Society and Economic Issues

Questions and Answers

Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?

To save money and maintain support

What is the first trick to asking questions?

Determine if your question is a good one

Who coined the phrase 'conventional wisdom'?

John Kenneth Galbraith

What is Galbraith's view on truth and comfort?

Convenient, comfortable, and comfortable—though not necessarily true Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mitch Snyder?

An advocate for the homeless in the 1980s Signup and view all the answers

How many homeless Americans did Mitch say there were?

3 million Signup and view all the answers

How often do 45 homeless persons die according to Mitch?

Every second Signup and view all the answers

What is a brilliant tool for conventional wisdom?

Advertising Signup and view all the answers

Who said, 'Listerine did not make mouthwash as much as it made halitosis'?

James B. Twinchell Signup and view all the answers

What is Listerine?

Invented in the 19th century; originally used as a powerful surgical anesthetic, later sold as a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea Signup and view all the answers

In seven years, how high did the company's revenue rise?

Went from $115,000 to more than $8,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the economist from the New York Times who criticized George W. Bush?

Paul Krugman Signup and view all the answers

Who underreported crimes in the 1990s and why?

The police in Atlanta, to get rid of the violent image that the city had to allow the Olympics to be held there Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most profitable jobs in America?

Crack dealing Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sudhir Venkatesh?

The sociologist that studied the Black Disciples in Chicago; studied under William Julius Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What survey question did Venkatesh ask the Black Disciples?

"How do you feel about being black and poor?" Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the Chicago branch of the Black Disciples?

J.T. (a college graduate and business major) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Black Disciples sell?

Crack Signup and view all the answers

Who was Booty?

The accountant for the Black Disciples Signup and view all the answers

When was Venkatesh set free?

After nearly 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What did the drug gang claim?

Dealing kept black money in the black community Signup and view all the answers

Where did Levitt meet Venkatesh?

At the Harvard Society of Fellows Signup and view all the answers

What major corporation were the Black Disciples compared to?

McDonald's Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of a foot soldier?

To someday become an officer Signup and view all the answers

What two jobs are less dangerous than dealing crack in Chicago?

Timber cutting and being a death-row inmate Signup and view all the answers

What product was crack compared to?

Nylons (invented in 1939) Signup and view all the answers

When was crack invented?

In the 1980s Signup and view all the answers

What are some slang names for crack?

Rock, kryptonite, love, kibbles n' bits, scrabble Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'Johnny Appleseed of Crack'?

Oscar Danilo Blandon Signup and view all the answers

What caused a major regression for black Americans in the 1980s?

Crack; the homicide rate quadrupled; only 1 in 3 Chicagoans in the projects worked; 78% grew up in single-parent families Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups/people did not alter conventional wisdom?

Crack dealers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a 'glamor' profession mentioned in Chapter 3?

Doctor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drug Dealers and Economic Realities

Drug dealers often live with their mothers, illustrating economic challenges and the low wages in the drug trade.
Crack dealing emerges as one of the most profitable jobs in America despite its societal consequences.

Conventional Wisdom

John Kenneth Galbraith coined the term "conventional wisdom," emphasizing it as often aligned with convenience rather than truth.
Advertising is highlighted as a powerful tool that shapes conventional wisdom, demonstrating how perceptions can be manipulated.

Homelessness Advocacy

Mitch Snyder was a prominent advocate for the homeless during the 1980s, claiming there were around 3 million homeless Americans.
Snyder pointed out that, statistically, 45 homeless individuals die every second, shedding light on the dire state of homelessness.

The Listerine Example

Listerine was originally created in the 19th century as a surgical anesthetic and later marketed as a floor cleaner and treatment for gonorrhea.
The company's revenue skyrocketed from $115,000 to over $8 million within seven years after marketing it as a mouthwash to combat halitosis.

Crime Reporting Issues

Atlanta police underreported crimes in the 1990s to improve the city's image for the Olympics, highlighting issues of trust in law enforcement.

Sociological Insights

Sudhir Venkatesh conducted a study on the Black Disciples, a Chicago gang, learning about their socio-economic challenges and perspectives on poverty.
The gang, led by J.T., a college graduate, dealt crack and managed operations likened to a corporation such as McDonald's.

Crack Cocaine Impact

Crack was birthed in the 1980s and compared to nylons, emphasizing its widespread impact and integration into culture.
The rise of crack cocaine resulted in severe socioeconomic regression for Black Americans, with quadrupled homicide rates and dysfunctional family structures in affected communities.

Comparisons and Career Outcomes

Among various occupations, crack dealing, timber cutting, and being a death-row inmate were identified as the three most dangerous jobs.
Aspirations among foot soldiers in gangs often involved climbing ranks within their organizations.

Language and Culture Around Drugs

Crack has various slang names, including "rock" and "kryptonite," reflecting its cultural penetration and lifestyle association.
Oscar Danilo Blandon has been referred to as the "Johnny Appleseed of Crack," indicating his role in the drug trade's proliferation.

Insights on Conventional Wisdom Alterations

Various groups such as women's rights advocates and the Listerine company have altered conventional wisdom, while crack dealers notably have not impacted mainstream beliefs in a positive way.

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Description

Explore the intersection of drug dealing, conventional wisdom, and homelessness advocacy. This quiz examines economic realities and societal perceptions throughout history, focusing on figures like Mitch Snyder and concepts like advertising's influence. Test your knowledge on these critical social themes and their impacts.