Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Culture Wars” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Culture Wars
1. What are culture wars?
2. Can you name a recent example of a culture war in your country?
3. Why do you think culture wars happen?
4. How do culture wars affect everyday life?
5. Do you think culture wars are necessary? Why or why not?

II. Media and Culture Wars
6. How does the media influence culture wars?
7. Do you think social media has a positive or negative effect on culture wars?
8. Can you think of a time when the media changed your opinion on a cultural issue?
9. Should media companies take a side in culture wars?
10. How can people find reliable information during a culture war?

III. Education and Culture Wars
11. Should schools teach about controversial cultural issues?
12. How can teachers help students understand different perspectives in a culture war?
13. Do you think your education has been influenced by culture wars? How?
14. What role do universities play in culture wars?
15. Can education help resolve culture wars?

IV. Politics and Culture Wars
16. How do politicians use culture wars to gain support?
17. Can you give an example of a political decision that was influenced by a culture war?
18. Do you think it’s possible to stay neutral in a culture war? Why or why not?
19. How do culture wars affect elections?
20. Should governments try to resolve culture wars?

V. Religion and Culture Wars
21. How does religion contribute to culture wars?
22. Can you think of a cultural conflict that involves religion?
23. Should religious leaders take sides in culture wars?
24. How can people of different religions find common ground during a culture war?
25. Do you think religion is more often a source of division or unity in culture wars?

VI. Gender and Sexuality in Culture Wars
26. How do issues of gender and sexuality play into culture wars?
27. Can you discuss a recent event related to gender or sexuality that caused a cultural conflict?
28. Should gender and sexuality be private or public matters?
29. How can societies become more inclusive regarding gender and sexuality?
30. Do you think progress in gender and sexuality issues leads to more or less cultural conflict?

VII. Race and Ethnicity in Culture Wars
31. How do race and ethnicity contribute to culture wars?
32. Can you give an example of a racial or ethnic conflict that is part of a culture war?
33. How can people combat racism and ethnocentrism during culture wars?
34. Do you think discussions about race and ethnicity are improving or worsening cultural divisions?
35. How can societies celebrate diversity without causing cultural conflicts?

VIII. Globalization and Culture Wars
36. How does globalization affect culture wars?
37. Can global culture wars impact local communities? How?
38. Do you think globalization leads to more cultural homogeneity or diversity?
39. How can countries maintain their cultural identity in the face of globalization?
40. Do you see globalization as a threat or an opportunity for cultural understanding?

IX. Art, Music, and Culture Wars
41. Can art and music influence culture wars?
42. Do you know of any artists or musicians who have taken a stand in a culture war?
43. Should artists and musicians stay neutral in cultural conflicts?
44. How can art and music be used to bridge cultural divides?
45. Do you think censorship of art and music is justified in the context of culture wars?

X. Technology and Culture Wars
46. How does technology play a role in culture wars?
47. Can technology help resolve cultural conflicts? How?
48. Do you think online platforms should regulate content related to culture wars?
49. How has technology changed the way we experience culture wars?
50. Can virtual communities contribute to or alleviate culture wars?

XI. Future of Culture Wars
51. Do you think culture wars will become more or less common in the future?
52. How can individuals contribute to resolving culture wars?
53. What role do you think education will play in the future of culture wars?
54. Can international cooperation help address global culture wars?
55. What future technological advancements could impact culture wars?

XII. Personal Perspectives on Culture Wars
56. Have you ever changed your opinion because of a culture war? How?
57. How do culture wars affect your personal relationships?
58. Can you share a positive outcome from a culture war?
59. What have you learned from participating in or observing a culture war?
60. How do you navigate discussions about controversial cultural issues?

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