Centennials Table Topics

Table Topic questions are meant to stimulate family and classroom discussion.
Use the questions below after reading,"Outrage and rebellion"

The University of Washington was shut down by strike in May, 1970, and marchers took to the streets and the freeways. How did this strike compare to a labor union strike? Were there clear objectives? When political protest threatened to become destructive, police were called in to preserve order at some striking universities. Guards facing large, hostile crowds at Kent State shot four students. Who is responsible for these deaths?
In the '70s, some readers complained to The Times that extensive coverage encouraged the UW protesters. A similar argument is heard today about terrorism and violence in news and movies. Do you think media coverage and publicity encourages dangerous or harmful activity? Do unpopular ideas a deserve an open forum?
There were two schools of thought about Vietnam."Hawks" saw North Vietnam as an extension of aggressive Chinese hegemony, affecting American and world security. "Doves" saw foreign involvement as interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation with two fighting factions. Looking back, what do you think? What are the relations of Vietnam and the United States today? Do you know any Vietnamese people who immigrated or fled to the United States? What is their perspective on the war?
Look at today's newspaper for areas of world conflict. Where and how is America involved in military or peacekeeping actions? How is American national security affected by political and military events in Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Bosnia, etc.? Under what,if any circumstances, should America intervene in a foreign military conflict?
Protest against the Vietnam War soon spread into other areas of social concern, like racism, poverty, sexism. Did the '60s protest movement affect Vietnam policy? How did civil rights and feminist activism change our lives today? Have you ever felt strongly enough about an issue to protest, as an individual or in a group?
How does youth culture today differ from that of the '60s?
In some cultures and countries, there is more youth rebellion than in others. Why? Do you think youth rebellion is a natural, healthy part of growing up in our culture?