Read my least favorite chapter in Joel Best’s Social Problems, chapter 6. I’ll take the time in class to tell you why I don’t like the chapter, but the big issue that Best is getting at–that audiences will do different things with the claims they consume and that we as sociologists want to have ways of getting at a claim’s reception and effectiveness–is relevant. So, let’s deal with some popular culture and its reception. First, watch these two editions of Saturday Night Live’s “Black Jeopardy” sketch. You can watch the others on your own time if you’d like and I recommend going to YouTube and reading the comments so you can see what people are getting from the sketch. Then watch T1J’s analysis of the sketches to see one, very thoughtful, take on its relevance.
Black Jeopardy – Saturday Night Live
YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWuJHbVZBQg
Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks – SNL
How SNL’s “Black Jeopardy” Nailed Racial Commentary
Then, respond to this prompt question:
Do you think analyzing things like YouTube clips and commentary (or “reaction”) videos is a helpful way to analyze popular culture’s impact in the claims-making cycle? Why or why not? Be sure to use evidence from the assigned videos and their YouTube comments to support your answer.
