culture discussion essay

50 Culture Essay Topics — Best Ideas for College Students

From time to time, students have to observe various aspects of spiritual and material worlds and values. This process is frequent for History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Sociology classes. Talking about culture in the USA and other countries and conducting culture research helps to develop various skills and ways of thinking. Writing about it boost your creativity and help to formulate interesting thoughts while supporting them with reasonable evidence.

In college, young people are faced with a wide range of writings, and the culture is one of the most interesting essay topics to be assigned. It's always interesting to compare and analyze the development and importance of different customs around the world and find ways to understand contemporary popular art. But to express your opinion appropriately, it's important to decide on a subject matter first. And, if you don't have culture essay topics at hand, we are glad to help.

In this article, we offer you 50 topics for an essay in which you can explore customs, traditions, lifestyles, and art from different perspectives.

Choosing Your Topics

It is not that easy to select essay topics on this issue— there are too many of them! We can only pick the most relevant ones and give a hint on how to choose the best topic ideas.

• If your professor does not assign a topic, specify whether you can choose one on your own.
• Check your social media accounts for trends.
• Brainstorm with your college friends.
• Write down all possible topics that culture conveys well.
• Search for the sources in your college library or online (e.g., Google Scholar).
• Pick only credible references and fresh ideas to cover in your paper.
• Decide which of the topics can be supported by most of the sources.
• Think about the culture you're more-or-less familiar with.
• Stay original — don't be afraid to come up with new topics!
• Think of the reasons your theme to be rejected. If you doubt, it's better to consult your professor before writing.

Now, if you need some inspiration, you may use the ideas offered below.

The American Culture Essay Topics

Here, it's obvious that you should cover issues related to the history of the United States. Here are some of them:

• The customs of American tribes that still exist in today's lifestyles.
• The difference between the North and South American cultures.
• "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and its culture influence in the history of the US.
• Best pop culture products with their ideas on the Civil War.
• The impact of the most known works in American literature on the rest of the world.
• The role of the so-called Beat Generation in the development of American art heritage.
• The origins of rock'n'roll and dance music.
• Why do some works of art fall under certain genres?
• The evolution of cinematography in the United States.
• Massive amounts of immigration and its influence on native American society.

Note: While writing on American art and customs, make sure you have enough reliable evidence from history.

Canadian Culture Topics

As you may know, Canadian traditions and ways of living look significantly different from one people have in the United States. The essay example topics below can help you analyze different culture aspects of these countries and come up with a good paper:

• The way Canada is showed in South Park.
• Avril Lavigne and other famous Canadian rockers in the US.
• How did Canadian hockey change sports development?
• Why is Canada frequently associated with cold and ice?
• Living in a chilly region with warm hearts.
• Ukrainian and Russian diaspora in Canada.
• Ethnicity groups that shaped the Canadian way of living.
• Canada — before and after the exploration.
• Famous Canadian actors and actresses.
• Wild animals living in Canada that have an impact on their art and customs.

Note: If you're writing an essay about a foreign country, the simplest strategy would be to compare its lifestyle with the one you have in your homeland.

Pop Culture Topics

In the context of culture influence, the issue of pop art is exciting. If you think about soap operas and Britney," you're in the essence of that concept. Here are some interesting ideas for you:

• The impact of popular art on marketing.
• The connection between modern pop art stars and social networks.
• Several ways to become popular today.
• Sexism and feminism in the United States.
• The top preferred reality shows.
• Iron Man as the reflection of all heroes.
• Heroes 3: Of Might and Magic.
• Pop culture influence of Japanese anime on the life of students.
• What makes Pokemon so popular?
• Comparing different trends in culture.

Note: Remember that phenomena that have mass accessibility aren't always perfect. That is a good thought for an argument or persuasive essay.

World -Related Topics

These culture essay topics cover all regions, so you have a great variety of options to choose from. It is always a good decision to select the area (country, state) that interests you or that you've been to:

• Generational trends in everyday life.
• The way customs and art are different and similar in Japan and China.
• Russian and Slovenian heritage and customs.
• Customs and traditions of the Middle East.
• The Chinese culture: leisure activities as a form of art.
• The impact of Eurovision on world music trends.
• Famous rock and metal bands from the United Kingdom.
• A geisha in the Japanese culture.
• Carnivals and other holidays in Brazil.
• Things that make the Australian lifestyle so exciting.

Note: When comparing different lifestyles and customs, remember that there are historical reasons for everything. Even to discuss any heritage issue or custom of another country, you have to provide enough evidence.

Cultural Analysis Topics

If you need to write a paper on one of the analysis essay topics, we recommend using credible, up-to-date external sources and conduct in-depth research to analyze the specific issue from all possible aspects. Grab one of these ideas if you like:

• Promotion of social changes nowadays.
• "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities." Do you agree with this statement?
• Things that make a motion picture popular.
• Reasons why some music albums fail.
• Modern pieces of art and their difference from retro.
• A specific TV show that you like.
• Revealing human worst traits on the example of a chosen antagonist.
• Traveling and learning art and customs.
• How does learning a foreign language help to get closer to the culture of people who speak it?
• The origins of siesta and its role in the countries where they follow this tradition.

Note: Whatever topic you choose, analyze the concepts and phenomena objectively. Any analysis assignment requires a diligent approach and thoughtful background research.

Now, you have a full list of wonderful topics for culture essay. If you need more help or a custom essay written from scratch for you, contact professional writing service online!

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472 Popular Culture Essay Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Popular culture essay topics offer an in-depth exploration of various facets of societies’ prevailing trends, interests, and practices. Some themes may include areas, such as music, fashion, social media, film, television, literature, and even sports. From analyzing the societal influence of groundbreaking television series to dissecting the role of social media in shaping fashion trends, these topics provide an excellent platform to understand the human cultural milieu. Moreover, they offer a critical lens to examine the intersection of popular culture with issues, like gender, race, politics, and identity. By delving into such topics, one can get a better understanding of current societal dynamics, influential forces, and the complexities of shared cultural narratives. Thus, popular culture essay topics allow students to develop an engaging discourse on how pop culture reflects, influences, and challenges societal norms and beliefs.

Best Popular Culture Essay Topics

• Anime’s Influence on Global Fashion Trends
• Superheroes and Their Reflections on Societal Ideals
• Latinx Representation in Hollywood: Progress and Pitfalls
• Evolution of Video Game Narratives in the 21st Century
• K-Pop’s Global Dominance and Cultural Exchange
• Graffiti as an Expression of Urban Culture and Identity
• Reality TV and Its Effect on Public Perception of Celebrity
• Transformation of Comedy in Digital Platforms: Case of Memes
• Reinterpretation of Classic Literature in Modern Cinema
• TikTok: Disrupting Traditional Performance Art
• Influence of Western Culture on Bollywood Cinema
• Streetwear and Its Intersections With Youth Culture
• Science Fiction and Its Predictions of Future Technologies
• Dystopian Novels as Commentary on Present Societies
• Skateboarding’s Influence on Pop Culture and Urban Development
• Representation of LGBTQ+ Characters in Children’s Cartoons
• Ethical Concerns Surrounding the Consumption of True Crime Content
• The Role of Comics in Shaping Political Satire
• Internet Slang and Its Effect on Language Evolution
• Cancel Culture: Societal Responsibility or Online Mob Mentality?
• Body Positivity Movement’s Impact on Fashion Industry
• eSports’ Rise to Mainstream Popularity and Its Future
• Nostalgia Marketing in Film and Television: Case of Reboots
• Cinematic Depictions of Historical Events and Their Accuracy
• Food Trends and Their Influence on Health Perceptions
• The Cultural Significance of Music Festivals in Globalization
• Cosplay’s Emergence as a Mainstream Hobby and Its Impact on Fashion

Easy Popular Culture Essay Topics

• Pop Art and Its Relevance in Modern Advertising
• Podcasts as a Medium for Storytelling and Social Discussions
• Interpretations of Artificial Intelligence in Cinema and Literature
• Drag Culture and Its Influence on Gender Norms
• Cyberpunk Culture and Its Visions of the Future
• Disney’s Influence on Childhood Perceptions of Morality
• Social Issues Portrayed in Animated Films
• Rap Music as a Tool for Sociopolitical Commentary
• The Role of Netflix in Shaping TV Consumption Habits
• Mental Health Representations in Modern Literature
• Zombie Mythology and Its Reflections on Societal Fears
• Veganism’s Impacts on Culinary Trends and Food Industry
• Diversity in Barbie Dolls: Shifts in Gender and Racial Representation
• Role-Playing Games and Their Influence on Social Interactions
• Viral Challenges: Risks and Rewards of Internet Fame
• Fanfiction’s Role in Expanding and Challenging Canonical Narratives
• Sci-Fi’s Influence on Public Interest in Space Exploration
• Generation Z’s Use of Social Media for Activism
• The Evolution of Dance Trends Through TikTok
• Modern Interpretations of Fairy Tales in Popular Culture
• Street Dance and Its Influence on Music Videos
• Technological Advancements and Their Impact on Film Production Techniques
• Hyperrealistic Art and Its Influence on Perception of Beauty
• Book-to-Film Adaptations: Analysis of Narrative Fidelity
• Technology’s Role in Transforming the Music Industry

Interesting Popular Culture Essay Topics

• Musical Theatre’s Cultural Impact: Case Study of “Hamilton”
• Virtual Reality’s Impact on the Video Game Experience
• Youtubers as Modern-Day Influencers: Challenges and Successes
• Sports Marketing and Its Influence on Brand Perception
• Architectural Styles in Popular TV Shows and Films
• Environmental Messages in Animated Children’s Movies
• Hollywood’s Influence on Global Beauty Standards
• Historical Analysis of Hip-Hop Culture
• Streaming Platforms and the Decline of Traditional Radio
• Digital Art’s Rise in Contemporary Art Market
• Country Music’s Reflection on American Culture
• Young Adult Dystopian Novels and Their Societal Messages
• The Influence of Award Shows on Film and Music Industries
• Paranormal Fiction and Its Appeal to Young Adult Readers
• Contemporary Tattoo Culture and Its Significance
• The Evolution of Feminism in Pop Music
• Subcultures and Their Representation in Modern Films
• Magic Realism in Latin American Literature
• Technology’s Impacts on Print Media and Journalism
• Food Blogs and Their Influence on Culinary Industry
• The Cultural Significance of the Olympic Games
• Modern Photography and Its Role in Documenting Social Movements
• British Influence on American Pop Culture

Pop Culture Argumentative Essay Topics

• Influence of Reality Television on Modern Society
• Representation of Gender Roles in Disney Films
• Nostalgia and Its Role in Fueling Retro Fashion Trends
• Impacts of Social Media on Celebrity Culture
• Violence in Video Games: Examining Its Effects on Players
• Modern Rap Music: Examining Its Influence on Youth Behavior
• Superhero Films: The Potential Over-Saturation of the Genre
• Body Image Perception Altered by the Fashion Industry
• Internet Memes and Their Cultural Significance
• Roles of Artistic Expression in Protest Movements
• Podcasts vs. Traditional Radio: A Shift in Audio Consumption
• Animation Advancements: Pixar’s Influence on the Film Industry
• Streaming Services: Impact on Movie Theatre Culture
• Virtual Influencers: The Future of Advertising?
• Cultural Appropriation in Popular Music: Where to Draw the Line?
• Influence of Anime on Western Animation
• Celebrity Endorsements and Their Effect on Consumer Behavior
• Fan Fiction: Challenging the Boundaries of Intellectual Property
• The Instagram Aesthetic: The Reality vs. The Highlight Reel
• Diversity in Hollywood: A Reflection of Society or Tokenism?
• Cancel Culture: Champion of Accountability or Modern Witch Hunt?
• Impacts of K-Pop on Global Music Trends
• Virtual Reality in Entertainment: Boon or Bane?
• Binge-Watching: The Shift in Television Consumption Patterns

Pop Culture Research Paper Topics

• Dark Humor in Television Shows: A Psychological Perspective
• Examination of Gothic Themes in Modern Literature
• Virtual Influencers and Their Role in Digital Marketing
• The Cultural Impact of Mobile Gaming Trends
• Post-Apocalyptic Narratives as Reflections of Societal Anxiety
• The Evolution of Romantic Comedies in the Film Industry
• Queer Coding in Classic Hollywood Films
• The Role of Autobiographies in Celebrity Branding
• Analysis of Minimalist Lifestyle Trends
• Pop Culture’s Role in Destigmatizing Mental Illness
• Transformation of Traditional News Platforms in the Digital Age
• Fan Cultures and Their Influence on TV Series Continuity
• The Cultural Significance of Ballet in Film
• The Rise of Celebrity Chefs and Gourmet Cooking Shows
• Psychedelic Art and Its Influence on the Music and Fashion Industry
• Celebrity Activism: Influence on Public Policy and Opinion
• Examination of Fashion Statements in Award Shows
• Roles of Women in 21st-Century Horror Films
• Graffiti and Street Art as Tools for Political Protest
• The Impact of Hollywood’s Typecasting on Actor Careers
• Evolution of Women Characters in Comic Books
• Influence of Science Fiction on Technological Innovation
• Cybersecurity in Pop Culture: An Analysis of Film Depictions
• The Cultural Impact of Mobile Apps on Daily Life

Essay Topics on Pop Culture and Internet Trends

• Influences of TikTok Challenges on Youth Behavior
• Memes as Communication Tools in Modern Society
• The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Traditional Media
• Cyber Activism: The Power of Hashtag Movements
• Anime Influence on Global Pop Culture
• Fashion Trends Initiated by Influencers and Their Consequences
• Cultural Shifts Facilitated by YouTube Personalities
• Roles of E-Sports in Defining New Entertainment Avenues
• Instagram’s Contribution to Self-Image and Mental Health
• Influence of K-Pop on the Global Music Scene
• Cyberbullying Phenomenon in the Age of Social Media
• Intersectionality of Pop Culture and Politics in the Internet Era
• Podcasts: Disruption of Traditional Broadcasting Media
• Ethical Dimensions of Internet Privacy and Personal Data
• Reality Television’s Influence on Social Perceptions and Norms
• Cancel Culture: Internet Accountability or Online Harassment?
• Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency: Impact on Financial Cultures
• Virtual Reality: Changing Dynamics of Entertainment and Gaming
• The Role of AI Influencers in Modern Advertising
• Social Media: Agent of Globalization or Cultural Appropriation?
• The Influences of Internet Slang on Language Evolution

Essay Topics on Pop Culture in Mass Media

• Influences of Pop Culture on Modern Advertisement Strategies
• Representation of the LGBTQ+ Community in Pop Music Videos
• Impacts of Superhero Movies on the Young Generation’s Ideals
• The Evolution of Animated Series and Their Cultural Significance
• Reality Television: A Window Into Contemporary Society
• Pop Culture’s Role in Shaping Youth’s Body Image Perceptions
• Digital Media’s Influence on Fashion Trends in Pop Culture
• Asian Representation in Hollywood: A Discussion on Cultural Diversity
• Graffiti and Street Art: Symbols of Counterculture in Mass Media
• Stand-Up Comedy’s Effect on Social Commentary Within Pop Culture
• Memes and Their Disruptive Impact on Mass Media Communications
• Feminism Portrayed Through Pop Culture: A Historical Perspective
• Musical Genres and Their Reflection of Societal Changes
• The Role of Science Fiction Films in Shaping Future Expectations
• Social Media and Its Influence on Celebrity Culture
• Analysis of Pop Culture’s Influence on Language Evolution
• eSports’ Rise: A New Phenomenon in Pop Culture
• The Power of Animation in Breaking Societal Taboos
• How Do Video Games Reflect and Influence Pop Culture?
• The Impact of Mass Media on the Globalization of Pop Culture
• Cult Television Shows and Their Impact on Fan Cultures
• Graphic Novels’ Cultural Significance in Contemporary Society

Fashion and Beauty in Pop Culture Topics

• Evolving Trends in Celebrity Street Style
• Power of Pop Icons in Shaping Fashion Norms
• K-Pop Influence on Global Beauty Standards
• Roles of Social Media Models in Fashion
• The Art of Body Positivity in Hollywood
• Influence of Hip-Hop on Urban Style
• Red Carpet Events: The Ultimate Fashion Showdown
• Film and Its Effects on Contemporary Hairstyles
• High-Fashion Inspirations in Music Videos
• Tattoos: An Emerging Trend Among Celebrities
• Representation and Diversity in the Beauty Industry
• Fashion Lessons From Period Drama Series
• Sustainability Practices of Luxury Brands
• Sneaker Culture Within the Music Industry
• Athleisure Wear: Sports Celebrities as Style Icons
• Vintage Revival in Modern Celebrity Wardrobes
• Gender Fluidity: Changes in Fashion Perception
• TV Series That Revolutionized Makeup Trends
• Music Festivals and Their Unique Style Statements
• Reality Shows’ Impacts on Fashion Choices
• Video Game Characters Inspiring Cosplay Trends

Food and Drink in Pop Culture Essay Topics

• Influence of Television Cooking Shows on Modern Cuisine
• Representation of Cultural Identity Through Food in Anime
• Impacts of Celebrity Chefs on Popular Culinary Trends
• Drinks in Film: Crafting Character and Setting Through Beverage Choice
• The Rise of Veganism: How Does Pop Culture Encourage Plant-Based Diets?
• Coffee Culture’s Emergence in Television and Its Social Impact
• Food-Related Social Media Trends: The Effect on Eating Habits
• Wine in Literature: Symbolism and Character Development
• Evolution of the Fast Food Industry as Shown in Popular Music
• The Art of Baking in British Television: Cultural Interpretation and Influence
• “Cocktail Culture” in Classic Hollywood Films: Glamour, Intrigue, and Influence
• Depictions of Holiday Feasts in Movies: Ideals and Reality
• The Role of Comfort Foods in Iconic American Sitcoms
• Feast or Famine: Food Symbolism in Fantasy Literature
• Chocolate in Pop Culture: A Sweet Treat’s Role Across Mediums
• Culinary Reality Shows and Their Impact on the Restaurant Industry
• The Beer Industry’s Presence in American Sports Culture
• Tea Rituals in Asian Cinema: Tradition, Modernity, and Cultural Exchange
• The Socio-Economic Influence of Foodie Culture as Presented in Blogs
• The Image of Soda Pop in Teenage Films: A Symbol of Youth Rebellion

Historical and Literary Influences on Pop Culture Topics

• Gothic Literature’s Elements in Today’s Horror Pop Culture
• Chronicles of King Arthur: Recurrent Themes in Fantasy Genre
• Biblical References in Contemporary Music Lyrics
• Victorian Fashion Trends Revived in Modern-Day Couture
• Examination of War Poetry’s Influence on Anti-War Songs
• Jack Kerouac and the Beat Movement’s Echoes in Indie Culture
• Norse Mythology’s Role in Video Game Narratives
• The Odyssey: Inspiration for Epic Space Operas
• Orwellian Themes in Dystopian TV Shows and Films
• Resurgence of 1920s Jazz Age in Postmodern Music
• Reflection of the Harlem Renaissance in Urban Street Art
• Reinterpretation of Fairy Tales in Disney Animation
• Renaissance Art and Its Impact on Graphic Novel Aesthetics
• Influence of Chivalric Romances on Modern Fantasy Tropes
• H.P. Lovecraft’s Cosmic Horror: Inspiration for Sci-Fi Movies
• Influence of Homeric Epics on Hollywood Blockbusters
• French Revolution’s Symbolism in Political Drama Series
• Roles of American Frontier Legends in Western Movies
• Japanese Folklore’s Influence on Anime and Manga
• Elements of Celtic Mythology in Contemporary Fantasy Literature
• Eastern Philosophy’s Imprint on Mindfulness Movements in Pop Culture

Pop Culture and Education Essay Topics

• Intersecting Worlds: The Influence of Pop Culture on Modern Education Systems
• Unraveling the Impact of Social Media Stars on Youth Learning Habits
• Hollywood’s Effect on Contemporary History Education
• Significance of Graphic Novels in Promoting Literacy
• Celebrities as Role Models: A Study on Ethical Education
• Role-Playing Games and Their Potential for Pedagogical Strategies
• Podcasts as a Platform for Lifelong Learning and Self-Education
• Memes and Their Influence on Digital Literacy
• Science Fiction Literature’s Effect on STEM Education
• Art Education: The Role of Pop Culture Iconography in Classrooms
• Popular Music’s Contribution to Language Learning
• Anime’s Influence on Cross-Cultural Understanding in Education
• Superheroes in the Classroom: Teaching Morality Through Comic Books
• Video Games’ Potential as Interactive Learning Tools
• Gender Representation in Pop Culture: Implications for Sex Education
• Virtual Reality: A Paradigm Shift in Experiential Learning
• Food Shows and Their Impact on Culinary Education
• Streamed Content as a Tool for Foreign Language Acquisition
• Exploring Environmental Education Through Post-Apocalyptic Films
• Street Art: A Catalyst for Creativity and Artistic Education
• Reality TV’s Influence on Career Choices in the Modern Youth
• Sports Celebrities as Motivational Figures in Physical Education

Pop Culture Essay Topics on Movies and TV Shows

• Exploring the Cultural Impact of Superhero Movies
• Analyzing the Evolution of Female Characters in TV Shows
• Unraveling the Symbolism in Quentin Tarantino’s Films
• Examining the Role of Diversity in Contemporary Television
• Investigating the Influence of Anime on Western Animation
• Dissecting the Complex Themes in Christopher Nolan’s Movies
• Tracing the History of Film Noir and Its Modern-Day Resurgence
• Unveiling the Psychology of Villains in Popular Movies
• Exploring the Phenomenon of Binge-Watching and Its Effects
• Deconstructing the Mythology of Star Wars
• Focusing on the Representation of Mental Health in TV Dramas
• Explaining the Success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
• Analyzing the Influence of Science Fiction on Popular Culture
• Addressing the Satirical Elements in Black Mirror
• The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Representation in Film and TV
• Exploring the World of Animated Shorts
• The Role of Soundtracks in Enhancing Movie Viewing Experience
• Analyzing the Cinematic Techniques of Stanley Kubrick
• The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Traditional Television
• Unveiling the Power of Nostalgia in Remakes and Reboots
• Examining the Cultural Significance of Game of Thrones

Topics for Analyzing Pop Culture

• Analysis of Stereotypes in Sitcoms
• Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication in Movies
• The Popularity and Impact of DIY Culture
• The Influence of Jazz Music on Modern Music Genres
• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment in Digital Culture
• The Role of Children’s Literature in Promoting Diversity
• Impact of Biographical Films on Public Perception of Historical Figures
• The Role of Modern Art in Social Justice Movements
• Influence of Video Game Aesthetics on Fashion Trends
• The Evolution of Women in Superhero Movies
• Paranormal Reality TV Shows and Public Belief in Supernatural
• Satire and Its Impact on Political Views
• Trends in Advertising and Their Influence on Consumerism
• Magic and Mysticism in Popular Literature
• Transformation of Traditional Art Forms Through Digital Media
• Influence of the Maker Movement on Technology and Education
• Role of Aesthetics in the Popularity of Social Media Platforms
• Cultural Significance of Epic Poetry in Modern Literature
• Influences of Greek Mythology in Contemporary Pop Culture
• Gender Stereotypes in Children’s Animated Movies
• YouTube and Its Impact on Independent Music Artists
• The Influence of Psychedelic Culture on Graphic Design
• Implications of Digital Piracy on the Music Industry
• Exploration of the Punk Rock Movement’s Influence on Fashion
• Representation of Indigenous Cultures in Modern Cinema

Topics on American Pop Culture

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Revolution: Impact on American Pop Culture
• Hollywood Blockbusters: Evolution of the American Film Industry
• Jazz Age: Birth of American Music Icons
• Urban Street Art: Influences on American Graffiti Culture
• Fashion Icons: Shaping Trends in American Pop Culture
• Sitcom Sensations: Comedy Shows That Defined American Television
• Hip-Hop Phenomenon: Cultural Influence and Evolution
• Comic Book Heroes: Superheroes’ Impact on American Culture
• Gaming Revolution: Rise of Video Games in American Society
• Reality TV Obsession: America’s Fascination With Unscripted Entertainment
• Broadway Spectacles: Theatrical Experiences That Captivated America
• Social Media Influencers: Power of Online Personalities in American Culture
• Breaking the Mold: Iconic American Art Movements
• Sports Legends: Athletes Who Became Cultural Icons
• Technological Advancements: Shaping American Pop Culture
• Literary Icons: American Writers Who Transformed Popular Literature
• Television Talk Shows: Influence on American Conversations and Trends
• Golden Age of Radio: Impact on American Pop Culture
• Stand-Up Comedy Revolution: Comedians Who Redefined American Humor
• American Food Culture: From Fast Food to Gourmet Delights
• Dance Craze: Evolution of American Dance Styles
• Drive-In Theaters: Iconic American Pastime and Entertainment

Celebrity Culture Research Paper Topics

• Celebrity Influence on Fashion Trends: A Comparative Analysis
• Exploring the Psychological Impact of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Behavior
• Ethical Dilemmas of Paparazzi and Invasion Into Celebrity Privacy
• Examining the Role of Public Figures in Social Change: Celebrity Activism
• Analyzing Successful Celebrity-Brand Partnerships: Strategies for Celebrity Branding
• Investigating the Effects of Celebrity Scandals on Public Perception and Career Sustainability
• A Sociocultural Examination of Fame and Obsession: The Cult of Celebrity
• Celebrity Parenting Styles and Their Influence on Public Perception
• The Evolution of Celebrity Gossip Journalism: Tabloids to Digital Media
• Shaping Culinary Trends and Food Culture: The Role of Celebrity Chefs
• Celebrity Influence on Body Image and the Rise of Eating Disorders
• Examining Motivations and Impact: Celebrity Humanitarian Efforts
• Analyzing Power Imbalances: The Dynamics in Celebrity Relationships
• Investigating the Role of Fame in Addiction Recovery: Celebrity Rehabilitation Culture
• The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Mental Health and Well-Being
• Exploring the Phenomenon of Celebrity Obsession: Celebrity Impersonators
• Psychological Motivations and Implications: Celebrity Worship Syndrome
• The Intersection of Celebrity Culture and Politics: Influence and Perceptions
• Evaluating Effectiveness and Transparency: Celebrity Charity Foundations
• Economic Impact and Market Dynamics: The Celebrity Endorsement Economy
• Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Tragedy: The Dark Side of Celebrity

Culture Essay Topics on Modern and Popular Literature

• Cultural Identity and Immigration in Contemporary Poetry
• The Role of Gender in Recent Literary Works
• Ecological Themes in Popular Environmental Literature
• Unconventional Narrative Structures in Contemporary Fiction
• Love and Relationships in Modern Romance Novels
• Social Commentary in Contemporary Satirical Writing
• Historical Fiction as a Window Into the Past
• The Representation of Mental Health in Modern Literature
• Magical Realism in Contemporary Short Stories
• Coming-of-Age Stories in Recent Young Adult Fiction
• Political Allegories in Contemporary Literary Works
• Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Popular Science Fiction Novels
• The Power of Mythology in Modern Fantasy Literature
• Social Media and its Influence on Contemporary Literary Themes
• Personal Identity and Self-Discovery in Recent Memoirs
• Capturing the Spirit of a Generation in Modern Poetry
• Examining Postcolonial Narratives in Contemporary Literature
• Technological Advancements and Their Impact on the Detective Genre
• Environmentalism and Nature Writing in Popular Non-Fiction
• Investigating Magical Elements in Modern Magical Realism
• The Art of Subversion in Contemporary Literary Criticism
• Exploring Family Dynamics in Recent Domestic Fiction

Ethics and Morality in Popular Culture Research Topics

• Analyzing Ethical Choices of Superheroes in Comic Books
• Roles of Ethics in Music Lyrics and Popular Songs
• Exploring Moral Ambiguity in TV Series
• Ethical Considerations in Advertising and Product Placement Within Movies
• Influence of Social Media on Moral Decision-Making
• Morality and Violence in Video Games: A Critical Analysis
• Ethical Representation of Gender and Sexuality in Popular Culture
• Ethics of Cultural Appropriation in Fashion and Music
• Morality in Documentary Filmmaking: Balancing Objectivity and Impact
• Moral Implications of Reality Television Contestants’ Behaviors
• Ethical Issues in Celebrity Endorsements and Sponsorships
• Morality and Privacy in Digital Age: Examining Social Media Influencers
• Analyzing Ethical Treatment of Animals in Film and Television
• Ethical Dimensions of Political Satire in Late-Night Talk Shows
• Morality and Consent in Popular Romance Novels
• Roles of Morality in Gaming Community: Online Interactions and Behavior
• Ethical Challenges in Virtual Reality Gaming and Augmented Reality Experiences
• Morality and Surveillance in Science Fiction Literature and Films
• Ethics of Violence in Sports and Athletic Competitions
• Examining Moral Consequences of Reality TV Judge Panels
• Morality and Body Image in Fashion Advertising and Magazine Covers
• Ethical Implications of Historical Revisionism in Film and Television
• Exploring Morality and Identity in Video Game Character Customization

Music-Related Popular Culture Essay Topics

• Protest Anthems: Social and Political Expressions
• Jazz: A Timeless Cultural Heritage
• Music Festivals: Celebrating Diversity and Unity
• Country Music and the American Identity
• Harmonies in Advertising: Music as a Marketing Tool
• Reggae Rhythms: Cultural Roots and Global Impact
• K-Pop Sensation: Global Domination and Influence
• Music as Catalyst: Driving Social Movements
• Rap Battles: Verbal Artistry and Competition
• Melodies and Fashion Trends: A Symbiotic Relationship
• Music in Video Games: Immersive Sonic Landscapes
• Empowering Women in Music: Breaking Barriers
• Streaming Services Reshaping the Music Landscape
• Healing Harmonies: The Therapeutic Power of Music
• Classical Symphony: Timeless Expressions of Emotion
• Music and Politics: Amplifying Movements
• Honoring Musical Legends: The Legacy of Tribute Bands
• Shaping the Sound: The Evolution of Music Production
• Cultural Appropriation in Music: Navigating Boundaries
• Rhythms and Visual Arts: Exploring Creative Connections
• Technological Innovations in Music: Transforming the Industry
• Music and LGBTQ+ Culture: A Pathway to Inclusion

Popular Culture Essay Topics for Social Issues

• Media Representation of Gender Stereotypes: Influence and Challenges
• Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perception
• Cultural Appropriation in Contemporary Music: Debates and Effects
• LGBTQ+ Representation in Modern Television Series
• Celebrities’ Role in Advocacy and Activism
• Influence of Video Games on Youth Attitudes and Behavior
• Racial Diversity in Film Industry: Progress and Obstacles
• Social Media Influencers and Consumer Culture
• Popular Culture’s Contribution to Environmental Awareness
• Future of Traditional TV in the Era of Online Streaming
• Celebrity Endorsements and Their Impact on Consumer Behavior
• Societal Effects of Reality TV Shows
• Music as a Catalyst for Social Change
• Cultural Diversity in Contemporary Literature and Cinema
• Globalization and Cultural Exchange through K-Pop
• Representation of Mental Health Issues in Popular Culture
• The Power of Memes in Public Discourse
• Fashion Trends Shaped by Popular Culture
• Women in Superhero Movies: Empowerment or Objectification?
• The Intersection of Sports and Popular Culture
• Online Fandom Communities and Fan Culture

Sports and Athletics in Popular Culture Essay Topics

• Evolution of Basketball: From Naismith to Professional Leagues
• The Rise of Women in Competitive Soccer
• Influence of Sports Films on Popular Culture
• Olympic Games: Unifying Nations through Athletic Competitions
• The Impact of Social Media on Sports Promotion
• Baseball’s Cultural Significance in American Society
• Sports and Style: The Intersection of Fashion and Athletics
• eSports: The Growing Influence of Competitive Gaming
• Memorable Moments in American Football History: From “The Catch” to Miraculous Plays
• The Fusion of Music and Sports: Athletes as Musical Icons
• Analyzing the Legacy of Muhammad Ali: A Sporting Legend
• Sports in Advertising: Athlete Endorsements and Product Marketing
• The Olympic Spirit: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Through Sports
• Breaking Gender Stereotypes: The Impact of Sports in Empowering Women
• Sports as a Catalyst for Overcoming Adversity
• Extreme Sports: Pushing Boundaries and Defying Gravity
• Sports Technology Innovations: Revolutionizing Athletic Performance
• Football and National Identity: Passionate Support for Club and Country
• Soccer’s Global Dominance: How Did the Beautiful Game Conquer the World?
• The Artistry of Sports Photography: Capturing the Essence of Athleticism
• Sports and Well-being: Exploring the Health Benefits of Physical Activity
• Athletics and Education: The Vital Role of Sports in Schools

Video Game Culture Topics for Popular Essays

• The Impact of eSports on Gaming Culture
• Gaming as a Form of Storytelling
• Cultural Representation in Video Games
• The Power of Video Game Music
• Game Development and Industry Trends
• Online Communities and Social Interaction in Gaming
• Video Games as Educational Tools
• Ethics and Morality in Gaming
• The Psychology of Video Game Addiction
• Preservation of Video Game History and Retro Gaming
• Social Impacts of Multiplayer Gaming
• Diversity in Game Character Design
• Gaming’s Positive Effects on Mental Health
• Video Game Localization and Cultural Adaptation
• Gender and Identity in Gaming Culture
• The Rise of Indie Game Development
• Streaming Platforms and Content Creation in Gaming
• Monetization Models and In-Game Purchases
• Gamification in Non-Gaming Contexts
• Video Game Censorship and Freedom of Expression
• Representation of Historical Events in Gaming
• Gaming’s Influence on Popular Culture
• Virtual Economies and In-Game Trading Systems

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

427 relationship topics & good ideas, 977 dissertation topics & good thesis ideas.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Discrimination and Prejudice — Cultural Diversity

Essays on Cultural Diversity

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Somebody Blew Up America: a Critical Analysis

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Culture and Cultural Effect on People in Different Areas

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Cultural Diversity in The Workplace

Effects of social and cultural diversity in a workplace, social and cultural diversity in workforce environment, advantages and disadvanyages of cultural diversity in the workplace, cultural diversity, stereotypes and discrimination in indian education, unity in diversity: the effects of cultural diversity in america, elevating of my cultural significance, the issue of interracial dialogue and its importance, a conflict between mother and daughter in amy tan’s two kinds, my life in different nations around the globe, a reflective paper on "mother tongue" by amy tan, the issue of diversity in the workplace, the importance of cultural awareness, the impact of culture on life, my point of view and opinion of the cultural concept, the cultural beliefs concerning mental illnesses in the south asian community, cultural differences related to families in the united states and brazil, cultural differences between brazil and usa: analysis of marriage and love, diversity in education: a need for reform, analysis of cultural differences presented in the movie gung ho using hofstede’s theory.

1. Cox, T. H., & Blake, S. (1991). Managing cultural diversity: Implications for organizational competitiveness. Academy of Management Perspectives, 5(3), 45-56. (https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/ame.1991.4274465) 2. Tharp, R. G. (1991). Cultural diversity and treatment of children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59(6), 799. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-43946-001) 3. Fearon, J. D. (2003). Ethnic and cultural diversity by country. Journal of economic growth, 195-222. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/40215943) 4. Ely, R. J., & Thomas, D. A. (2001). Cultural diversity at work: The effects of diversity perspectives on work group processes and outcomes. Administrative science quarterly, 46(2), 229-273. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2307/2667087) 5. Martin, G. C. (2014). The effects of cultural diversity in the workplace. Journal of diversity management (JDM), 9(2), 89-92. (https://www.clutejournals.com/index.php/JDM/article/view/8974) 6. Seymen, O. A. (2006). The cultural diversity phenomenon in organisations and different approaches for effective cultural diversity management: a literary review. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal. (https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/13527600610713404/full/html?mobileUi=0&fullSc=1&mbSc=1&fullSc=1) 7. Gopalkrishnan, N. (2018). Cultural diversity and mental health: Considerations for policy and practice. Frontiers in public health, 6, 179. (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00179/full) 8. Guo, S., & Jamal, Z. (2007). Nurturing cultural diversity in higher education: a critical review of selected models. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 37(3), 27-49. (https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ799706) 9. Dotson, E., & Nuru-Jeter, A. (2012). Setting the stage for a business case for leadership diversity in healthcare: History, research, and leverage. Journal of Healthcare Management, 57(1), 35-46. (https://journals.lww.com/jhmonline/Abstract/2012/01000/Setting_the_Stage_for_a_Business_Case_for.7.aspx) 10. Clinton, J. F. (1996). Cultural diversity and health care in America: knowledge fundamental to cultural competence in baccalaureate nursing students. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 3(1), 4-8. (https://europepmc.org/article/med/8788834)

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• Discrimination
• Racial Profiling
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Toward a Global Culture: Discussion Essay

Types of societies, culture and society defined, culture’s roots: biological or societal, material and non‐material culture, symbols and language in human culture.

Culture is of particular importance in human life and the formation of society, as it acts as a means of collecting, storing and transmitting experience. It brings people together, ensures the integrity of the community. Over the centuries, society has been shaped by creating different kinds. All of them had their own special characteristics and corresponded to the level of development of people and the environment. Then scientists began to distinguish between material and immaterial culture, attributing their own features to them. Moreover, the idea of the natural and social roots of the origin and patterns of history has been formed. The study of these aspects is of critical importance for the further development of people’s cultural characteristics and preventing the process of its unification. This work contains a generalization of the data provided in the literary source for a better understanding of the phenomenon of culture.

The article focuses on such a problem as global culture. It consists in blurring the boundaries between different cultures, which leads to a lack of diversity and generalization of features. The main cause and driving force of this phenomenon is cultural diffusion, in other words, the spread of standards. Also of particular importance are electronic communications, mass media, mass media, international enterprises and banks, and the United Nations (“Toward a global culture”, n.d.). Despite this, many representatives of cultures are still struggling to preserve their traditions, customs and views.

There are six main types of societies, the main criterion for their differentiation is the level of technology development.

• Hunter-gatherer societies

These representatives survive by hunting and collecting plants. Most of these societies existed in the past and were heavily dependent on external environmental factors. This contributed to their frequent movement and relatively small size. The labor of such hunter-gatherer communities was divided equally among the members and possibly went by gender. Moreover, the hunting society was characterized by the fact that it was tribal. Thus, people honored and preserved the heritage of their ancestors, traditions and rituals.

• Pastoral societies

Members of this species graze animals for food and transportation. They exist to this day, in areas where there is no opportunity to engage in gardening and production. Pastoral societies produce surplus products, which contributes to their stability. It is worth noting that in this type of society, some members engage in activities unrelated to survival, such as trade, treatment, spiritual practices and artisans.

• Horticultural societies

The main activity of the representatives of this society is the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and plants. They also have a fairly high level of mobility compared to other societies.

• Agricultural societies

This type relies on technological advances for growing crops as the main activity. This type of society emerged during the Agricultural Revolution that took place 8,500 years ago. She contributed to the development of activities for the cultivation of agricultural crops and the breeding of animals. A special characteristic of this society is a large degree of social stratification. Moreover, they have a system of rulers with a high social status.

• Feudal societies

Feudalism is characterized by a form of society that is based on the ownership of feudal lands. Multigenerational is also a distinct feature of this caste system. Capitalism characteristic of this society has the feature of open competition in a free market. At the same time, the means of production are transferred to private ownership.

• Industrial societies

This concept includes a society based on the use of machines for the production of goods. During this period, many changes occurred, such as factories becoming the center of work, a decrease in the role of the family, education was obtained in schools and the normalization of the media. Political institutions have become equivalent to modern models of governance. Moreover, the bureaucratic form of organizations has developed.

• Post-industrial societies

The main driving force of this type of society is the development of computer and information technology, which led to a general revolution in all spheres of life. Post-industrial society is based on information, knowledge and the sale of services. The main success factor in this case is the ability to work with information. It is noted that this type of society may be less susceptible to social conflicts. Sociologists predict an increase in education and professional training. Along with them, the level of consumerism, the availability of goods and social mobility will increase.

Society reflects the system of people’s relationships, and culture is a reflection of their way of life, which is formed as a result of these relationships. Culture, collecting the most useful social experience of generations of people, has the ability to accumulate knowledge about the world and create favorable opportunities for its cognition and development. Thus, culture includes such aspects as “language, customs, values, norms, mores, rules, tools, technologies, products, organizations and institutions” (“Culture and society defined”, n.d.). The main function of culture is to help in self-determination and following certain values.

The main and common institutions in this case are family, education, religion, work and health care. In addition, there is the concept of high culture, which mainly refers to representatives of the upper class who have a certain level of cultural capital. Low culture is characteristic of the lower strata of society and includes sports, movies, as well as rock music. Culture and society are closely connected, since society is seen as the interaction of people to maintain a common culture. In modern society, different representatives of cultures interact and exchange resources, which lead to unification.

There are two ideas about the emergence of culture – natural and educational. The first believe that genetics is a force that creates cultural forms common to people all over the world. Thus, genetic and anomalies are factors in the development of behavioral and cultural differences between people. Examples of such distinctive characteristics are language, preferences, and sexual relationships. The educational approach asserts that people are a tabula rasa on which cultural norms are studied.

Moreover, representatives of social learning believe that members of society acquire social behavior in social contexts. That is, behavior is determined not genetically, but socially. The position of social learning is supported in the study of cultural universals or features common to all cultures. Sociobiologists contradict, saying that, for some forms of behavior, there must be natural selection (“Culture’s roots: Biological or societal?”, n.d.). In the modern world, the evidence has gained popularity that certain behavior is the result of social characteristics that induce physiological addictions, which are biological models of behavior.

Sociologists distinguish two types of culture:

• Material culture

This type is characterized by physical objects that members of society use to define culture. It includes physical objects created by human hands and these include many examples, such as houses, schools, churches, factories, goods and products, and so on. All of them contribute to the formation of behavior and perception of people.

• Non-material culture

They are also considered the result of human activity, but the main difference is that they are created by reason. This type of culture is based on processes for the formation of thoughts, feelings and behavior. These include symbols, language, values and norms.

Symbols are defined as cultural representatives of reality peculiar to each individual culture. Thus, the symbols have no common meanings, as they are interpreted by people in different ways. Symbols are divided into verbal or nonverbal, written or unwritten. The most important such symbol is language as a system of verbal and written representations with cultural specificity. It is also the most important factor of continuity and identity. Representing a certain system of signs and symbols, culture implies knowledge and ownership of its aspects. It is impossible to master the achievements of culture without studying the corresponding sign systems. The language of a certain culture is formed only if people interact within a society that has adopted its rules. Mastering this aspect of culture gives people the opportunity to gain freedom, and the ability to evaluate and self-esteem. Moreover, it allows people to be involved in the cultural context and realize their place in culture.

Culture and society defined . (n.d.). CliffsNotes.

Culture’s roots: Biological or societal?. (n.d.). CliffsNotes.

Toward a global culture . (n.d.). CliffsNotes.

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IvyPanda. (2022, November 14). Toward a Global Culture: Discussion. https://ivypanda.com/essays/toward-a-global-culture-discussion/

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1. IvyPanda . "Toward a Global Culture: Discussion." November 14, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/toward-a-global-culture-discussion/.

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IvyPanda . "Toward a Global Culture: Discussion." November 14, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/toward-a-global-culture-discussion/.

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How to Write an Essay about Your Culture

Do you need to write an essay about your culture but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! I’m Constance, and I’ll show you how to write an essay about your culture. I’ll guide you step by step, and we’ll write a sample essay together. Let’s dive in. 

Writing an essay about your culture includes 5 steps:

Step 1. Plan how many words you want in each paragraph.

When you know the exact number of words you need for an essay, planning the word count for each paragraph will be much easier. 

For example, a 300-word essay typically consists of five paragraphs and three key elements:

• The introductory paragraph.
• Three body paragraphs.
• The conclusion, or the concluding paragraph.

Here’s a simple way to distribute 300 words across the five paragraphs in your essay:

You’ll get 300 when you add up these numbers. 

Step 2. Decide on what your main and supporting points will be.

First, you must take a stand, meaning you must decide on your main point. What do you really want to say about your culture? Whatever you want to say, that becomes your thesis. 

For example, “My culture is very rich.” That is enough to get started. You’ll get a better idea of how to expand or tweak your thesis after the next step.

Next, divide your topic using the Power of Three to prove the point that your culture is rich using three supporting ideas.

The Power of Three effectively divides an essay’s main idea into its supporting points. It means your main idea is true because of the three reasons you will provide in the body. So, it is a three-part structure that helps produce your body paragraphs .

Let’s try it for an essay about Filipino culture!

For example, here are three supporting ideas explaining the richness of Filipino culture:

• The Philippines has incredible food .
• Traditional Filipino clothing reflects the country’s heritage.
• Family values in the Philippines are essential.

Great! Now we have everything we need to write an essay about Filipino culture. We’re all set for the next step!

Step 3. Write your introductory paragraph.

Here are the key components of an introductory paragraph you need to remember in writing your essay:

Our first sentence is the introduction, which should pull our reader into the world we want to portray in our essay.

And the rest of the introductory paragraph is our thesis statement. It includes our main idea and three supporting points.

Example of an introductory paragraph about culture

“Having been colonized for centuries, the Philippines boasts a vast heritage. It has a rich culture characterized by food, clothing, and family values. Filipino culture has delicious food inherited from diverse parts of the world and periods of conquest. Traditional Filipino clothing reflects the country’s history, as well. And Filipinos prize their family values probably above all else.”

Look at how the introductory paragraph goes from a general statement to specific ideas that support our main idea.

Our introductory sentence is a general statement that serves as the opening in our essay. It briefly sets the essay’s context. Next comes the thesis statement — our main idea. Finally, we have three supporting ideas for our thesis.

Step 4. Write your essay’s body paragraphs.

Again, a 300-word essay typically has three body paragraphs containing your three supporting ideas. Here’s how to structure a body paragraph:

Looking back at our word count plan, we know that our body paragraphs should have roughly 70 words each. Remember your word plan as you write.

Body Paragraph 1

“The Philippines boasts a diverse food culture. It reflects indigenous flavors and foreign influences, such as American, Spanish, Indian, and Chinese. Whether it’s a typical or special day, Filipinos love eating these various dishes with rice, a staple. For example, rice goes well with curry, noodles, and adobo. It is also common to see various foods like pizza, pancit, lumpia, paella, (Filipino-style) sweet spaghetti, cakes, and ice cream at parties.”

As you can see, the first sentence in this body paragraph is a topic sentence . It gives context to the paragraph and briefly summarizes it.

The second sentence explains why the Philippine food culture is considered diverse. 

The remaining sentences illustrate your main point (topic sentence) by providing examples, starting with rice in sentence 3.

Body Paragraph 2

“Traditional Filipino clothing reflects Philippine cultural heritage. Although Filipinos now conform to current fashion trends in their everyday lives, the traditional clothing style is often used during celebrations. The traditional fashion sense exhibits influences from indigenous tribes, Chinese immigration waves, the Spaniards, and Americans, portraying the chronology of Philippine historical events. For example, the Philippines’ national costume, the baro’t saya, is an elegant blend of Spanish and Filipino clothing styles. Even some modernized forms of clothing also display other global influences.”

Just like Body Paragraph 1, this paragraph follows the same structure outlined in the diagram. It proceeds from a general statement to more specific points :

• The topic sentence.
• An explanation.

Body Paragraph 3

“Family values are vital in the Philippines. The daily lives of most Filipinos revolve around close and extended family, making them known for their family-oriented lifestyle even when they’re overseas. It’s common for children to live with their parents after reaching legal age; some even stay after getting married or obtaining a job. Filipinos also cherish their extended families (aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins) and hanging out or celebrating significant events together.”

Once again, this paragraph follows the body paragraph structure. Now, we’re all set for the final step — the conclusion.

Step 5. Write the conclusion.

The easiest way to write a concluding paragraph for your essay on your culture is to restate your main idea and its supporting points using different words. You can even paraphrase your introduction — a time-proven method!

Let’s write the conclusion for our essay.

“Because of its history, the Philippines has a rich, diverse culture rooted in a vast heritage. Filipino cuisine is a blend of indigenous and foreign flavors. The nation’s history is reflected in its traditional clothing. And family values display a distinct Filipino trait.”

Note that this conclusion uses different words to restate the points we’ve already made, including those in the body paragraphs. 

Hope this was helpful. Now go ahead and write an essay about your culture!

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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Essays About Culture and Society: Top 5 Examples

Culture and society are complicated topics that can’t exist without each other. See our essays about culture and society examples and prompts for your writing.

Writing essays about culture and society is common among those taking social and cultural studies. As its name suggests, this field explores past and present customs and beliefs within society. This area offers career opportunities in education, medicine, human resources, and others. Creating an essay about this subject requires cultural and social knowledge gained through reliable sources and personal experience.

5 Essay Examples

1. the concept of culture and society by alex adkins, 2. native american culture and society by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. society, culture, and civilization essay by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 4. cultural norms and society by lucille horton, 5. the impact of culture & society on the children’s development by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 1. defining culture and society, 2. the importance of culture and society, 3. culture and society: the medieval era, 4. the american culture and society today, 5. the influence of korean culture on today’s society, 6. how media influences culture and society, 7. culture and society: lgbtqia+.

“Culture, as often defined in most sociology textbooks, is the way of life of a society. It is the sum of the ideas, beliefs, behaviors, norms, traditions, and activities shared by a particular group of people. According to Giddens (1989), any society cannot exist without a culture.”

Adkin’s essay contains several passages explaining the concept, role, and importance of culture and society. He describes culture as a vital aspect of society, referring to it as the one that binds its citizens. To further discuss the role of culture in society, Adkin mentions Japanese and Chinese cultures to prove that culture sets the difference between societies.

As for society, Adkin says that culture builds and facilitates social institutions to interact with each other. These include family, religion, government, etc., which are responsible for the development of an individual and the type of society. He explains that society changes because of culture. As a person grows up, they are exposed to different situations and realizations that give them new perspectives affecting their cultural heritage.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about culture shock .

“Native Americans are the native people of the North, Central, and South America. There are many types of Native Americans such as Arikara, Iroquois, Pawnee, Sioux, Apache, Eskimo, Cree, Choctaw, Comanche, etc. Cherokee people have a diverse society and culture.”

While the author lists various types of Native American societies, they focus on one prominent tribe from the Iroquoian lineage, the Cherokee. The author shares fascinating facts about the tribe.

The author describes why the Cherokee refer to themselves as cavemen, and Cherokee women are powerful but still equal to men, explaining their matrilineal society. As one of the civilized tribes in America, the Cherokees are a diverse society that accepts other tribes, but they cannot marry someone from the same clan. Cherokee culture includes the Booger mask dance and the Iroquoian language.

“Society can comprise people groups that have not developed civilization yet, as it concerns any relationship of the individuals. Culture is prior to civilization since it shapes the communities, making them highly adaptive to the specific conditions in which they live. Civilization is dependent on both concepts because it absolutizes societal norms and traditions and elevates material culture and virtues to the most complicated stage.”

To understand the concept of man, the author describes society as a group of families conforming to a particular set of customs and practices known as culture. On the other hand, civilization results from prolonged and continuous changes in culture and society. The writer believes that although they are different from each other, these three constructs are interrelated and essential to complete the whole sequence of the modern human experience.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about globalization .

“Different countries have different cultures. This is because different countries are composed of multitudes of different norms. Norms are commonly established when a majority of the society’s population practice a particular or common habit of living.”

In this essay, the writer defines society as an association, culture as a collection of characteristics, and norms as standard practices. Since society is defined by culture, historical events, and norms that define culture, and culture is the most potent aspect of civilization, Horton views cultural norms as the primary support of society. 

The essay also includes examples that explain the topic, such as comparing East and West cultures. Horton believes that while everyone has a different culture, understanding a person’s culture before making a comment or judgment is essential.

“Culture plays an essential job in affecting this improvement, and what is viewed as ‘typical’ advancement change incredibly starting with one culture then onto the next. The general public and culture in which one grows up impact everything from formative developments and child rearing styles to what sorts of hardship one will probably confront.”

In this essay, the author uses their personal experiences to show the real impact of cultural traditions and values ​​on the thought process and worldview as a child grows. As a Muslim, the writer was introduced to various rites and rituals at a young age, such as fasting. They believe this ritual teaches them to control their desires and care for the poor. Ultimately, society significantly impacts youth, but learning about social and cultural differences helps people, especially parents, to guide their child’s developmental process. 

7 Prompts for Essays About Culture and Society

The Oxford Dictionary defines culture as a group’s customs, beliefs, and way of life, while society is people living in a community. Use this prompt and be creative in explaining the meaning of culture and society. Explore and use various dictionaries and add quotations from studies and books such as ” Culture and Society, 1780-1950 .” Then, define culture and society by picking the common ideas gathered through this compiled knowledge. 

Culture is vital to society because one cannot function without the other. For this prompt, delve into the specifics of this connection. Depending on your approach, you can divide the body of your paper into three sections to separate and discuss their importance: culture, society, and culture and society. In the third section, explain the possible impact if one of them does not work correctly. Conclude your essay by summarizing and answering the question, “what is the importance of culture and society?”.

Culture and society constantly change for various reasons, including new technological inventions. For this prompt, identify and discuss the main features and significant influences of the medieval era. Explain the reasons for its changes and why society evolved to new societal norms and cultural changes. Consider whether there’s a chance to bring the positive parts of old cultures and societies to the modern day.

Today, culture in the US is a diverse mix of practices, beliefs, and traditions. This is due to the large number of people immigrating to the US from different countries worldwide. As a culturally diverse country, use this prompt to discuss America’s social and cultural characteristics, such as language, cuisine, music, religious beliefs, and more. Then, explain how Americans keep up with these changes in their normal culture.

Are you interested in writing about diversity? Check out our guide on  how to write an essay about diversity .

If you love music, you’ve probably heard of KPOP or BTS . Korean pop music is just one part of South Korean culture that has traveled globally. In this prompt, discuss the aspects of Korean culture that are prevalent today worldwide. Research when and where these cultural trends began and why they became popular in other parts of the world. To create an engaging essay, conduct interviews with your classmates to ask if they know anything about Korean culture.

Do you want to write about music instead? Check out our  essays about music topic guide !

Any form of media, such as print media, music, and the internet, dramatically influences culture and society. For example, streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are hugely influential in today’s society, particularly among young people. In this essay, discuss today’s most popular forms of media and look at how they can influence culture and society. This could be as simple as influencing slang language, fashion, or popular careers such as becoming an influencer.

Recent studies show that the US has shifted its attitude toward the LGBTQIA+ community. With a rise in Americans who embrace new perspectives and now recognize same-sex marriage and parenthood. To effectively discuss the topic, including current issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, such as violence and bullying, and research the steps taken by government organizations to combat it.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Discussion essays Considering both sides of the argument

Discussion essays are a common form of academic writing. This page gives information on what a discussion essay is and how to structure this type of essay. Some vocabulary for discussion essays is also given, and there is an example discussion essay on the topic of studying overseas.

What are discussion essays?

Many essay titles require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour. These are known as discussion or for and against essays. In this sense, the academic meaning of the word discuss is similar to its everyday meaning, of two people talking about a topic from different sides. For a discussion essay, a balanced view is normally essential. This makes discussion essays distinct from persuasion essays , for which only one side of the argument is given. When writing a discussion essay, it is important to ensure that facts and opinions are clearly separated. Often you will examine what other people have already said on the same subject and include this information using paraphrasing and summarising skills, as well as correct citations .

The following are examples of discussion essay topics.

• Examine the arguments for and against capital punishment.
• Schools should teach children not only academic subjects but also important life skills. Discuss.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom?

Although the structure of a discussion essay may vary according to length and subject, there are several components which most discussion essays have in common. In addition to general statements and thesis statement which all good essay introductions contain, the position of the writer will often be stated, along with relevant definitions . The main body will examine arguments for (in one or more paragraphs) and arguments against (also in one or more paragraphs). The conclusion will contain a summary of the main points, and will often conclude with recommendations , based on what you think are the most important ideas in the essay. The conclusion may also contain your opinion on the topic, also based on the preceding evidence.

An overview of this structure is given in the diagram below.

Discussion vocabulary

When summarising the stages in a discussion or in presenting your arguments, it can be useful to mark the order of the items or degrees of importance. The following words and phrases can be used.

• First..., First of all..., The most important...
• Second..., In the second place...
• Finally..., Lastly...

The following can be used when introducing your opinion.

• There is no doubt that...
• I believe that...
• One of the main arguments in favour of/against X is that...

It is important in English writing, including academic writing, to use synonyms rather than repeating the same word. The following are useful synonyms for 'advantage' and 'disadvantage'.

• advantage: benefit, a positive aspect/feature, pro (informal)
• disadvantage: drawback, a negative aspect/feature, con (informal)

Example essay

Below is an example discussion essay. Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay.

Title: An increasing number of students are going overseas for tertiary education. To what extent does this overseas study benefit the students?

Most people spend around fifteen years of their life in education, from primary school to university study. In the past, students only had the opportunity to study in their own country. Nowadays, however, it is increasingly easy to study overseas, especially at tertiary level. Tertiary education, also called post-secondary education, is the period of study spent at university. As the final aspect of schooling before a person begins their working life, it is arguably the most important stage of their education. While there are some undoubted benefits of this trend, such as the language environment and improved employment prospects , there is also a significant disadvantage, namely the high cost . The first and most important advantage of overseas study is the language learning environment. Students studying overseas will not only have to cope with the local language for their study, but will also have to use it outside the classroom for their everyday life. These factors should make it relatively easy for such students to advance their language abilities. Another important benefit is employability. Increasing globalisation means that there are more multinational companies setting up offices in all major countries. These companies will need employees who have a variety of skills, including the fluency in more than one language. Students who have studied abroad should find it much easier to obtain a job in this kind of company. There are, however, some disadvantages to overseas study which must be considered, the most notable of which is the expense. In addition to the cost of travel, which in itself is not inconsiderable, overseas students are required to pay tuition fees which are usually much higher than those of local students. Added to this is the cost of living, which is often much higher than in the students' own country. Although scholarships may be available for overseas students, there are usually very few of these, most of which will only cover a fraction of the cost. Overseas study therefore constitutes a considerable expense. In summary, studying abroad has some clear advantages, including the language environment and increased chances of employment , in addition to the main drawback, the heavy financial burden . I believe that this experience is worthwhile for those students whose families can readily afford the expense. Students without such strong financial support should consider carefully whether the high cost outweighs the benefits to be gained.

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Below is a checklist for discussion essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

Bailey, S. (2000). Academic Writing. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer

Cox, K. and D. Hill (2004). EAP now! Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia

Jordan, R.R. (1999). Academic Writing Course. Cambridge: CUP

Roberts R., J. Gokanda, & A. Preshous (2004). IELTS Foundation. Oxford: Macmillian

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Find out how to write persuasion essays in the next section.

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Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 16 January 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

The Importance of Culture

11 January, 2019

11 minutes read

Author:  Richard Pircher

Culture can be defined as “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” It can also be understood as the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. Therefore, it’s the shared patterns of our behavior and interaction which are learned through socialization. People of the same culture share a group identity that is fostered by social patterns unique to the group. Culture encompasses for example values, beliefs, symbols, norms, and patterns of behavior. It has a far-reaching impact on our everyday actions, on how we talk and think, what we wear, what we believe, how we sit at the table, and how we behave among other people. But what is the importance of culture in our society? And which components constitute our conception of culture?

Components of culture

• Patterns of behavior

What defines culture?

All cultures are characterized by constant change. As a dynamic phenomenon, cultures are under constant change and they must adapt to environmental changes. This is one of the universal features of a culture. After globalization, the world became more interconnected and today most societies consist of ethnically diverse populations. This has given rise to conflicts associated with ethnicity, religion, and ethical beliefs which are all central concepts in cultures. More than ever before, culture is no longer fixed but rather in constant motion. At a time when cultures adapt and become more fluid, a need has been identified to protect and preserve the past. There are organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) whose objectives include conserving and protecting cultural and natural heritage along with the promotion of international cooperation, peace, and security.

To answer the question about the importance of culture, one has to consider its role in people’s everyday lives. Because culture affects how people behave and interact with each other, it helps you build relationships with others when you understand other cultures and perspectives. It’s also good to understand how much in common we have with other people even if at first glance their cultures might seem completely different. We are all humans and have similar needs, hopes, fears, and things that make us happy. It doesn’t mean, however, that our cultural differences don’t matter at all. A better strategy is to acknowledge that differences exist and to fight against discrimination. The world is becoming more and more diverse as different languages, religions, economic and cultural groups blend together. We need to appreciate and understand different cultures and establish relationships with people from other backgrounds. This is the only way to build successful communities, improve our living conditions, and solve problems.

If we take a closer look at the characteristics of culture, we can identify five basic traits that define the concept of culture.

Five characteristics of culture

• Based on symbols

This Essay sample was provided by Handmadewriting essay writer . You may order your own essay at our top-level essay writing service.

Culture is learned

Culture is learned because it’s not biological or ingrained in our DNA. Children don’t inherit culture from their parents. Instead, they learn it and much of this learning occurs subconsciously without us paying any attention to it. We learn our culture not only from our families but also from institutions, other people, and the media. This process of learning is called enculturation. All humans share the same biological needs, for example, food, water, sleep, shelter, and sex, but the way we choose to fulfill those needs varies across cultures.

Culture is shared

Culture is shared because we share our culture with other members of our group. We know how to interact with these other members and we can predict their behavior based on our knowledge and expectations. The shared nature of culture doesn’t mean, however, that cultures are homogenous.

Culture is integrated

Because the various parts of a culture are interconnected, culture is also integrated. All components of culture are connected to one another and to gain a comprehensive understanding of a culture, one must learn about these different components.

Culture is dynamic

Culture is dynamic because cultures interact with each other. Cultures share ideas and symbols and they adapt to changes in the environment. Since cultures are also integrated, it means that if one component of a culture changes, it will affect all the other components, too, forcing the entire system to adapt.

Culture is based on symbols

Symbols are an integral part of every culture and they vary across different cultures. Cultures not only use symbols but they are also based on them. Symbols get their meaning when people in the same culture agree on how they should be used. Language is the most obvious example of the use of symbols within a culture but other things such as art, clothing, and money can also be defined as symbols.

It should also be pointed out that not all cultural adaptation is positive. Not all cultural practices are adaptive, and there are many examples of cultural adaptation that have been detrimental such as fast food, pollution, and climate change. But due to their dynamic nature, cultures have the ability to adapt and find solutions to these problems.

How does geography affect culture?

What influences our cultures then? One of the most profound of these factors is geography. The development of a culture is largely dependent on its geographical location. For example, locations that are ideal for hunting influence that culture by encouraging people to teach their descendants to hunt, tell hunting stories, and organize ceremonies that celebrate hunting skills. A factor such as hunting can thus become a defining characteristic of that culture. Another good example is the Japanese culture which relies heavily on the attribute of water. The fact that Japan is an island surrounded by water has influenced its culture from its creation myth to natural resources such as fish and growing of rice. Even more so, Japan as an island has historically been limited because of its geography, and this has given rise to art forms such as haiku poems and bonsai trees which are characterized by their limitations. Geography affects cultures from the number of languages spoken in a given area to the clothes people wear, their political ideas, and even religions. For example, on the island of Guinea, people speak more than 800 languages. This is because New Guinea is mountainous and it’s difficult for people from one area to come into contact with people from other areas. These different groups, therefore, learned to keep to themselves and developed their own languages. Culture also has its impact on the clothes that people wear, and this has historically been determined by geography, too. People in the Arctic whose culture relies on hunting whales and seals wear several layers of warm clothes, usually manufactured from animal skin. In contrast, tribes in the rainforests wear very little clothing and their economies are centered around plant life. In terms of government and religion, the ancient Greeks, for example, developed a political culture centered around city-states because their geography was mountainous and it was thus difficult for large kingdoms to arise. The Mesopotamian and Egyptian religions, on the other hand, differed in the fact that Mesopotamian gods were considered less kind than the Egyptian gods. This is believed to be the result of unpredictable floods in the Mesopotamian rivers and rather consistent and predictable floods in the Nile.

How does culture affect business?

When looking at modern cultures, we can see the many effects that cultures have, for example, on business. During a business meeting where people from different cultures are communicating with one another, cultural differences have to be taken into account. There is more than merely a language barrier that needs to be overcome. These differences can concern people’s sensitivity to time, the way of communicating, risk-taking, decision-making, and thinking of others, all of which need to be addressed. Cultural differences can often impact the success or failure of multicultural business negotiations. When segmenting target groups for a product or service, businesses have to spend time on examining the cultural expectations and values of different groups. Culture influences people’s tastes and preferences, and the same strategies will not work for all audiences. Americans, for example, have very different expectations from advertising and marketing than Asian consumers. Business owners must account for differences throughout the product’s life cycle, from its design to marketing and beyond.

Culture affects our every facet of life. Most societies these days have become multicultural as more and more people migrate across countries and continents. We live around, socialize and work with people from different cultural backgrounds and different parts of the world. While their values and beliefs might be different from ours, we should accept these differences and broaden our own views in order to attain harmony in these culturally diverse environments. We should acknowledge the importance of culture in communication and in contributing to our identity and sense of belonging as part of a social group. Culture can be seen as a uniting force that is part of our daily lives and an integral part of our being, defining the way we treat other people and ourselves.

• Caplan, L. (2018): “What Factors Influence Culture? What are the Characteristics of Culture?” eNotes. https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-factors-influence-culture-98429
• Community Tool Box (2018): “Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities.” The University of Kansas. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/culture-and-diversity/main
• eNotes (2015): “How Does Geography Affect Culture?” https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-does-geography-affect-culture-474205
• Nowaczyk, J., (2018): “The Five Basic Characteristics of Cultures.” Study.com https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-five-basic-characteristics-of-cultures.html
• OpinionFront (2018): “Why is Culture Important and How Does it Influence People?” https://opinionfront.com/why-is-culture-important
• Oxford Dictionaries (2019): “Definition of Culture.” Oxford University Press. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/culture
• Zimmermann, K. A. (2012): “What is Culture.” Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html

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Browse Course Material

Course info, instructors.

• Prof. Bernd Widdig
• Dr. Lori Breslow

Departments

• Global Studies and Languages

As Taught In

• Cultural Anthropology
• Communication

Learning Resource Types

Communicating across cultures, assignments, class activities.

These documents support various in-class activities:

Some Questions to Ask About Culture ( PDF )

Intercultural Communication Simulation ( PDF )

What Should Walther Do? ( PDF )

Language Exercise ( PDF )

Cross Cultural Negotiations ( PDF )

Cross Cultural Persuasion ( PDF )

Cultural Self-Assessment

This first assignment asks you to examine your own cultural identity - to describe how you define yourself as a cultural being - and to show how that affects your communication style. The following questions are to help you construct that definition. You don’t need to answer every question, and there may be points you include in your paper that aren’t addressed by the questions, but use the questions as a jumping off point.

• What are my racial, ethnic, national origins?
• How do my gender and class define me?
• Are there particular myths or stories I remember from childhood that have helped to define me?
• Are there particular rituals I remember from childhood that have helped to define me?
• How does my personal cultural profile affect my relationship to American culture?
• How does my personal cultural profile affect the rituals I participate in now or the stories I tell?
• topics you frequently find yourself talking about
• use of nonverbal communication
• use of interruption
• use of silence
• affinity for or dislike of argumentation
• channels of communication you rely on

The paper should also reflect some of the key ideas you have read about and we have discussed so far in class. It should be between two and three typed pages.

Due: Session 3

For this assignment, you may choose a nonfiction work that examines the themes of the course in more detail, or a work of literature in which the author looks at how he/she or others come to know another culture and its peoples. (We will give you a list of books we like and former students have recommended, but you can choose a book not on the list. We would like you to clear the book with one of us, however, before using it for the assignment.)

Please write a three- to four-page essay connecting the book to the ideas and practices you have learned in the course. The essay could:

• Develop a theme or an idea you have learned.
• Connect your own experiences living in another culture to the experiences of the author or a character in the book.
• Expand upon the discussion of a particular culture or country we have had in class.
• Offer evidence that contradicts or provides another perspective to something we have discussed.
• Link an idea or a description to another work (book, film, piece of music) that pertains to intercultural communication.

The goal of this assignment is to go beyond the material presented in class to think more deeply about some aspect of intercultural communication, and to share that knowledge with us. In order to help you develop your ideas, we will give you a set of questions we would like answered in writing. We’ll give you feedback on those answers before you write the final draft of the review.

Please give us a full bibliographic citation (author, title, edition number [if applicable], publisher, date of publication) for the book you have read at the beginning of your paper.

List page numbers of any direct quotes you include.

If you quote material from another work (book, article, film), provide bibliographic information for that work as well as in a footnote or endnote.

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling count.

Due: Session 11 (answers to questions); Session 15 (final draft)

Questions for Book Essay

The following sets of questions are designed to help guide your thinking about your book, and make writing the essay easier.

If you have read a book of fiction :

• What is the story about? (Please tell us in no more than three or four sentences.)
• How would you describe the style of the novel? From which perspective is the novel written? Is the style or perspective at all reflective of the author’s cultural background?
• What opportunities/challenges for intercultural communication does the main character or characters have?
• Can you link the intercultural interactions depicted in the book to explicit beliefs or values or deeply held, harder-to-recognize beliefs of the cultures from which the main character(s) come?
• What factors contribute to the success of the characters in communicating across cultures? What factors contribute to intercultural communication misunderstandings?
• What links are there between this story and ideas we have discussed in class? In what way has reading this book helped you to better understand the complexities of intercultural communication?

If you have read a nonfiction or academic book :

• What is the main thesis or argument of the book?
• What evidence does the author cite to support his/her argument?
• Do you agree or disagree (or some of each) with the thesis?
• What evidence can you offer either to further support the author’s thesis or to refute it?
• What links are there between this book and ideas we have discussed in class? In what way has reading this book helped you to better understand the complexities of inter-cultural communication?
• Was this book written for a larger audience, or did it contain a lot of discipline specific scholarly/scientific language?

Team Paper and Presentation

This final assignment will give you the opportunity to synthesize what you have learned this semester, as well as add to your knowledge of how intercultural communication operates in a specific professional setting. Examples of professional settings include:

• health care
• science and engineering
• politics or diplomacy

Working together in (ideally, intercultural) teams of three or four, you will explore how intercultural communication impacts some facet of one of these professions.

The Products

You may chose any topic or question that intrigues the team. Your team could consider such projects as:

• a case study of the acquisition of one company by a company from a different country
• the challenges of providing mental health services when the service providers are from a different culture than their clients
• an historical study that describes differences in the acceptance and use of a particular technology in different cultures
• an examination of issues involving diversity in the classroom or the workplace
• how political negotiations are impacted by differences in cultural communication styles
• how the content of a country’s media is influenced by that country’s communication norms

The suggestions above are very broad; the team’s first job will be to narrow down a topic that can be reasonably developed into a 10-page paper and a 15- to 20-minute presentation .

The Process

Writing the paper and creating the presentation will be a multi-step process that will take place throughout the semester. It will begin with a short discussion of teamwork, group report writing and group presentations in session 9. On that day, we will also ask you to identify the topics you are interested in. Based on that exercise, we will help you put together your teams, which we will announce on session 10. We will give you some time during that class to meet with each other to get to know one another and begin to settle on a specific topic.

The remaining parts of the process include the following

Proposal I (session 12) You will write a one-page memo in which you describe concisely the topic of the paper/presentation and an initial list of resources you will use.

Proposal II (session 15) Resubmit your original proposal based on feedback you were given. Add research sources that you have found in the interim.

First Draft (2 days after session 19) The draft of the report that you submit should be as close to completion as possible. The more polished this draft is, the better feedback we can give you. We reserve the right to return any draft we don’t feel is far enough along to warrant our reading it.

Outline of Presentation (session 20) We would like a brief outline of the presentation you will be giving. Again, the more complete you can make the outline, the more guidance we can give you on creating a successful presentation. This outline should include what role each team member will take during the presentation.

Presentations (In class session 22, session 23, 2 days after session 16, and session 18) Give a 15- to 20-minute presentation ( every team member must speak, so the length of time will depend on the number of people on the team ) based upon your research report. Your presentation should describe your most innovative, interesting, or unique finding and use evidence to further our understanding of that point. Use appropriate visual aids. Allow time for questions and discussion at the end of the presentation.

Final Report (2 days after session 24) The final report should include footnotes and a bibliography.

The entire report is worth 30 points with each step worth the following:

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25 discussion questions about culture

Discussion questions about culture.

Here is a worksheet of conversation questions about culture for speaking classes. This is always a great topic for ESL students who are learning about a new language and culture and are often hoping to move overseas.

This is quite an advanced activity and is suitable for upper intermediate level learners and above. The most challenging terms on this worksheet include – foreign, rude, celebrated, customs, advice, elderly, treat, typical, traditional, stereotype, embarrassing, polite, religion, eye contact, and behave.

The discussion questions about culture are –

1 – How do you usually greet people in your culture?

2 – What should you learn about a foreign country’s culture before visiting it?

3 – What are some eating customs in your country? What things are rude?

4 – How are important holidays celebrated in your country?

5 – Which foreign culture do you find most interesting? What makes it interesting?

6 – If a foreign person was coming to your country, what advice would you give them?

7 – How are elderly people treated in your culture? Give some examples.

8 – When do people give each other gifts in your culture?

9 – Is there anything you don’t like about your own culture? What is it?

10 – Which country do you think has a strange culture? Why is it strange to you?

11 – What happens at a typical wedding or birthday party in your culture?

12 – What are the roles of mothers and fathers in your culture?

13 – What is a traditional meal in your home country?

14 – Would you be able to move overseas and live in a foreign culture for a long time?

15 – What is the traditional style of clothing where you are from?

16 – How are men and women different in your culture?

17 – Has your country’s culture changed much in the past 50 years? In what ways?

18 – Are there any stereotypes about your culture that are not true?

19 – Have you ever made an embarrassing cultural mistake? What happened?

20 – What is a polite thing to do when you visit someone’s house in your country?

21 – Does religion play a big part in your culture? Can you give an example?

22 – What is something that people should never do in your culture?

23 – Is it important for people to make eye contact when they talk in your culture?

24 – How are children expected to behave in your country? What are some rules?

25 – How can a country with many different cultures exist peacefully?

Some useful materials related to the discussion questions about culture include the world flags worksheets and the world landmarks worksheets .

Further activities

Here are a few activities you can do once your class has completed the discussion questions about culture.

• Get your students to write a list of do’s and don’t in their culture. It can be a simple writing task or you can ask them to present their lists to the class afterwards.
• Ask your students to translate some of the traditional idioms from their culture. These are often quite different and interesting to compare with native English equivalents.
• Have a discussion about traditional body language and hand gestures in your student’s culture.
• Finally, you could set a research assignment about any foreign culture that students find strange or interesting.
• For a further related discussion activity try the manners conversation questions .

You might also like these

25 obesity conversation questions

50 friendship conversation questions

25 emotions and feelings conversation questions

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Culture Essay

500 + words essay on culture for students.

Culture is the combination of spiritual and emotional features of a particular set of people. We can say that it defines the identity of a certain group of people. It includes food, dress, arts, culture, literature, language, etc. Besides this, it consists of customs and traditions that are followed and implemented by people from ancient times. Most importantly, it is something that people follow as a community and society.  

This is basically something that every individual needs to follow in the community. It leads to following rules and regulations that are implemented in society. Culture is transferred from one generation to another following the same customs and traditions. A person is identified from their culture and the place they belong to. It is beneficial for the social and emotional well-being of people. In this culture essay, we will discuss the types and importance of cultures in our lives. 

Characteristics of Culture

It is important to understand the fact that culture does not allow us to be isolated from others. It brings people together. They become closer to others by socially interacting with them. Culture is something that we all share, it does not belong to a specific individual. This would include, morals, values, traditions, etc. It is capable of transferring from one generation to another. It is a continuous process that keeps moving forward. Additionally, it adapts to the new changes according to the time and circumstances. 

Types of Culture

Culture is the most integral part of our lives. It is not something that people are born with. But, they inherit the culture by living with a set of communities. Cultures are classified to be materialistic and non-materialistic. Some of the types of cultures are mentioned below: 

• Art:  Dance, music, painting, etc. 
• Literature: Stories, drama, poetry, manuscripts, etc. 
• Spiritual: Prayers, worship, belief, etc. 
• Behavior: Traditions, myth, customs, etc. 

Also explore: Learn more about culture with Globalization essay and Essay on World .

Importance of Culture

Although we all live in the modern world, there are customs which we follow from the ancient times. We hold certain values which are morally rich. Most importantly, every culture has its own festivals and traditions that it celebrates and believes in. Culture is dynamically changing according to the environment. But, the essence of the traditions are still maintained. Today, all are connected and trying to adapt to each other’s culture. Have you heard about cultural diversity? It basically means respecting and living together with people from different backgrounds, traditions, languages, interests and skills. Some of the benefits of culture are mentioned below: 

• It teaches community equality, love and respect towards each other. 
• It encourages art forms with a wide range of audiences. 
• It treats all the culture and traditions of people equally. 
• It helps to understand and exchange ideas with each other. 
• It helps in respecting and appreciating other cultures. 
• It allows people from different backgrounds to work together for a common goal. 
• It supports people to contribute in ways that helps society to grow and flourish.
• It preserves cultural ideas and traditions. 

Culture is the characteristics of particular people or groups based on their customs, traditions, beliefs, language, etc. We need to respect and appreciate all cultures and traditions for better living. 

We hope this culture essay was useful to you. Check essays for kids for more essays on a wide variety of topics.

Frequently Asked Questions On Culture Essay

What is a culture essay.

It is a short write-up on culture which is a belief and characteristic of a particular set of people.

What are the different types of culture?

The different types of culture include art, traditions, spirituality, customs, religion, literature, etc.

What are the benefits of culture?

The benefits of culture are respect, appreciation, equality, encouragement, sharing ideas, and supporting each other.

To find more information, explore related information such as friendship essay and who am i essay .

220 Pop Culture Topics for an A+ Essay

There are many ways to define popular culture . Here’s one of them: pop culture includes mainstream preferences in society within a specific time frame. It covers fashion, music, language, and even food. Pop culture is always evolving, engaging in new trends, and leaving the old ones behind.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

This article offers you a list of pop culture topics covering its numerous aspects. Continue reading to find helpful tips on how to choose a perfect topic for your assignment. And don’t forget that custom-writing.org is ready to help you with any task. Check out our resources!

🔝 Top 10 Pop Culture Topics

✅ how to choose a topic, ⭐ top 10 pop culture essay topics.

• 🎵 Music Topics
• 📰 Mass Media Topics
• 📚 Popular Literature
• 📺 Movies & T.V.
• 🇺🇸 American Pop Culture
• 🌐 Internet Phenomena
• ✍️ Pop Culture Analysis
• 🤔 Pop Culture & Social Issues

🔍 References

• How is politics related to sport?
• Is religion related to pop culture?
• Does music affect the fashion industry?
• The ways technology affects pop culture
• Is traveling a part of modern pop culture?
• Pop culture’s impact on consumer behavior
• How does globalization affect pop culture?
• Is there a negative effect of popular fiction?
• Entertainment industry during different generations
• How does fandom culture vary around the world?

Choosing a topic is the first step towards completing an assignment. This section will help middle, high school, and college students identify the right subject for an essay. Ask yourself these questions:

• What are the requirements? Make sure you understand the task you need to complete.
• You are free to choose your topic. Keep in mind the purpose of the course and the material covered in class. Brainstorm your ideas and choose the one you like the most!
• You are provided with a list of topics to choose from. In this case, start by reviewing every option. Eliminate the ones you are least excited about. Then, select a subject that seems the most interesting to you.
• What do you already know? Of course, you could choose a topic that is brand-new for you. But working with a familiar subject will make the research easier.
• What does your instructor say about the topic? Don’t hesitate to consult with your instructors before writing. Make sure that the selected topic fits the requirements.

Now you understand how to select the right subject for your assignment. Let’s see the topic options! If you looked through the list but still haven’t found anything that insterests you, try your luck with an essay ideas generator .

• Gender equality in fashion
• Is food a part of pop culture?
• Characteristics of pop art
• Pop culture vs. folk culture
• K-pop culture’s impact on fashion
• How cultural appropriation affects media
• Consumer culture and the world economy
• Entertainment industry and mental health
• The role of media in the music industry
• Is TikTok a part of modern pop culture?

🎵 Popular Culture Topics about Music

Music never stops changing. It came a long way from hand-crafted instruments to computer programming. You can write about music that was popular in a specific timeframe or discuss the latest trends. Here is a list of topic ideas on this subject.

• How did space-age discoveries affect rock music?
• Discuss music marketing in the digital era.
• Describe the features of Latin American pop music.
• What makes K-Pop stand out?
• The role of pop music for your generation.
• Write about the origin of hip-hop.
• Select a time period and write about its music trends.
• Analyze the evolution of pop music starting from the 1950s.

• Write about the occupational hazards of being a musician.
• The origin and development of sunshine pop.
• Choose a music album and analyze its impact.
• Which pop music era seems the most interesting to you?
• Pick a famous band and describe their career path.
• Compare two different pieces of music from the 20th century.
• What are the main features of rock music?
• How do pop songs influence the teenage generation?
• The role of radio broadcasting in the pop music industry .
• Popular vs. serious music: a comparison.
• Talk about a person who largely contributed to pop music.
• What are the functions of film music?
• Can popular songs influence public opinion on a specific subject?
• Why do some people develop a very negative attitude towards pop music?
• Describe the role of music in your life.
• Do famous artists influence the lifestyle of their fans?
• Discover why some entertainers remain famous even after their death.

📰 Mass Media Pop Culture Essay Topics

Popular culture exists and survives because of the mass media. With its help, it reaches and unites billions of people. Television, radio, and newspapers are the main outlets of mass media. Here is the list of media-related pop culture topics to write about.

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• Do magazines publish celebrity gossip too often?
• Describe the way mass media dictates fashion standards to young adults.
• Analyze the link between pop culture and mass media in the U.S.
• Does mass media influence the preferences of the audience?
• Describe how the media contributes to stereotypes about minorities.
• Should newspapers expose sensitive details about celebrities’ lives?
• How can one make sure not to consume fake news ?
• Analyze the peculiarities of New Journalism.
• Discover the influence of the New York Times on the press.
• Write about radio stations contributing to pop culture in the past.
• Discuss racial stereotyping on television.
• Talk about an influential online news resource.
• Body as a subject in media and marketing.
• What kind of pop culture topics are not broadcast via mass media?
• Would you consider Twitter a mass media source?
• Talk about the media and the global public sphere.
• Write about promotional campaigns via mass media.
• Is it possible for an artist to gain fame without the internet?
• Which websites are known for spreading fake news ?
• How to avoid information overload nowadays?
• Conduct a semiotic analysis of a perfume commercial.
• Can pop culture survive without American media ?
• Describe the American Idol phenomenon.
• Talk about the internet’s effects on journalism.
• Which influencers do you personally prefer and why?

📚 Modern Popular Literature Essay Topics

This section will be fun for book lovers! The term “popular literature” refers to writings intended for a broad audience. It’s no surprise that such books often become bestsellers. You can describe this type of writing as fiction with a strong plot. Look at this list of topic ideas for a great analytical, argumentative, or informative essay.

• Describe the magic of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.
• Discover the initial public opinion about The Handmaid’s Tale .
• Why did The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo become a bestseller?
• Principles used in Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.
• Why did Enduring Love by Ian McEwan gain popularity?
• What charmed the readers of The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton?
• Discuss the theme of change in Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee.
• Discover the way the sad ending in The Lucky One affected the readers.
• Orange Is the New Black: Netflix series vs. book.
• What made The Wednesday Letters different from other love novels?

• How did The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins become iconic?
• Describe the characters of Katherine Min’s Courting a Monk .
• Discover the way Atonement by Ian McEwan impacted the readers.
• What values are encouraged in Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks?
• Discuss the initial public opinion about Life of Pi by Yann Martel .
• Self-awareness in The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman.
• Analyze the success of The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie .
• Discuss the literary issues of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air.
• How did the public accept the controversial message of The Da Vinci Code ?
• Did Aziz Ansari’s reputation contribute to the fame of his book Modern Romance ?
• What made The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer popular?
• Analyze the fanbase of The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.
• What draws the readers to Confessions of a Shopaholic ?
• Explore confession and forgiveness in The Lovely Bones.
• Why did The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield gain popularity?

📺 Pop Culture Topics: Movies and T.V.

Movies and T.V. shows are an integral part of U.S. culture. This category includes films based on popular literature and all-time-classic movies. T.V. production is often accompanied by a massive amount of merchandise that fills clothing and toy stores. The following list will help you select an on-point essay topic.

• Write about the way the Star Wars saga unifies several generations.
• The Wizard of Oz in relation to populist movement.
• Analyze the impact of King Kong on cinema.
• What makes New York City an iconic location for movies?
• Describe the role of fandom in pop culture.
• Is it better to watch a movie at home vs. in theater?
• Why is Lord of the Rings considered one of the greatest trilogies?
• Define the genre of Scarface.
• How does Groundhog Day relate to Buddhism?
• Did The X-Files inspire conspiracy theories?
• Analyze the way Friends logo entered the clothing industry.
• Write about the role of the media in Jerry Maguire.
• Why did the movie Aliens become popular?
• Discover the effects of Western movies on Arab youth.
• What has brought Terminator into pop culture?
• Write about the impact Rocky had on viewers.
• Discuss what fans appreciate about The Matrix movies.
• Racism and masculinity in A Soldier’s Story.
• Write about a successful Marvel movie .
• What makes D.C. movies iconic?
• Describe the role of social workers in Crash.
• Discuss the periods of The Simpsons ’ fame.
• Analyze the way Parks and Recreation reflect the U.S. culture.
• Talk about your favorite blockbuster.
• Should government control the contents of T.V. shows?

🇺🇸 American Pop Culture Topics

The history of the United States was always reflected in various art forms. Today its pop culture highlights social identity and carries on the American heritage. In this section, you can explore the elements that contribute to American pop culture.

• How did globalization impact American pop culture ?
• Analyze the influence of the American movie industry on the world.
• Write about Hispanic American culture.
• Explore the place of alien encounters narrative within American culture.
• Write about a specific period of American pop culture.
• Examine the popularity of American movies overseas.
• Write about the history and influence of Halloween.
• Discover the economic value of the American entertainment industry.
• Write about an aspect of the American pop culture you’re most proud of.

• What would you like to change about the U.S. pop industry?
• American folk culture vs. pop culture.
• Which countries are not influenced by American culture at all?
• Describe the role of T.V. broadcasting for the U.S.
• Talk about American fast food as a part of pop culture.
• Discover vacation destinations in and outside of the U.S.
• Why is so much of today’s pop culture focused on the 80s?
• How significant is Disney for Americans?
• Discover the roots of U.S. pop culture.
• How does the American pop industry portray sexuality?
• Analyze the way pop culture unifies American citizens.
• What are the destructive trends prevalent in the U.S.?
• Discuss gender roles in American cartoons.
• What does American pop teach about lifestyle?
• How quickly do new fashion trends spread across the U.S.?
• Discuss the way the U.S. pop culture reflects its historical values.

🌐 Popular Culture Essay Topics on Internet Phenomena

The internet is the ultimate means of communication worldwide. The rise of online trends is quite unpredictable, which is why it’s called internet phenomena. Memes, videos, challenges will be the focus of this section. Continue reading to find a fun essay topic!

• What purpose was intended for the Ice bucket challenge ?
• What made the dab famous worldwide?
• Describe a dangerous internet phenomenon.
• Why were teens attracted to the fire challenge?
• Analyze the way Harlem Shake went viral.
• What is people’s attitude towards social media?
• How does something become an internet phenomenon?
• Describe the influence of the Thriller dance on the world.
• Debate the ethics of Coffin Dance.
• What’s the reason for Gangnam Style’s fame?
• How did the Momo challenge turn into a worldwide phenomenon?
• Write about an internet phenomenon that emerged in 2020.
• Talk about an online challenge you participated in.
• What made Bongo Cat famous for many years?
• Write about a politics-themed online phenomenon.
• What distinguishes popular video games nowadays?
• Analyze the role of TikTok in song advertisement.
• Write about a comics book that gained popularity online.
• Discover online challenges that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Describe the Bernie Sanders phenomenon among college students.
• What internet phenomena are popular amongst the older generation?
• Discuss the outcomes of a viral fundraising challenge.
• Talk about one of the earliest internet phenomena.
• How did the first memes appear on the internet?
• Write about a web cartoon that qualifies as an internet phenomenon.

✍️ Pop Culture Analysis Topics to Write About

Pop culture includes many components you could write about. For an analytical paper, feel free to pick any aspect of pop culture. You can focus on positive, negative, or controversial factors. Make sure to use academic resources and professional critique. Here are some topic examples of your future paper.

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• How does pop culture impact public health?
• Analyze Coca Cola marketing strategies from the sensory perspective.
• Will the entertainment industry survive without encouraging predatory behavior?
• What percentage of the U.S. population is currently involved with pop culture ?
• Analyze a popular culture artifact of your choice.
• What makes a pop song relatable?
• Why is popular literature often made into films?
• How does Instagram affect people’s lives?
• Will your generation be drawn to pop culture decades from now?
• How can one become famous in the age of informational overload?
• Analyze the price one is paying for remaining popular.

• Why do some classic paintings become a commodity?
• Write about a person who significantly impacted T.V.
• Pick a T.V. show and analyze its rise to popularity.
• Discover how one becomes an influencer.
• Do video games have any positive effects?
• In what ways does politics influence pop culture?
• How necessary is funding for the pop industry?
• Why have memes become a popular form of communication?
• What things should celebrities stop promoting?
• Analyze YouTube’s contributions to pop culture.
• Talk about the important messages in current pop music.
• What catches the attention of modern consumers?
• How did the 2020 pandemic influence pop culture?
• What happens to famous artists who quit their career?

🤔 Popular Culture and Social Issues Essay Topics

Pop culture reveals social issues and creates new ones. In your paper, consider various aspects of society. Think about popular culture’s effect on different generations, languages, or values. The following list will help you select an interesting essay topic.

• Describe ways in which pop culture divides social groups.
• Do pop songs represent the voice of society?
• What social issues does pop music contribute to?
• Analyze the media’s influence on women’s self-image.
• How does an expectation of the zombie apocalypse affect the Americans?
• The impact of T.V. shows on self-realization amongst teenagers.
• Does popular literature disconnect teenagers from society?
• Why do people incorporate fictional characters in protest marches?
• What do modern toys teach children about body image ?
• Did pop culture contribute to social unrest in the U.S.?
• Discover the way popular movies contribute to discrimination .
• In what ways do memes influence public opinion?
• Analyze the effects of mass media on one’s sexuality.
• Examine the impact of YouTube on young adults’ career choices.
• Does pop culture promote promiscuous behavior?
• Describe the way modern movies stigmatize obesity.
• What family values are projected in today’s mass media?
• Explore the harming side of fandoms .
• Does mainstream media sabotage social norms or encourage them?
• Do pop songs encourage rebellious behavior amongst teens?
• What kind of lesson does pop culture teach about gender?
• Correlation between mobile games and the overuse of display devices.
• Discover stereotypes that are prevalent in the pop industry nowadays.
• Analyze the effect of television on bullying .
• In what light does pop culture portray religion?

We hope you found this article helpful and choose an excellent topic for your assignment. Now go ahead and write an A+ essay on pop culture!

You might also be interested in:

• A List of 175 Interesting Cultural Topics to Write About
• 497 Interesting History Topics to Research
• 137 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project
• 70 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide
• How to Write an Art Critique: Examples and Simple Techniques
• How to Write a Movie Critique Paper: Top Tips + Example
• 267 Hottest Fashion Topics to Write About in 2024
• Choosing a Topic for the Research Paper: Purdue University
• The Evolution of Popular Music: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Mass Media and Popular Culture: Github
• Literacy and Literature in Popular Culture: Reading and Writing in Historical Perspective: Springer
• Popular Literature: Birmingham University
• Fandom and Participatory Culture: Grinnell College
• Popular Culture Issues: Florida State University
• Examining Popular Culture and Society: Arizona State University
• Pop Culture Makes You Smarter: St Edward’s University in Austin, TX
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Key facts about the abortion debate in America

The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade – the decision that had guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion for nearly 50 years – has shifted the legal battle over abortion to the states, with some prohibiting the procedure and others moving to safeguard it.

As the nation’s post-Roe chapter begins, here are key facts about Americans’ views on abortion, based on two Pew Research Center polls: one conducted from June 25-July 4 , just after this year’s high court ruling, and one conducted in March , before an earlier leaked draft of the opinion became public.

This analysis primarily draws from two Pew Research Center surveys, one surveying 10,441 U.S. adults conducted March 7-13, 2022, and another surveying 6,174 U.S. adults conducted June 27-July 4, 2022. Here are the questions used for the March survey , along with responses, and the questions used for the survey from June and July , along with responses.

Everyone who took part in these surveys is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories.  Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

A majority of the U.S. public disapproves of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe. About six-in-ten adults (57%) disapprove of the court’s decision that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion and that abortion laws can be set by states, including 43% who strongly disapprove, according to the summer survey. About four-in-ten (41%) approve, including 25% who strongly approve.

About eight-in-ten Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (82%) disapprove of the court’s decision, including nearly two-thirds (66%) who strongly disapprove. Most Republicans and GOP leaners (70%) approve , including 48% who strongly approve.

Most women (62%) disapprove of the decision to end the federal right to an abortion. More than twice as many women strongly disapprove of the court’s decision (47%) as strongly approve of it (21%). Opinion among men is more divided: 52% disapprove (37% strongly), while 47% approve (28% strongly).

About six-in-ten Americans (62%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to the summer survey – little changed since the March survey conducted just before the ruling. That includes 29% of Americans who say it should be legal in all cases and 33% who say it should be legal in most cases. About a third of U.S. adults (36%) say abortion should be illegal in all (8%) or most (28%) cases.

Generally, Americans’ views of whether abortion should be legal remained relatively unchanged in the past few years , though support fluctuated somewhat in previous decades.

Relatively few Americans take an absolutist view on the legality of abortion – either supporting or opposing it at all times, regardless of circumstances. The March survey found that support or opposition to abortion varies substantially depending on such circumstances as when an abortion takes place during a pregnancy, whether the pregnancy is life-threatening or whether a baby would have severe health problems.

While Republicans’ and Democrats’ views on the legality of abortion have long differed, the 46 percentage point partisan gap today is considerably larger than it was in the recent past, according to the survey conducted after the court’s ruling. The wider gap has been largely driven by Democrats: Today, 84% of Democrats say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, up from 72% in 2016 and 63% in 2007. Republicans’ views have shown far less change over time: Currently, 38% of Republicans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, nearly identical to the 39% who said this in 2007.

However, the partisan divisions over whether abortion should generally be legal tell only part of the story. According to the March survey, sizable shares of Democrats favor restrictions on abortion under certain circumstances, while majorities of Republicans favor abortion being legal in some situations , such as in cases of rape or when the pregnancy is life-threatening.

There are wide religious divides in views of whether abortion should be legal , the summer survey found. An overwhelming share of religiously unaffiliated adults (83%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, as do six-in-ten Catholics. Protestants are divided in their views: 48% say it should be legal in all or most cases, while 50% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. Majorities of Black Protestants (71%) and White non-evangelical Protestants (61%) take the position that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while about three-quarters of White evangelicals (73%) say it should be illegal in all (20%) or most cases (53%).

In the March survey, 72% of White evangelicals said that the statement “human life begins at conception, so a fetus is a person with rights” reflected their views extremely or very well . That’s much greater than the share of White non-evangelical Protestants (32%), Black Protestants (38%) and Catholics (44%) who said the same. Overall, 38% of Americans said that statement matched their views extremely or very well.

Catholics, meanwhile, are divided along religious and political lines in their attitudes about abortion, according to the same survey. Catholics who attend Mass regularly are among the country’s strongest opponents of abortion being legal, and they are also more likely than those who attend less frequently to believe that life begins at conception and that a fetus has rights. Catholic Republicans, meanwhile, are far more conservative on a range of abortion questions than are Catholic Democrats.

Women (66%) are more likely than men (57%) to say abortion should be legal in most or all cases, according to the survey conducted after the court’s ruling.

More than half of U.S. adults – including 60% of women and 51% of men – said in March that women should have a greater say than men in setting abortion policy . Just 3% of U.S. adults said men should have more influence over abortion policy than women, with the remainder (39%) saying women and men should have equal say.

The March survey also found that by some measures, women report being closer to the abortion issue than men . For example, women were more likely than men to say they had given “a lot” of thought to issues around abortion prior to taking the survey (40% vs. 30%). They were also considerably more likely than men to say they personally knew someone (such as a close friend, family member or themselves) who had had an abortion (66% vs. 51%) – a gender gap that was evident across age groups, political parties and religious groups.

Relatively few Americans view the morality of abortion in stark terms , the March survey found. Overall, just 7% of all U.S. adults say having an abortion is morally acceptable in all cases, and 13% say it is morally wrong in all cases. A third say that having an abortion is morally wrong in most cases, while about a quarter (24%) say it is morally acceptable in most cases. An additional 21% do not consider having an abortion a moral issue.

Among Republicans, most (68%) say that having an abortion is morally wrong either in most (48%) or all cases (20%). Only about three-in-ten Democrats (29%) hold a similar view. Instead, about four-in-ten Democrats say having an abortion is morally  acceptable  in most (32%) or all (11%) cases, while an additional 28% say it is not a moral issue. 

White evangelical Protestants overwhelmingly say having an abortion is morally wrong in most (51%) or all cases (30%). A slim majority of Catholics (53%) also view having an abortion as morally wrong, but many also say it is morally acceptable in most (24%) or all cases (4%), or that it is not a moral issue (17%). Among religiously unaffiliated Americans, about three-quarters see having an abortion as morally acceptable (45%) or not a moral issue (32%).

• Religion & Abortion

What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in europe, nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, by more than two-to-one, americans say medication abortion should be legal in their state, most latinos say democrats care about them and work hard for their vote, far fewer say so of gop, most popular.

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Why the World Still Needs Immanuel Kant

Unlike in Europe, few in the United States will be celebrating the philosopher’s 300th birthday. But Kant’s writing shows that a free, just and moral life is possible — and that’s relevant everywhere.

Credit... Illustration by Daniel Barreto

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By Susan Neiman

The philosopher Susan Neiman is the director of the Einstein Forum in Potsdam, Germany.

• Published April 17, 2024 Updated April 18, 2024

When I arrived in Berlin in 1982, I was writing a dissertation on Kant’s conception of reason. It was thrilling to learn that the apartment I’d sublet turned out to be located near Kantstrasse, though at the time I wondered in frustration: Why was there no James Street — Henry or William — in the Cambridge, Mass., I’d left behind; no streets honoring Emerson or Eliot? Were Americans as indifferent to culture as snooty Europeans supposed? It didn’t take long before I, too, could walk down Kantstrasse and turn right on Leibniz without a thought.

It’s harder to ignore the way Germany, like other European nations, sets aside entire years to honor its cultural heroes. This century has already seen an Einstein Year , a Beethoven Year , a Luther Year and a Marx Year , each commemorating some round-numbered anniversary of the hero in question. Federal and local governments provide considerable sums for events that celebrate the thinkers in question and debate their contemporary relevance.

Years before Immanuel Kant’s 300th birthday on April 22, 2024, the Academy of Science in Berlin, to which he once belonged, organized a conference to begin preparations for his tercentennial. A second conference published a report of the proceedings, but when I urged colleagues to use the occasion to create programs for a wider audience, I was met with puzzled silence. Reaching a wider audience is not a talent philosophy professors normally cultivate, but conversations with other cultural institutions showed this case to be especially thorny.

It wasn’t just uneasiness about celebrating “another dead white man,” as one museum director put it. The problems became deeper as the zeitgeist changed. “ Immanuel Kant: A European Thinker ” was a good title for that conference report in 2019, when Brexit seemed to threaten the ideal of European unification Germans supported. Just a few years later, “European” has become a slur. At a time when the Enlightenment is regularly derided as a Eurocentric movement designed to support colonialism, who feels comfortable throwing a yearlong birthday party for its greatest thinker?

Nonetheless, this year’s ceremonies will officially commence on April 22 with a speech by Chancellor Scholz and a memorial lunch that has taken place on the philosopher’s birthday every year since 1805. Two days earlier, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany will open an exhibit at the presidential palace devoted to Kant’s writing on peace.

The start of the year saw special Kant editions of four prominent German magazines. A Kant movie made for television premiered on March 1, and another is in production. Four exhibits on Kant and the Enlightenment will open in Bonn, Lüneburg, Potsdam and Berlin. The conferences will be numerous, including one organized by the Divan, Berlin’s house for Arab culture.

But why celebrate the Kant year at all?

The philosopher’s occasional autobiographical remarks provide a clue to the answer. As the son of a saddle maker, Kant would have led a workman’s life himself, had a pastor not suggested the bright lad deserved some higher education. He came to love his studies and to “despise the common people who knew nothing,” until “Rousseau set me right,” he wrote. Kant rejected his earlier elitism and declared his philosophy would restore the rights of humanity — otherwise they would be more useless than the work of a common laborer.

Chutzpah indeed. The claim becomes even more astonishing if you read a random page of his texts. How on earth, you may ask, are human rights connected with proving our need to think in categories like “cause” or “substance?” The question is seldom raised, and the autobiographical remarks usually ignored, for traditional readings of Kant focus on his epistemology, or theory of knowledge.

Before Kant, it’s said, philosophers were divided between Rationalists and Empiricists, who were concerned about the sources of knowledge. Does it come from our senses, or our reason? Can we ever know if anything is real? By showing that knowledge requires sensory experience as well as reason, we’re told, Kant refuted the skeptics’ worry that we never know if anything exists at all.

All this is true, but it hardly explains why the poet Heinrich Heine found Kant more ruthlessly revolutionary than Robespierre. Nor does it explain why Kant himself said only pedants care about that kind of skepticism. Ordinary people do not fret over the reality of tables or chairs or billiard balls. They do, however, wonder if ideas like freedom and justice are merely fantasies. Kant’s main goal was to show they are not.

The point is often missed, because Kant was as bad a writer as he was a great philosopher. By the time he finishes proving the existence of the objects of ordinary experience and is ready to show how they differ from ideas of reason, the semester is nearly over. Long-windedness is not, however, the only reason his work is often misinterpreted. Consider the effects of a bad review.

Had Kant died before his 57th birthday, he’d be remembered by a few scholars for some short, early texts. He withdrew from writing them in 1770 to conceive and compose his great “Critique of Pure Reason .” After what scholars call his “silent decade,” Kant pulled the text together in six months and finally published in 1781. For a year and a half, Kant waited for responses. When one finally appeared, it was a hatchet job accusing him of being a Berkeleyan solipsist: someone who denies the existence of ordinary objects.

Any author can imagine Kant’s dismay, and most likely his rage. In haste to refute the distortion of his life’s work, Kant wrote a second edition of the “Critique of Pure Reason,” and more fatefully, the “Prolegomena .” Since the latter is much shorter than the main book, it’s read far more often, and this has skewed the interpretation of Kant’s work as a whole. If the major problem of philosophy were proving the world’s existence, then Kant surely solved it. (Richard Rorty argued that he did, and that philosophy has little more to offer.)

In fact Kant was driven by a question that still plagues us: Are ideas like freedom and justice utopian daydreams, or are they more substantial? Their reality can’t be proven like that of material objects, for those ideas make entirely different claims on us — and some people are completely impervious to their claims. Could philosophy show that acting morally, if not particularly common, is at least possible?

A stunning thought experiment answers that question in his next book, the “Critique of Practical Reason .” Kant asks us to imagine a man who says temptation overwhelms him whenever he passes “a certain house.” (The 18th century was discreet.) But if a gallows were constructed to insure the fellow would be hanged upon exiting the brothel, he’d discover he can resist temptation very well. All mortal temptations fade in the face of threats to life itself.

Yet the same man would hesitate if asked to condemn an innocent man to death, even if a tyrant threatened to execute him instead. Kant always emphasized the limits of our knowledge, and none of us know if we would crumble when faced with death or torture. Most of us probably would. But all of us know what we should do in such a case, and we know that we could .

This experiment shows we are radically free. Not pleasure but justice can move human beings to deeds that overcome the deepest of animal desires, the love of life. We want to determine the world, not only to be determined by it. We are born and we die as part of nature, but we feel most alive when we go beyond it: To be human is to refuse to accept the world we are given.

At the heart of Kant’s metaphysics stands the difference between the way the world is and the way the world ought to be. His thought experiment is an answer to those who argue that we are helpless in the face of pleasure and can be satisfied with bread and circuses — or artisanal chocolate and the latest iPhone. If that were true, benevolent despotism would be the best form of government.

But if we long, in our best moments, for the dignity of freedom and justice, Kant’s example has political consequences. It’s no surprise he thought the French Revolution confirmed our hopes for moral progress — unlike the followers of his predecessor David Hume, who thought it was dangerous to stray from tradition and habit.

This provides an answer to contemporary critics whose reading of Kant’s work focuses on the ways in which it violates our understanding of racism and sexism. Some of his remarks are undeniably offensive to 21st-century ears. But it’s fatal to forget that his work gave us the tools to fight racism and sexism, by providing the metaphysical basis of every claim to human rights.

Kant argued that each human being must be treated as an end and not as a means — which is why he called colonialism “evil” and congratulated the Chinese and Japanese for denying entry to European invaders. Contemporary dismissals of Enlightenment thinkers forget that those thinkers invented the concept of Eurocentrism, and urged their readers to consider the world from non-European perspectives. Montesquieu put his criticisms of French society in the mouths of fictitious Persians; Lahontan attacked European politics through dialogues with a Native American.

At a time when the advice to “be realistic” is best translated as the advice to decrease your expectations, Kant’s work asks deep questions about what reality is. He insisted that when we think morally, we should abstract from the cultural differences that divide us and recognize the potential human dignity in every human being. This requires the use of our reason. Contrary to trendy views that see reason as an instrument of domination, Kant saw reason’s potential as a tool for liberation.

He also argued that political and social relations must aim toward justice rather than power, however often those may be confused in practice. We’ve come to better understand how racism and sexism can preclude genuine universalism. Should we discard Kant’s commitment to universalism because he did not fully realize it himself — or rather celebrate the fact that we can make moral progress, an idea which Kant would wholeheartedly applaud?

In Germany, it’s now common to hear that the Enlightenment was at very best ambivalent: While it may have been an age of reason, it was also an age of slavery and colonialism. This argument ignores the fact that, like progressive intellectuals everywhere, Enlightenment thinkers did not win all their battles. It also neglects the fact that they fought for them anyway, despite the risks of censorship, exile and even death.

Significantly, many contemporary intellectuals from formerly colonized countries reject those arguments. Thinkers like the Ghanaian Ato Sekyi-Otu, the Nigerian Olufemi Taiwo, the Chilean Carlos Peña, the Brazilian Francisco Bosco or the Indian Benjamin Zachariah are hardly inclined to renounce Enlightenment ideas as Eurocentric.

The problem with ideas like universal human rights is not that they come from Europe, but that they were not realized outside of it. Perhaps we should take a lesson from the Enlightenment and listen to non-Western standpoints?

Arts and Culture Across Europe

Our theater critics and a reporter discuss the big winne r —  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” — and the rest of the honorees at this year’s Olivier Awards .

New productions of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” in Paris follow a French tradition of adapting familiar works . The results are innovative, and sometimes cryptic.

The internet latched on to 16-year-old Felicia Dawkins’ performance as The Unknown at a shambolic Willy Wonka-inspired event . Now she’s heading to a bigger and scarier stage in London.

When activists urged Tate Britain in London to take an offensive artwork off its walls, the institution commissioned Keith Piper  to create a response instead. The result recently went on display.

The new National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam has been in the works for almost 20 years. It is the first institution to tell the full story  of the persecution of Dutch Jews during World War II.

At a retrospective of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in London, where the American expatriate fled after creating a scandal in Paris, clothes offer both armor and self-expression .

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DEADLINE EXTENDED: Esotericism, Occultism, and Magic at Southwest Popular/American Culture Association ONLINE Virtual Summer Salon, June 20-22

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Call for Papers

ESOTERICISM, OCCULTISM, and MAGIC

Southwest Popular / American Culture Association (SWPACA)

SWPACA Summer Salon  

June 20-22, 2024

Virtual Conference

https://www.southwestpca.org

Proposal submission deadline: EXTENDED to April 22, 2024  

Proposals for papers are now being accepted for the SWPACA Summer Salon. SWPACA offers nearly 70 subject areas in a variety of categories encompassing the following: Film, Television, Music, & Visual Media; Historic & Contemporary Cultures; Identities & Cultures; Language & Literature; Science Fiction & Fantasy; and Pedagogy & Popular Culture. For a full list of subject areas, area descriptions, and Area Chairs, please visit https://southwestpca.org/conference/call-for-papers/   

Esotericism, Occultism, and Magic invites proposals relating to magical worldviews, practices, and representations, as well as consciousness transformation, the preternatural, hidden meanings, the power of transmutation, and related phenomena. Characteristic methods, beliefs, perspectives, and practices include: arcane symbolism, imagery, and aesthetics; unseen forces, spiritual intermediaries, and invisible agencies; synchronous patterns, non-ordinary causation, and anomalous processes. Examples of ideas and systems include Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Sufism, Tantra, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Satanism, witchcraft, sorcery, demonology, astrology, alchemy, yoga, shamanism, parapsychology, and psychic and paranormal phenomena, along with beliefs and practices relating to altered states of consciousness, overlapping with the study of mysticism as well as New Age spirituality, channeling, positive thinking, manifestation, the power of intention, guardian angels, and Ascended Masters. Esoteric, occult, and magical concepts, beliefs, and practices appear in every culture and civilization; contemporary media and popular culture have embraced them enthusiastically, yet at times have reacted against them. The impact of esotericism, occultism, and magic on genre formation/content and popular cultural perceptions has been profound.  

Special themes for the 2024 Summer Salon may include the following, as well as their various possible intersections and combinations, but all proposals suitable to the Area will be considered: EOM and politics/politicization of EOM; syncretism; liminality, fluidity, and normative boundaries as well as their challenge and transgression; the normalization and mainstreaming of EOM; artificial life, artificial sentience, and artificial sapience; identity, personality, personification; masks; metamorphosis and shapeshifting; illusion, deepfake, simulation, and forgery; magical charlatanry and occult fraud; EOM and concepts of "reality"; "technomagic" and "magical machines”; memes, nationalism, (geo)politics, multipolarity, espionage, disinformation, and cyberspace; conceptions of the miraculous and the impossible; thaumaturgy and wonder-working; the monstrous; the supernatural; (un)death, unlife, and necromancy; antinomianism, immoralism, and conceptions of evil; EOM and crime (as motive, as projection, but also the criminalization/vilification of EOM); inversion, subversion, and reversal; creativity, interactive fiction, and metafiction; invented worlds, secondary worlds, myth, magical realism, the fantastic, the weird, and the sublime; theurgy and theosis; mystery cults and theophany; entheogens and nootropics; indigenous worldviews and magical folklore; Tradition, Traditionalism, and Neo-Traditionalism; EOM and radicalism, extremism, and terrorism; labyrinths and mazes; nostalgia, retrofuturism, alternate history, and counterfactual scenarios; concepts/models of parallel/alternate/mirror dimensions, timelines, universes, multiverses/metaverses/omniverses; the alien and the unknown

Sample Ideas for topics categorized by media:  

Literature: Fiction by practitioners, such as Philip K. Dick, William S. Burroughs, C. S. Friedman. Books by practitioners (for example, Evola, Gurdjieff, Crowley, Anton LaVey, Gerald Gardner, Peter Carroll, Edgar Cayce). Influences and themes in magical realism, speculative fiction, gothic fiction, weird fiction, historical fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal romance and adventure. Fiction influential on practitioners, such as  Zanoni , Goethe’s  Faust , The  Illuminatus!  Trilogy. Historical representations of magicians, witches, and wizards, including stylized and mythic figures (Merlin, Morgan La Fey, Circe, Medea, Kostchie the Deathless, etc.), in genre fiction (contemporary Arthurian adaptations) or modernizations (Neil Gaiman, Tim Powers, Jim Butcher, Susanna Clarke), indigenous futurism and fantasy (Octavia Butler, Rebecca Roanhorse, N. K. Jemisin).  New Age and/or popular manifestation guides, such as  The Secret . Conspiracist and/or extra-terrestrial cosmologies related to esoteric concepts (David Icke, the Seth transmissions to Jane Roberts, the Michael channelings, etc.). 

Visual Art: Examples: Hilma af Klint, Wassily Kandinsky, Austin Spare, Rosaleen Norton, Michael Bertiaux. 

Film: Content as in  The Conjuring  series, Spell, The Pope’s Exorcist, Suspiria, Babylon 5: The Road Home, Malum, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, It Lives Inside, Nefarious, Hellraiser, The Color Out of Space, The Witch ,  Hereditary ,  Midsommar ,  Apostle, The Endless, A Dark Song, Kill List, Drag Me To Hell, The Skeleton Key ,  The Serpent and the Rainbow ,  The Ninth Gate ,  The Wicker Man ; Gnostic allegories such as  The Matrix ,  Dark City ,  The Truman Show ; explorations of consciousness such as  eXistenZ ,  Altered States ,  2001 Space Odyssey, Dune ; representations of occult aesthetic, such as  Eyes Wide Shut , occult conspiracy, such as  Starry Eyes,  traumatic initiation, such as the  Saw  series, immersive fiction as initiation, such as The Game ; stylized depictions of magicians, wizards, and witches ( Dr. Strange, Shazam, Maleficent, Oz, Warlock, Balthazar Blake of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice , Thulsa Doom  of  Conan, Jafar  of  Aladdin ) ; esoteric/occult films such those by Kenneth Anger and Alejandro Jodorowsky; pseudo- and crypto-history in fiction ( Assassin’s Creed, Tomb Raider, National Treasure ); New Age documentaries, such as  The Secret ; conspiracist receptions of esoteric and occult history, such as  Zeitgeist .  

Television: Theme and/or content examples  Severance, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, Mayfair Witches, A Discovery of Witches, True Detective  (season one and season four), House of Usher, Taboo, The Changeling, Archive 81, Lodge 49, Requiem, Undone, Fortitude, Yellowjackets, Wandavision, Brand New Cherry Flavor, The Devil’s Hour, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, The Exorcist, Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon, The Witcher, The Magicians, Midnight Mass, The Devil In Ohio, The Order, Dark, Shadowhunters, NOS4A2, Outcast, Zone Blanche/Black Spot, Stranger Things, Westworld, The Man in the High Castle, His Dark Materials, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Twin Peaks, Penny Dreadful, DaVinci’s Demons, American Horror Story, Carnivale, Babylon 5; Significant characters, representations, and personifications American Gods, Lucifer, Constantine, Sandman, Preacher,

Strange Angel  (fictionalized biography of occultist/magician Jack Parsons); fourth-wall-breaking or uncanny figures, presented with esoteric, occult, or quasi-ritualistic aesthetics (Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Frank Underwood of  House of Cards ).  

Comics / Graphic Novels: Contain esoteric, occult, and magical motifs and tropes. Some are actively esoteric; Grant Morrison claims  The Invisibles  and  Promethea  as personal magical workings; the graphic novels of Neil Gaiman embrace esoteric, occult, magical themes and characters.  

Music: Specific artists (e.g. Genesis P-Orridge, David Bowie, Coil, Marilyn Manson, Ghost, Watain, Dissection, Behemoth, Wardruna, Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, Gustav Holst), genres (dark ambient, dungeon synth, black metal, viking/Nordic ambient, apocalyptic folk, military industrial, witch house).  

Video Games: Theme and content, e.g.,  Astrologaster, Apollyon: River of Life, The Council, Goetia, Solium Infernum, Hell Is Others, The Chant, American Arcadia, Cyberpunk 2077, Saturnalia, A Plague Tale, Cult of the Lamb, Medium, Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator, Dead Synchronicity, The Witcher, Silent Hill,  Cultist Simulator, The Shadow Government Simulator, This Book Is A Dungeon, Secret Government, Secret World, Xenogears, Devil May Cry, Murdered: Soul Suspect, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, Arcana, Prognostic, Signalis, Faith, Amazing Cultivation Simulator, The Mortuary Assistant, Shadow Hearts, Arx Fatalis, Eternal Darkness ; pseudo-history  Assassin’s Creed, Tomb Raider, Broken Sword ; historical worldviews, Civilization VI  (secret societies),  Crusader Kings  (cults, witchcraft, demonolatry),  The Elder Scrolls, Destiny 2, Genshin Impact (Gnosticism & Hermeticism), Curious Expedition  (historical occultists as playable characters, occult revival + pulp aesthetic);  Deus Ex, SOMA, State of Mind  (transhumanism); methodology ( Nevermind , when utilizing biofeedback)  

Tabletop Roleplaying Games:  The Esoterrorists  and  Yellow King  (Pelgrane Press) , Esoterica  (Fire Ruby Designs),  Kult: Divinity Lost  (rebooted by Modiphius Games),  Liminal  (Modiphius),  Sigil & Shadow  (Osprey Games),  Esoteric Enterprises  (Dying Stylishly Games), White Wolf’s  Mage  (classic  World of Darkness ) and  Demon: The Descent  ( Chronicles of Darkness ),  World of Darkness  generally, Atlas Games  Unknown Armies , Monte Cook’s  Invisible Sun,  Kevin Crawford's  Silent Legions.  RPGs have influenced the conception of magic in popular culture across media, and present extensive representation of magical figures.  Esoteric and gnostic themes intersect with transhumanism in examples such as  Eclipse Phase . 

Other possible topics:

Influence of esoteric/occult/magical/New Age beliefs, practices, symbols on popular culture and aesthetics (e.g., memes, clothing, tattoos, jewelry).

Influence of popular culture on esoteric/occult/magical beliefs, practices, and practitioners (e.g., Lovecraft mythos as actual magical practice, fictional gods of chaos in Chaos Magic, and real vampire communities using concepts from  Vampire: The Masquerade ).

Popular beliefs about esotericism/occultism/magic: fads, trends, moral panics, witch-hunts, witch-crazes, conspiracy theories (e.g., anti-occult-conspiracism in QAnon; Illuminati paranoia, bloodline of the Holy Grail beliefs, Satanic Ritual Abuse scandals).

Reactions and polemics against esoteric/occult/magical beliefs and practices

All proposals must be submitted through the conference’s database at https://register.southwestpca.org/southwestpca

For details on using the submission database and on the application process in general, please see the Proposal Submission FAQs and Tips page at https://southwestpca.org/conference/faqs-and-tips/ Registration information for the conference will be available at https://southwestpca.org/conference/conference-registration-information/

Individual proposals for 15-minute papers must include an abstract of approximately 200-500 words. Including a brief bio in the body of the proposal form is encouraged, but not required.  

If you have any questions about the Esotericism, Occultism, and Magic area, please contact its Area Chair, Dr. George J. Sieg, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, [email protected] / (505) 440-2105. If you have general questions about the conference, please contact us at [email protected] , and a member of the executive team will get back to you.

We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Tallahassee faith leaders discuss 'culture wars' in public schools at Village Square event

The "God Squad," a diverse group of local faith leaders, hosted a panel discussion Thursday night on parental rights, book bans and the expansion of state-funded private school vouchers – all drivers of the "culture wars" taking place in public schools.

Their goal: To guide a tricky discussion on the growing political nature of public schools, and how arguments in heated debates can be addressed respectfully and prioritize education.

Discussions on differences are vital for students, said Lea Marshall, a 30-year veteran theater teacher at Leon High School.

She was one of about 40 people who attended the event at St. John’s Episcopal Church downtown, sponsored by The Village Square, which describes itself as "a non-partisan public educational forum on matters of local, state and national importance."

She said for the seven years she's taught the class, she has guided pointed discussions with her students who differ in beliefs and opinions to foster healthy discourse.

"My first-year teaching at Leon, my theme was fear versus love," Marshall said. "Because we operate out of fear or we operate out of love. The big shift that I have seen over the last 30 years is that there is so much fear now, instead of love."

She added: "I think we have switched into this culture of fear, instead of making gracious assumptions. Being able to have a discussion like this is value-rich, and (it) respects everybody's values in the classroom."

Under the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida has passed legislation that sparked controversy, such as expanding public funding of private schools, limiting students' instructional materials, giving parents' ultimate say over what children may be taught, and barring the use of students' preferred pronouns.

The God Squad panel consisted of four faith leaders: Pastor Joseph Davis Jr. of Truth Gatherers Dream Center Church, the Rev. Latricia Scriven of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Rabbi Stefanie Posner of Temple Israel and Father Tim Holeda, rector of St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral.

Moderated by Holeda, the hot-button issues for the event were focused on parental rights, book bans, digital media and faith-based private schools.

A featured guest on the panel was Leon County School Board member Marcus Nicolas, who represents District 5, which includes some of the county's poorest ZIP codes. The event's attendees included teachers, retired educators and folks who like to keep an open ear to policies related to public schools.

"I would say what makes it a war is the need to impose on others a specific way of viewing the world," Scriven said. "It's OK that we view the world through a different lens. We have different experiences and traditions or religions, and that shapes who we are and how we engage."

Nicolas said parental rights have always been a thing, citing his time as an English teacher at Amos P. Godby High School, but it became politicized during the pandemic, sparking the current battle over book restrictions.

"From my perspective, book bans were the first real tangible disruption of public education," he said.

While the Leon County School District says it hasn't officially banned any books, there have been several pulled from library shelves after complaints from parents. Books were vetted by librarians for inappropriate content.

Posner said private school vouchers, the availability of which has recently been expanded by the state, may be causing more harm than good by limiting students' exposure to different walks of life.

"I think the benefit of our kids going to school together is that they get to be around so many different kinds of people with so many different kinds of backgrounds," Posner said. "This is how we raise amazing citizens, through these conversations and through the development of education."

All the panelists agreed that the solution to the war is "love and respect," similar to what Marshall teaches her students.

As Holeda put it, "Our hope is that we can send our children to school, to learn information and how to be human."

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at  [email protected] .

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6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When

• Rebecca Knight

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different approaches.

Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances — be it a change in setting, a shift in organizational dynamics, or a turn in the business cycle. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style — let alone more than one? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate, and direct your team.

Much has been written about common leadership styles and how to identify the right style for you, whether it’s transactional or transformational, bureaucratic or laissez-faire. But according to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist best known for his work on emotional intelligence, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.”

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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NPR suspends veteran editor as it grapples with his public criticism

David Folkenflik

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument. Uri Berliner hide caption

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument.

NPR has formally punished Uri Berliner, the senior editor who publicly argued a week ago that the network had "lost America's trust" by approaching news stories with a rigidly progressive mindset.

Berliner's five-day suspension without pay, which began last Friday, has not been previously reported.

Yet the public radio network is grappling in other ways with the fallout from Berliner's essay for the online news site The Free Press . It angered many of his colleagues, led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the network's coverage, and gave fresh ammunition to conservative and partisan Republican critics of NPR, including former President Donald Trump.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo is among those now targeting NPR's new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the network. Among others, those posts include a 2020 tweet that called Trump racist and another that appeared to minimize rioting during social justice protests that year. Maher took the job at NPR last month — her first at a news organization .

In a statement Monday about the messages she had posted, Maher praised the integrity of NPR's journalists and underscored the independence of their reporting.

"In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen," she said. "What matters is NPR's work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests."

The network noted that "the CEO is not involved in editorial decisions."

In an interview with me later on Monday, Berliner said the social media posts demonstrated Maher was all but incapable of being the person best poised to direct the organization.

"We're looking for a leader right now who's going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about," Berliner said. "And this seems to be the opposite of that."

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month. Stephen Voss/Stephen Voss hide caption

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month.

He said that he tried repeatedly to make his concerns over NPR's coverage known to news leaders and to Maher's predecessor as chief executive before publishing his essay.

Berliner has singled out coverage of several issues dominating the 2020s for criticism, including trans rights, the Israel-Hamas war and COVID. Berliner says he sees the same problems at other news organizations, but argues NPR, as a mission-driven institution, has a greater obligation to fairness.

"I love NPR and feel it's a national trust," Berliner says. "We have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they're capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners."

A "final warning"

The circumstances surrounding the interview were singular.

Berliner provided me with a copy of the formal rebuke to review. NPR did not confirm or comment upon his suspension for this article.

In presenting Berliner's suspension Thursday afternoon, the organization told the editor he had failed to secure its approval for outside work for other news outlets, as is required of NPR journalists. It called the letter a "final warning," saying Berliner would be fired if he violated NPR's policy again. Berliner is a dues-paying member of NPR's newsroom union but says he is not appealing the punishment.

The Free Press is a site that has become a haven for journalists who believe that mainstream media outlets have become too liberal. In addition to his essay, Berliner appeared in an episode of its podcast Honestly with Bari Weiss.

A few hours after the essay appeared online, NPR chief business editor Pallavi Gogoi reminded Berliner of the requirement that he secure approval before appearing in outside press, according to a copy of the note provided by Berliner.

In its formal rebuke, NPR did not cite Berliner's appearance on Chris Cuomo's NewsNation program last Tuesday night, for which NPR gave him the green light. (NPR's chief communications officer told Berliner to focus on his own experience and not share proprietary information.) The NPR letter also did not cite his remarks to The New York Times , which ran its article mid-afternoon Thursday, shortly before the reprimand was sent. Berliner says he did not seek approval before talking with the Times .

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

Berliner says he did not get permission from NPR to speak with me for this story but that he was not worried about the consequences: "Talking to an NPR journalist and being fired for that would be extraordinary, I think."

Berliner is a member of NPR's business desk, as am I, and he has helped to edit many of my stories. He had no involvement in the preparation of this article and did not see it before it was posted publicly.

In rebuking Berliner, NPR said he had also publicly released proprietary information about audience demographics, which it considers confidential. He said those figures "were essentially marketing material. If they had been really good, they probably would have distributed them and sent them out to the world."

Feelings of anger and betrayal inside the newsroom

His essay and subsequent public remarks stirred deep anger and dismay within NPR. Colleagues contend Berliner cherry-picked examples to fit his arguments and challenge the accuracy of his accounts. They also note he did not seek comment from the journalists involved in the work he cited.

Morning Edition host Michel Martin told me some colleagues at the network share Berliner's concerns that coverage is frequently presented through an ideological or idealistic prism that can alienate listeners.

"The way to address that is through training and mentorship," says Martin, herself a veteran of nearly two decades at the network who has also reported for The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. "It's not by blowing the place up, by trashing your colleagues, in full view of people who don't really care about it anyway."

Several NPR journalists told me they are no longer willing to work with Berliner as they no longer have confidence that he will keep private their internal musings about stories as they work through coverage.

"Newsrooms run on trust," NPR political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben tweeted last week, without mentioning Berliner by name. "If you violate everyone's trust by going to another outlet and sh--ing on your colleagues (while doing a bad job journalistically, for that matter), I don't know how you do your job now."

Berliner rejected that critique, saying nothing in his essay or subsequent remarks betrayed private observations or arguments about coverage.

Other newsrooms are also grappling with questions over news judgment and confidentiality. On Monday, New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahn announced to his staff that the newspaper's inquiry into who leaked internal dissent over a planned episode of its podcast The Daily to another news outlet proved inconclusive. The episode was to focus on a December report on the use of sexual assault as part of the Hamas attack on Israel in October. Audio staffers aired doubts over how well the reporting stood up to scrutiny.

"We work together with trust and collegiality everyday on everything we produce, and I have every expectation that this incident will prove to be a singular exception to an important rule," Kahn wrote to Times staffers.

At NPR, some of Berliner's colleagues have weighed in online against his claim that the network has focused on diversifying its workforce without a concomitant commitment to diversity of viewpoint. Recently retired Chief Executive John Lansing has referred to this pursuit of diversity within NPR's workforce as its " North Star ," a moral imperative and chief business strategy.

In his essay, Berliner tagged the strategy as a failure, citing the drop in NPR's broadcast audiences and its struggle to attract more Black and Latino listeners in particular.

"During most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed. We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding," Berliner writes. "In recent years, however, that has changed."

Berliner writes, "For NPR, which purports to consider all things, it's devastating both for its journalism and its business model."

NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner wrote in a comment for this story: "Minorities do not all think the same and do not report the same. Good reporters and editors should know that by now. It's embarrassing to me as a reporter at NPR that a senior editor here missed that point in 2024."

Some colleagues drafted a letter to Maher and NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, seeking greater clarity on NPR's standards for its coverage and the behavior of its journalists — clearly pointed at Berliner.

A plan for "healthy discussion"

On Friday, CEO Maher stood up for the network's mission and the journalism, taking issue with Berliner's critique, though never mentioning him by name. Among her chief issues, she said Berliner's essay offered "a criticism of our people on the basis of who we are."

Berliner took great exception to that, saying she had denigrated him. He said that he supported diversifying NPR's workforce to look more like the U.S. population at large. She did not address that in a subsequent private exchange he shared with me for this story. (An NPR spokesperson declined further comment.)

Late Monday afternoon, Chapin announced to the newsroom that Executive Editor Eva Rodriguez would lead monthly meetings to review coverage.

"Among the questions we'll ask of ourselves each month: Did we capture the diversity of this country — racial, ethnic, religious, economic, political geographic, etc — in all of its complexity and in a way that helped listeners and readers recognize themselves and their communities?" Chapin wrote in the memo. "Did we offer coverage that helped them understand — even if just a bit better — those neighbors with whom they share little in common?"

Berliner said he welcomed the announcement but would withhold judgment until those meetings played out.

In a text for this story, Chapin said such sessions had been discussed since Lansing unified the news and programming divisions under her acting leadership last year.

"Now seemed [the] time to deliver if we were going to do it," Chapin said. "Healthy discussion is something we need more of."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

• Katherine Maher
• uri berliner