Modern Issues and IdeasClosing out the Content

The Big Bang Theory (6.1 I B)Occurred 13.75 billion years agoUniverse was extremely dense and hot

and expanding rapidlyRapid expansion caused universe to

cool, allowing energy to be converted into subatomic particles

Universe continues to expand today, taking galaxies with it (Spots on an inflated balloon)

How might this change the way people viewed the world?

And Then There Was Food, LOTS OF IT!!!(6.1 I C)Rapid growth of global population demanded an

increase in agricultural productionStarted in Mexico in the 1940’s and spread to

other areas during the 50’s and 60’sBased on three main features:

◦ High yield crops (specifically bred domestic crops)◦ Fertilizers (specifically designed to increase yield)◦ Irrigation (increased the amount of farmable land)

Virtually eliminated famines in India and China, which has led to rapid overpopulation (Think Thomas Malthus)

Africa has not benefited from this due to political and infrastructural problems

Goodbye Diseases(6.1 I D)Polio Vaccine

developed in the 50’s and 60’s virtually eliminated the disease from most countries

Vaccines for other diseases (flu, MMR, etc) have greatly increased our ability to survive, but also resulted in more resistant forms

Why Are the Penguins Invading?(6.1 II B and C)Pollution and

greenhouse gas emissions◦ Trap heat in the

atmosphere◦ Cause respiratory

problems◦ Can contaminate

groundwater and food◦ Global warming/climate

change◦ Any other effects you

can think of?

A Tale of Two Terrible Stories (6.1 III A and B)Diseases associated

with poverty ◦ Malaria (3rd world

disease)New diseases emerge

◦ HIV/AIDS (prevalant in 3rd world countries)

Why are these diseases focused on the 3rd world?

Again, think about Malthus’s checks on population

1st world countries have their issues too◦ Living longer=high rates of

heart disease, stroke, etc.◦ Easy access to food

(especially junk/fast food) leads to higher rates of obesity and diabetes

Can’t We All Just Get Along? (6.2 V A)

The prevalence and willingness to go to war made people upset◦ Anti-war music and

propaganda (flower power)

◦ Sacrifice/personal harm to protest the war Thich Quang Duc’s self-

immolation (setting yourself on fire)

Help, I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up (6.2 II C)Humanitarian

Organizations develop in response to crises◦ Red Cross

Helps military families, blood collection, food distribution, disaster aid, etc.

◦ World Health Organization Wing of the UN to

assist with disease, nutrition, sex ed., etc.

Let’s Work Together (6.3 III D)Regional Trade

AgreementsDiverse areas like

Europe and SE Asia form economic alliances◦ ASEAN, European

UnionGoal is to

economically cooperate to break trade barriers and increase trade

Tree Hugging Hippies (6.3 II F)

Population growth + increasing demand= consequences for the environment/people

Movements emerge to promote environmental awareness/protection◦ Earth Day◦ Greenpeace◦ PETA

I’m Special, You’re Special, but You Can Get Outta Here! (6.3 III B)Globalization of

economies + new transportation methods + multimedia= everyone’s connected

Interaction leads to new cultural identities ◦ Negritude= French-

Black movement to establish a distinct black culture in opposition to white domination

They’re out to get us!

As different groups come in contact with each other, exclusionary reactions occur◦ Xenophobia- fear of

foreigners and that which is foreign

◦ Where have we seen this before/currently?

Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright! (6.3 IV B)

Technological advances in transportation and communication have made media from all over the world available◦ Reggae, native to

Jamaica, is listened to all over the world

◦ Bollywood, India’s entertainment district, can be viewed throughout the globe

◦ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4iDWXstrWY