The Strategic Importance of Ignorance essay
Humanities
Prompt: Using Michael Moore’s essay, “Idiot Nation,” write an essay in which you expound or refute the idea that the American culture/society is not “stupid”, but rather a nation of “idiots” that goes out of its way to be ignorant. And because of this, Americans are living in a dangerous time because as they sit by idle, consumed by media, oblivious to the world, the rest of the world is gaining ground on the things Americans take for granted. And the really frightening part is that as mediocrity becomes increasingly acceptable, America runs the risk of becoming a nation of idiots, run by idiots. You must use three additional sources*, which you cite directly. You may use one of the other assigned essays from the “education” chapter of our textbook as one of your three additional sources
establish your own thesis that is inspired by the source identified in the prompt. Do not cite a source in your introduction so that your thesis stands out, and it does not appear you are simply echoing or repeating the source. Your thesis is the next step in the argument, be it for or against the source author’s point. You are not writing an analysis or explication of the source essay of the prompt–doing so would limit your grade to no better than a C. The article identified in the prompt is no more important than the other research you will include.
Your essay must begin with an introduction that contains a clearly defined, purpose driven, and arguable thesis. The introduction should clearly identify any supporting main ideas that will support the thesis. Body paragraphs should contain minor claims (topic sentences) that advance controlling ideas and that support the thesis. All ideas should be supported with evidence. Your paper must cite examples from the stated texts in the prompt and from your outside sources*. Each example must be supported with critical thinking that explains the significance of the chosen quotation/citation as is relates to your ideas. In your conclusion make a final statement that clearly identifies why what has been shown in your essay is important.
*additional sources must come only from the following: an article located on EBSCOhost (or from a similar database), an article in a major newspaper or magazine, or a book (but not the class textbook or other course material); sources that do not meet this criteria will not count toward the minimum required sources.
*You may cite the film Idiocracy, however it does not count toward the minimum required additional sources.
Your paper must:
include an original title that speaks to your thesis
be a minimum of 4 full pages (approximately 1400-1500 words)
contain a minimum of 4 cited sources
be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12pt font
be formatted according to MLA
use MLA guidelines for in-text citations and Works Cited page
be written using strictly an academic, third-person point-of-view
