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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1 - Section IV and V.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What term is used in semiotics and postmodern philosophy to describe a hypothetical inability of consciousness to distinguish reality from fantasy?
(a) Superreality.
(b) Pseudo-event.
(c) Hyper-reality.
(d) Nonreality.

2. Who does Boorstin claim was a major figure of presidential creation of pseudo-events, including his solidification of the presidential press conference and his fireside chats?
(a) Dwight Eisenhower.
(b) Hubert Humphrey.
(c) John F. Kennedy.
(d) Franklin D. Roosevelt.

3. What is the second of the "extravagant expectations" held by Americans, according to Boorstin?
(a) Time is of the essence.
(b) There is always more that the world can provide.
(c) We have unlimited power to fashion the world to our desires.
(d) Money can buy anything.

4. According to Walter Lippman, a ____ is a way of giving rapid meaning to an external person or situation to help one orient to a world full of confusing and overwhelming experiences.
(a) Pseudo-event.
(b) Stereotype.
(c) Propaganda.
(d) Archetype.

5. What is the first of the "extravagant expectations" held by Americans, according to Boorstin?
(a) Time is of the essence.
(b) Money can buy anything.
(c) There is always more that the world can provide.
(d) We have unlimited power to fashion the world to our desires

Short Answer Questions

1. What refers to a tendency in contemporary culture characterized by the rejection of objective truth and global cultural narrative or meta-narrative?

2. What word refers to that which is coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency, without effort or premeditation, natural and unconstrained?

3. What is the first aspect of a pseudo-event, according to Boorstin?

4. What term refers to an activity that exists for the sole purpose of the media publicity and serves little to no other function in real life?

5. Established by Boorstin, what is the third way pseudo-events can overshadow real or spontaneous events?

(see the answer key)

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