Social Equality

Think of a decision that you need to make in the next week. Gather at least 7 people to vote on the decision (you can use social media to do this with a poll) The more people voting the better! Let the crowd choose for you and follow the wisdom of the crowd. In your reflection, address both Brown and Huemer on the nature of political authority and obligation. 

Evidence: Screenshot of poll results and any evidence you have to show that you made the decision. 

Attend a public meeting (e.g. city council, school board, zoning) Before attending, pickup a bingo card. Why are so many of these bingo items predictable in a public meeting? Which squares surprised you? What did you learn about the purpose of this public meeting? 

Squares might include:

Someone says "taxpayer dollars."

Someone complains about transparency.

A motion is tabled.

Someone mentions property values 

Someone thanks public employees.

A procedural rule confuses everyone.

A citizen exceeds the time limit.

Someone says "with all due respect..."

Someone is the one easily identifiable crazy person 

Nobody in the audience is under thirty.

An issue turns out to be much more complicated than expected.

The room laughs.

Someone is a concerned parent

Someone changes their mind.

Visit two grocery stores that appear to serve different socioeconomic markets (for example, Aldi and Whole Foods), or two similarly matched sores that sell the same kinds of products. Choose one comparable product in each store and ask an employee the same series of questions about that product (e.g., where is it, where does this product come from, why is it more expensive, is it worth the price, what do you suggest?) At each store, try to adopt the communication style, dress, and level of product knowledge that you believe would make you seem like a typical customer there. Basically try to match the cultural vibe of the store. In your reflection, discuss how employees responded to your questions and how comfortable you feel asking them. Did you feel like you belonged? Did employees assume you knew certain things? Did they volunteer different kinds of information? How is class is communicated through money, knowledge, language, confidence, appearance, or something else. Were your assumptions about either store confirmed or challenged? What is the moral significance of class-coded norms?