most interesting social issue?

[weflyhigh]

taking a speech class where we have to write/give 3 speeches on a social issue (introduction to topic (neutral), picking a side on topic, and motivational)

I was thinking about writing either about Good Samaritan laws (illegal to not help someone in trouble) or eyewitness testimony (basically how unreliable it is)
I feel like for both I could have strong visuals (videos of people not helping vs. an example of mugshots and showing how hard it is to identify someone)

what is more interesting?

 

[shiner]

Want to keep the attention of everyone in class. Do it on the problem porn addiction can cause. Include visuals.

 

[Kadarin]

Give it on the ethics of using the military to enforce corporate morality at the expense of an innocent social group. You can cite James Cameron's epic blockbuster Avatar for examples.

 

[Apple Of Sodom]

Eyewitness testimony is more interesting to me... especially with all of the DNA testing of late that has exonerated people from death row where eyewitness testimony has been key in the conviction.

Another social problem of late: the effects of social networking on social etiquette. People have become ruder in real life, don't hesitate to text others while having face-to-face conversations, text during dinner and movies, etc. I see an effect on personal relationships as well.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

both good options. emotional issues, and not beaten do death already. id be more interested in eyewitness testimony vs good samaritan laws.

 

[shortylickens]

To me, the good Samaritan. Cuz you can argue both the logic and the ethics. Also the morals.
Whereas eyewitness testimony as an issue is more logical than anything else.
BUT you good bring up the whole issue of perception vs. sensation and thats one of the most interesting topics in psychology.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Yeah eye witness testimony is pretty straightforward. They're generally unreliable in instances of stress/pressure and get worse as time goes on. You'll end up listing a bunch of stories where it fucked up some incorrectly convicted person.

How about "expert" testimony from subjective fields, like psychology? I would cite this case, for example.

edit: Also,

Good Samaritan laws (illegal to not help someone in trouble)

I think you're thinking of "duty to rescue"...which I don't think is well supported in the US.

 

[shortylickens]

Yeah good Samaritan laws protect people who choose to help of their own accord.
The duty to help or punishment for refusal to help is a different concept.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

I like the idea of doing something on the good Samaritan law. Duty vs volunteering, protecting the innocent vs protecting buffoons who cause more damage, lots of area on both sides of wherever the lines are drawn. That's a lot more interesting than eyewitness reliability which everyone knows is a joke.