1. Popping into Pop Culture
Name:
Period:
Directions: The USO needs you! Our troops are deployed oversees in some unnamed nation fighting for our safety. Of late the men and women have been losing heart. The USO needs you to coordinate and assemble the best show these soldiers have ever seen. Create a line up of at least three modern entertainers to cheer up our troops. Each entertainer should have a set list of at least three songs or acts as well as a special message to the men and women in the audience. Include in your explanation a message of hope that you will give to the soldiers at the conclusion of the Camp Show.
Directions: As you watch the final speech by Charlie Chaplain from The Great Dictator, answer the following questions.
Who is Charlie Chaplain emulating?
What is the main idea of the “Final Speech”?
How do you think this affected audiences watching this during wartime?
What makes this speech so powerful? Explain in one paragraph. (5-7 sentences)
This speech is still considered one of the best and most inspirational speeches of all time. Why does it still resonate today?
Entertainer #1:
Act 1:
Act 2:
Act 3:
Message to the troops(i.e. words of encouragement):
Entertainer #2:
Act 1:
Act 2:
Act 3:
Message to the troops:
Entertainer #3:
Act 1:
Act 2:
Act 3:
Message to the troops:
Your message of hope:
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2. Comic Book Heroes of WWII
Directions: Analyze the following comic book samples from WWII. Think critically and answer the questions the go along with them. Answer the prompt about the AAGPBL.
The AAGPBL was a significant change to the face of
professional sports during WWII. As men were sent off
to war, the women stayed behind and filled in where
they could. Do you think that it would be possible today
to replace a men’s professional league (of any sport) with
women? Explain your answer.
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Pat Tillman was a prominent professional
Football player. After the attacks on the US
on 9/11, he left his professional football
career and enlisted into the Army. How do
you think this relates to popular sentiment
during WWII. Explain.
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Comic books were a prominent part of WWII popular culture. What are the messages behind the two comic book covers shown here?
How does Superman and Captain America reflect American ideals, beliefs, and goals?
How do the Superman and Captain America of these comic books differ from the versions of them we know now in modern movies?