Sociology:

Imagine that you are a reader of a newspaper that has a sectionthat allows ‘letters to the editor.’ (This is where readers areable to write and submit a short article arguing for some point ofview). Three such hypothetical letters are below. Imagine that youare writing a response to these letters. Write a response in whichyou use your social psychology knowledge to argue against theletter writer.

(1) I am writing to discuss the recent incident in which 12teenagers were caught smoking marijuana at a party. These kids seemto be blaming it on everything but themselves: ‘Peer pressure’ istheir latest excuse – as if other people could cause people toengage in illegal activities! I am appalled at this behavior –these kids should be thrown in jail to be taught a lesson. Thisjust confirms my beliefs that teenagers are nothing but trouble.Why can’t people behave like moral human beings? What has happenedto personal responsibility in this country? I’ve never been introuble with the law (other than one time I was caught speeding –but that was different – I was late for a very important meetingand I had no choice!). This generation simply doesn’t care aboutwhat’s right or wrong anymore. -Marie Lamont