Top 10 Society AC Content of 2006

The year 2006 brought with it many questions about the future of our society and of our planet. With the growing concerns over global warming, government censorship and other important societal issues, Americans and other citizens around the world are being forced to examine our cultural relations and ourselves. This left no shortfall of stories on Associated Content examining some of the most important societal questions in the world today, as well as some ever-enduring problems that still persist. Here's my list of the top 10 society AC content of 2006.

10. "Erasing the Other: The Absence of Overweight Women in Television Sitcoms" by Rebecca Mahfouz

This Associated Content article examined the presence of overweight women in television and the effects of their presence, or lack thereof, on female self-identity in society as a result of media culture exhibiting size 2 beauties. It brings powerful discussion on the effects of viewing television, as the hours spent in front of the screen increases for many Americans, including children and teenagers who are especially vulnerable to television stereotypes and ideas. A worthy read for anyone who ponders the effects of media culture and appearance in society.

9. "Society and the Pursuit of Beauty" by Selena

Another important article examining the differences between "physical beauty" and "inner beauty." As a culture with a lot of emphasis on outward appearance, this Associated Content story does a lot to blow open the lid regarding the superficial surface of this country.

8. "Why Muhammad Yunus Should Be Deemed the Most Influential Person of 2006" by K. Bamforth

Is it wrong to promote my own content within my own content? Regardless, I think this story on Associated Content is worth reading because of its examination of the issue of poverty in the world and what one man did to help the poorest of the poor. Muhammad Yunus started by lending poor villagers money out of his own pocket. Should the rich countries of the world start to follow suit, we could see a real change in extreme poverty.

7. "Affirmative Action: A Form of Reverse Discrimination" by Kevin Thompson

While the Supreme Court is busy hearing arguments regarding affirmative action programs in public school systems in Seattle and Louisville, take time to read this powerful analysis of affirmative action in America and its history.

6. "Humanity in Danger of Themselves: Technology Will Soon Send Us to Our Demise" by Meisha

This Associated Content story acknowledges that with the many benefits advances in technology have brought humanity, there is a price for everything. Technological advances effect everything from global warming to identity theft and this article contemplates the future of our world. This story may just start making you take the bus.

5. "Nuclear Power: Safe for the Environment?" by John Olley

The idea of using nuclear power has been contemplated for some time, with no conclusion yet. This Associated Content story provides examination of alternative fuel sources and its impact on our environment, a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about global warming and other environmental concerns.

4. "What the Government Won't Tell Us About Sudan" by Harry the Hobo

Sudan and the growing conflict in Darfur remain one of the most horrible offenses against humanity in this day and age. The United States and other powerful countries have yet to become involved while millions of men, women and children continue to lose their lives or their homes each day. This Associated Content story was an Editor's Pick and will definitely make you think about the lack of action in that area of the world.

3. "Prayer and Freedom" by Michelle Devon

Controversy over prayer in schools (and by extension, the relationship between religion and government) continues to rage, and I don't think it's going away any time soon. One of my favorite writers on Associated Content attacks this issue with a personal touch that opens my eyes to the other side of the conflict. (I am personally against prayer in schools, and by extension, I am for separation of church and state.) An important story for all to read.

2. "The Depreciation of Family Values in America" by Darlene Zagata

This Associated Content story examines the rise of violence, pregnancy and drug use among teenagers and its causes and effects when it comes to family values. Our current President is in office largely because of the issue of family values, making it an important societal issue, and this story shows the importance of leaning on your family.

1. "Banning Books, Freedom of Expression, and the Risk of Inhibiting Artists" by J. Gorman

As a writer, it is easy to see why I picked this story as the #1 society AC content of 2006. Not a single content producer should go without reading this story to realize how powerful the written word is in society, and to get some examples of how writers across time have been censored. Art is truly an expression of a society, and I don't think America wants to send a message of censorship. Read this story for inspiration that what we are doing is important.

The Top 10 Society AC Content of the Year is a list of my own personal preferences. There are hundreds more stories on Associated Content dealing with other important societal issues and the content producers on AC approach them with feeling and facts. Next time you're surfing on Associated Content, be sure to visit the Society page to stretch your mind and get you thinking.