a few minutes late and arriving just as the action starts? What does this say about a person's personality? Which do you consider to be the more uptight habit? Do certain cultures place greater value on punctuality than others? Have you ever run into problems due to either of these habits?
    
    
49. Surgery.
    Have you ever needed surgery? What do you think of elective surgery, for example cosmetic surgery? Are you an organ donor? Why or why not? How do you feel about the availability of surgical procedures for possibly fatal malfunctions? Do you think that the U.S. Health Care system effectively provides aid to those who need it?
    
    
50. Corporate greed.
    How do you think corporate greed has affected the business world? Do you think that the scandals of late have helped loosen the stronghold that leading companies have over commerce, or do you feel that corporations are growing despite the setbacks?
    
    
51. Memories.
    Have you ever been to the circus? How old were you? When did you last visit a zoo? Do you associate the circus and zoos with childhood? How do you feel about the treatment of animals in either place?
    
    
52. Crime.
    Do you feel safe in the community that you live in? Have you ever been a victim of crime or know someone that has? Do you think that we need more police on the street? Do you think that crime stories on the news make us feel less safe then we really are?
    
    
53. Occupation.
    Making money is generally what takes up the majority of people's time. What kind of job do you think is worth your time? If you knew how to find an exciting job, what would you choose?
    
    
54. Celebrity accountability
    . Do you think that public figures should bear more accountability for illegal activities that they participate in than private figures? For example, should the courts and media be more harsh with Kobe Bryant and R. Kelly for their exploits than an average person caught in the same situation, seeing as they are considered to be role models to some? How do you think the public should react to our recent social problems? Do you think that George Bush should be held accountable, or do you think of it as something that cannot be blamed on any one person?
    
    
55. Rape accusations.
    Is it fair to try date rape cases under a court of law? Most people involved in rape cases wish the matter to be private, but feel the need to justify it in legal terms. Can you think of any alternatives to dealing with these matters in a public court? How do you feel about the current definition of rape, keeping in mind circumstances such as intoxication and past sexual history?
    
    
56. Weapons of mass destruction.
    Do you think that George Bush was justified in invading Iraq under the explanation that they were looking for weapons of mass destruction? Do you think that Iraq was ever in possession of weapons of mass destruction? Did we use the appropriate force necessary in dealing with this situation?
    
    
57. Movies.
    Do you follow the saga of Harry Potter? Do you watch the films or read the books? What do you think is the appeal of this story? The last Harry Potter film that came out marked the first time that publishing sales exceeded movie ticket sales for the same work in the past few decades - does this reflect a return to reading in the U.S. public?
    
    
58. Violence against women.
    Do you think that women are properly protected under U.S. law from physical violence? What about emotional violence? What are some laws that you think should be instituted or taken away from the current laws in order to justly protect women from spousal or relational abuse?
    
    
59. Recycling.
    Do you recycle? Why or why not? Is recycling a service provided by your community, or do you have to seek out places to take your recycling? Do you find recycling to be an effective and practical way of handling our problem of excess waste? Why or why not?
    
    
60. Equality.
    Presently in the U.S., inequalities exist among classes, ages, races and genders. How do you think this problem should be dealt with? Is it something that can be improved, or is it too stably embedded into our societal structure? Do you think that parallels can be drawn between inequalities in the U.S. and global inequalities?
    
    
61. Humor.
    Do you know a good joke? Can you tell a joke without offending someone? Do you think that humor in general is an effective way to deal with subjects that would usually be considered taboo? Why or why not?
    
    
62. Identity theft.
    Have you ever had your identity stolen? Are you afraid of having your identity stolen? What do you think are the most effective means of protecting your identity? Do you think that technological advances will help keep your identity safe, or make it available to more people?
    
    
63. Domestic safety.
    What do you think is the greatest domestic threat to the U.S.? Do you think that we have forgotten about the threat of domestic terrorists like Timothy McVeigh and Eric Rudolph? Who do you think was responsible for the anthrax attacks? Or do think the real threat is something more benign like slow economic growth and high unemployment?
    
    
64. Movies.
    With passing each generation has its famous personalities. What current entertainers do you think will be associated with this era? Do you think that these people will be viewed the same way as older entertainers such as Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope or Frank Sinatra?
    
    
65. Food.
    Is there such a thing as "American" food? Which is more American, Pizza or Taco's, is either really American? Do you like the fact that that there a greater variety of foods are available in the U.S. today then ten years Ago? Are you fond of foreign foods? Why or why not?
    
    
66. Taste.
    Did the U.S. do the right thing by displaying images of Saddam Hussein's sons on national television? If yes, why do you think that it's important for the American public to see that footage? If no, did you find it in poor taste, or did it offend you in any way?
    
    
67. Power.
    Considering the mounting power of the United States in foreign affairs, do you think that NATO and/or the United Nations is/are being rendered useless, or do you think that they still provide necessary functions in the realm of global politics?
    
    
68. Immigration.
    Should the United States attempt to slow down the rate of immigration? Do you think that immigrants undermine wages, or do immigrants bring needed skills and fresh energy to our economy? Should we let only skilled workers into the country?
    
    
69. Politics.
    What do you think of the Bush tax cut? Was it to big not big enough? Do you think that the benefits were equally distributed to all Americans? Will they help spur economic growth? Can we afford them or should the government pay its bills first?