Media and Citizenship — Unit test Answers

Modern technology, including telecommunication, has impacted American citizens’ ability to learn about issues and share opinions. It has also created the possibility of e-democracy—the direct participation by citizens online in voting and sharing opinions. Technology has also connected nations. National business is now international; economic decisions in one nation affect many other nations; environmental concerns are worldwide. Finally, movement of people has increased with improved transportation methods and laws.

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair is a perfect example of the muckraking abilities of the media. Even though the story was fictional, Upton Sinclair illuminated the corruption and abhorrent conditions of the meat-packing industry. Sinclair’s book changed society; in the years following The Jungle, public outcry was so intense that the Food and Drug Administration was created to monitor the poor working conditions of workers and increase food safety.

Both legal and illegal aliens belong to countries outside of the ones in which they currently live. The main difference between them is their status in the country in which they are living. A legal alien is a person who is not a citizen, but has permission to be in the country. An illegal alien is someone who belongs to another country and has come to the country they are living in without permission of the national government.

Cultural appreciation has two parts. First, to appreciate someone else’s culture, you need to learn about its qualities. Second, you may find parts of that culture that appeal to you greatly. This might allow you to understand and acknowledge the value of a different culture. You might seek out music from other cultures in order to find new music you enjoy. You might also try new foods, read new books, learn a new language, or participate in a celebration from a different culture. Each of these activities would help you practice appreciation.

Multiculturalism is a philosophy that protects cultural diversity. When a person or group approaches a situation from a multicultural perspective, they are taking care to recognize the contributions of people from all cultural groups. Approaching a situation from a multicultural perspective means learning about cultures other than your own. America is multicultural because its values reflect these principles. The country’s population is growing more diverse each year. America’s laws protect this diversity: they give citizens the right to practice their culture, speak their language, and carry out their traditions.