As many of you know, I am hosting a book club on The Well-Read Wife this summer. The summer Mandy’s Blogger Book Club selection is America, You Sexy Bitch by Michael Ian Black and Meghan McCain. Click here to read more about the book and the book club. Every couple of weeks until August 15th I am going to post discussions questions focusing on different areas of the book.
How To Participate
Everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion in the following ways:
- You do not have to respond to all of the questions. You can respond to all of them or choose one. You do not have to participate in the discussion to be a member of Mandy’s Blogger Book Club. This is just a fun side activity.
- If you have read the content in America, You Sexy Bitch that the questions cover (pages 32 -134) you may leave a comment on this post and participate in the discussion within the comments section.
- You can participate using the #MBBCWRW hashtag on Twitter. I have already seen lots of discussion about the book and Twitter, and I can’t wait to join in myself!
- You can write a post responding to one or all of the questions on your own blog. If you link back to this post within your discussion post, I will be happy to list your post in a roundup of America, You Sexy Bitch discussion posts under the discussion questions.
Discussion Questions For America, You Sexy Bitch by Michael Ian Black and Meghan McCain
The following questions cover pages 32 – 134 of the book:
- In the Las Vegas chapter Michael and Meghan tour the Zappos headquarters.Would you like to work there? Why? Why not?
- While in Vegas Micheal, Meghan, and co. go on a strip club tour of Vegas. Michael points out that in Vegas exotic dancers actually pay a fee to the clubs where they work for the opportunity to dance at the clubs. What do you think of this system?
- What did you think of Michael’s sneak attack lap dance from Phoenix?
- Towards the end of the Vegas chapter Meghan writes: “”would it be necessary for strip clubs to even exist if there were less rampant repression in this country?” Sexual repression in the U.S., thoughts?
- In the Salt Lake City chapter Michael writes the following: “I would prefer that my political leaders practiced their religion however they see fit in private and shut the hell up about it in public.” Agree? Disagree?
- In the Austin chapter Meghan’s friend Cargill calls himself a philosophical Republican and says that he does not support any of the current Republican candidates. Cargill remarks that he will probably vote for the president in the next election. Michael writes. “Yet he would never call himself a Democrat.” Do you agree with Michael that people are afraid of being labeled a “liberal” or a “Democrat”? Do you think people are also just as afraid of being labeled “conservative”?
- Cousin John. Discuss.
- In New Orleans, Meghan and Michael argue about health care. Whose side are you on? Meghan? Michael? Neither?
- Meghan and Michael smoke marijuana during one of their nights out in New Orleans. Meghan even writes that she believes marijuana should be legal. Do you agree? Disagree?
- Were you surprised that Meghan, a Republican thinks marijuana should be legalized?
- What are your thoughts concerning the section in the New Orleans chapter where Meghan writes about her tour of the Lower Ninth Ward?
I tried to list a wide variety of questions so I could give everyone a lot of options for discussion. If you leave a comment below, please note which question your responding to. While it’s perfectly okay to disagree with someone’s response, please be respectful in doing so. I will have a Mandy’s Bloggers Book Club Discussion Posts button at the top of my right sidebar so it will be easy to find this post. If you write a post responding to the discussion questions on your blog and link to this post within the blog post, please leave a link in the comments section, so I can include it in the discussion post round up. The official book review linky will is up now. Click here to link up your review of America, You Sexy Bitch. Click here to go to the official America, You Sexy Bitch (published by DaCapo Press) website.
Happy Reading!
Discussion Post Round Up:
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a sensitive section for me, as both a proponent of legalization who doesn’t smoke pot and a retired exotic dancer. There are only a few places in the U.S. where dancers are paid vs. operating as independent contractors. (thereby paying a fee to work at the club) The most famous compensated dancers are of course the unionized workers at the Lusty Lady in California, who organized and won benefits from their employer.
(2) Some dancers make great money. Many, many many more dancers make terrible money. There are no benefits, no worker’s comp, no sick days, no paid holidays, no health care, no retirement, no social security. It’s an extremely physically demanding job that has a negative impact on the knees and ankles and many psyches, with no safety net. The real winners in the exotic dancing business are the club owners and the drug dealers working out of the clubs. The clientele who frequent those clubs are losing, and a good portion of the women who work in that industry are losing in the long term too. (Pointing toward women who worked their way through college as a dancer or did their master’s thesis on the politics of stripping is like saying there’s no education/poverty/crime problem in the inner city because three young African-American guys graduated and went to medical school. (so therefore anybody can do it!) The sample size is large, and the stories in the media are not representative of the whole group.)
As far as the claim that without repression there would be no need for sexually progressive entertainment, I point toward pretty much all of Europe. Some of the most unregulated and sexually progressive entertainment in the industry continues to thrive there, despite a more generally relaxed attitude toward sex, nudity, and alternative lifestyles.
(9) I’m not surprised by Meghan’s opinion on pot. Quite a lot of conservatives advocate for legalization both based on personal freedom, and fiscal concerns. True, it’s a super far right-almost libertarian- view, if you go the “government needs to stop making decisions about what we put in our bodies” route, and she does take an awfully liberal stance with the “tax the hell out of it” statement, but she’s kind of on target with a lot of conservatives I’ve spoken with. It seems to make financial sense even if it weren’t taxed, as the money not spent putting people in jail for pot (basically shrinking the war on drugs) would be huge.
I rolled my eyes and felt a strong urge to beat my head against something solid throughout the chapter. The concept that “repression” creates the sex-entertainment-industry really strikes me as extremely naive. It’s one of the oldest industries in the history of human culture! I was reading a bit on the Empress Theodora (wife of Justinian I, emperor of the eastern portion of the Roman Empire) the other day. She was an “adult” entertainer of her day, and certainly did well for herself.
But, I don’t think, if we could contact her ghost for a chat, that she would recommend it.
I agree with the statements about “pot”. Especially when you consider the cost of drug crime in real dollars, not to mention the moral hazard of “quotas”. I don’t smoke it, and tend to think drugs, legal and illegal, are over-used in our country, but don’t see the point in prohibition. I would much rather see real criminals (i.e. the people who have effectively wrecked the financial system and the corrupt sitting in government) prosecuted for a change.
Other than that, Meghan McCain came across, in this chapter, like Pinocchio visiting the Island of the Donkey Boys. I kept waiting for her to sprout a tail and long ears. Her blinking, wide-eyed, “Wow, strippers are real human beings, too,” commentary was a head-shaker, as well. Of course they are. What was she expecting from her chat, I wonder?
In response to question 5, I whole-heartedly agree. We absolutely have the freedom to practice whatever we want to practice however we want to practice it in this country, but let’s respect each other’s privacy. There is supposed to be a separation of church and state in this country, and a lot of our political leaders currently have trouble with that. Do I believe that “under God” should be removed from the pledge of allegiance? Absolutely not. Some of the scariest and most offensive political movements right now fall back on scripture to deny certain groups basic human rights, and it’s absurd. The bible shouldn’t even come up in discussion when it comes to governing real people with real needs, wants and dreams.
As far as question 10 goes, I wasn’t surprised by Meghan’s attitude regarding pot so much as I was surprised by how open she was about her feelings. It shows how much she’s evolved as a public figure, and just makes me respect her more.
You should look up the history of the pledge and the placement of “In God We Trust” on the money. It’s interesting.
I’m not sure which groups are interested in removing basic human rights, in your estimation. That threat seems to be issuing from moneyed interests of a secular variety–which they are winning. The 4th amendment is in the garbage, each one of us is under surveillance, drones can kill American citizens, torture is just dandy, and activists can be locked up for promoting *civil* unrest. If you’re talking about Catholics, the majority would like to keep their religious freedom and avoid facing closure by the government of their charitable institutions. Many don’t agree with an active homosexual lifestyle, but hold no ill will toward homosexuals. If politics were not so miserably divisive, both the RCC and secular government could probably find an amicable solution to this that would leave religious liberty intact while leaving the gay community to do as it will.
Now, the politicians that wrap themselves in a flag, carrying a cross and a Bible in an effort to cover their various crimes against humanity–yes, I would like it very much if they would stop it. I think they will, as soon as Christianity becomes unpopular enough to warrant it. Whenever that time comes.
As Noam Chomsky (as well as others, although not religiously affiliated that I know of) has pointed out, the Gospels are much more radical and favorable to the poor of the world than they are supportive of abusive power wielded by the state and various industries. It’s just their dumb luck that most Christians 1) don’t read it or much of anything else 2) don’t take it seriously… and have fallen hook, line, and sinker for prosperity theology.
The truly religious among us, as a group, be they Muslim, Jew, or Christian don’t have it out for anyone.
“The truly religious among us, as a group, be they Muslim, Jew, or Christian don’t have it out for anyone.”
I one hundred percent agree with you on that. I’m not targeting a group in particular- just religion as a whole taking a stance on political issues. They don’t need to know who I affiliate with, just as I don’t need to know how or whom they’re praying to. Keep your faith private and out of my politics. Especially in regard to a woman’s reproductive freedom.
It’s hard not to feel a little defensive. I was an atheist and converted to Catholicism (or rather, started the process ~7 years ago…long story). I have both very liberal and very conservative friends. With every election year that passes, it feels a little more uncomfortable to be in the presence of others. Personally, I believe there is such a thing as objective truth (abortion ends a life, for example). I also believe in the freedom to express free will as an agent of your own destiny. Based on those beliefs, I have no problem living in a society that allows a myriad of behaviors to take place. I do, however, object to the idea that schools, charities, and churches may find themselves forced to act against their own conscience based on new laws. I don’t want priests forced to allow gay marriages on church grounds, Catholic doctors to be forced to provide services they find morally objectionable, Catholic adoption agencies forced to adopt to couples they do not deem fit or face being shut down, etc. Catholics (and Orthodox Jews, Muslims, etc) have a right to disagree and operate their schools, churches, charities, and other institutions according to their religious beliefs. There is a legitimate concern that new laws coming into being threaten a Catholic’s ability to be fully Catholic. Secular institutions can do as they please. The religious freedom argument isn’t a silly or stupid consideration. Again, if there wasn’t such a divisive political climate, I think we could come to a solution that would be suitable for all involved.
2. I hadn’t a clue that really happened… I haven’t a clue if it actually works or something, but it is utterly insane sounding.
4. That is an interesting premise… but I don’t think it’s something you can guarantee. There have been time periods and countries that were looser in those regards, but still had various entertainments of sorts… so it might not make strip clubs disappear, but it might bring people out of the shadows and be more accepted.
5. Darn tootin’ I agree… we have freedom of religion in this country, you can worship God how you see fit, or can disbelieve in him how you see fit. Politicians and elected officials have that right too – they just do not have a right to try to convert the rest of us, and that is what sometimes it feels like; not that they are exercising their religious freedom, but trying to get the rest of us to follow what they see is the only way. And while the type of person he/she is is important in judging a candidate, of which religion can be a part of, it is not the whole and sum of the individual.
6. I don’t think most people are afraid of it, I think most people simply do not care to have that label. Most people do not fall perfectly in one of those categories. And if they were more honest about it – to us and themselves – , most of the fools in Congress probably do not fall all nice and neatly in that group that is always after their name, the D or the R… If they were more honest about it, they might find that we actually will respect them more. But everything is always for the good of the party.
Cousin John. Discuss.
8. I don’t remember the discussion well, but I do believe I agree with Michael – and whether or not this was his point, I know it is mine – at some point, we have to go to a Medicare for all system. It can be done, I think, but for it to work right, they won’t do what needs to be done. So we’re back to square one.
9/10. Well… no, I don’t think it should be. But I’m not really surprised that Meghan is for legalization, because I think her age has a lot to do with it – same is true with her views on gays and gay marriage; younger people see it differently from others. Not that I’m old, I’m 35, but when it comes to drugs, I don’t think it’s a good idea.
11. It just wasn’t a surprise that things are still the way they have been since Katrina… it should be, but yet, not a surprise. Seems to be the way the world works anymore. Well, in this country, anyway.
The Las Vegas chapter was my least favorite in the book. There was a lot of weirdness going on between the Meghan and Michael. I guess that comes from getting to know each other in person. At the strip club I felt that Meghan was trying too hard and Michael purposefully had a stick up his butt. That could also be me getting to know them, too. It just didn’t work for me very well.
Regarding Zappos, I would most definitely work there. I took a tour of their offices the last time I was in Vegas. I really think Michael and Meghan have no clue whatsoever what it’s like to work in an office. Unfortunately, I do. I’ve seen unhappy offices. I’ve worked in unhappy offices. I’ve also worked in okay offices. Zappos in no way gave off a forced happiness vibe. I honestly believe that those people love what they do. It shows in their customer service. The people at Zappos know how to do it right.
I agree that pot should be legalized and taxed like cigarettes. I’ve never understood what the point was in criminalizing it. I’ve also heard that it’s a gateway drug, but I wonder if it isn’t more because of the people you might have to interact with to get the pot that lead to other drugs. It could be a completely bogus concept altogether.
I would love to wake up one day to find that everyone is well covered and no one has to declare bankruptcy to cover catastrophic medical bills. Will the current medical establishment clean itself up? Probably not. Does something need to be done? Yes. I don’t have the answers and I don’t think our government does, either. In my experience it seems that government makes bigger messes than it has ever cleaned up. There has to be something between no regulation and legislating how I personally provide medical care for my family. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m not holding my breath. Neither of their arguments made me any less cynical.
I didn’t really click with this book until the Branson chapter. I’m not sure if Michael’s sense of humor didn’t come across the pages well for me or what, but I didn’t find much of anything to laugh about. I told my husband that I thought the “Bitch” in the title came from the two of them bitching at or about each other. Did anyone else have a similar experience? I’m open to that being just me. I’m wondering if I had listened to the audiobook and could hear their tone of voice if the first part of the book would have worked better for me.
The Vegas chapter: Yes. Meghan was trying too hard! The entire chapter felt like, “Look at me and how very not conservative-senator’s-daughter-ish I can be!”
Zappos reminded me of industrial psych class (and jobs I’ve worked). On the face of it, a lot of industrial psych seems silly, but it does offer some distraction from the fact one is in a cube farm. I definitely got the impression they didn’t know much about life in the regular world of everyday people.
I didn’t really click with the book overall. Although they did become slightly more bearable after New Orleans–even if the personal letter to Yakov was a little surreal.
Glad to hear I wasn’t the only one torturing an unsuspecting husband with this book. Every time I would show up with this book in hand saying, “Ugh. Listen to this, would you?” my husband had a look of panic.
I was slightly tongue-in-cheek with my review, but it really did feel like the lead-up to a funeral: unpleasant relatives making small-talk, discomfort, impromptu travel, a general feeling of unease, etc.
My thoughts on this week’s discussion questions: http://awornpath.blogspot.com/2012/08/mandys-book-blogger-club-discussion.html
I’m actually just reading along as Mandy posts the discussion questions and I haven’t found very much compelling me to read ahead yet. I liked Meghan before I started but I’ve begun marking things that she says that annoy me or make me roll my eyes and there are many. I’m hoping that she’ll come across a little more adult and less of a party girl as the book continues. Her whole badgering of Michael in Vegas was pretty immature.
I found their visit to Salt Lake City interesting. I’ve never been there but the observations fit right in with what I’ve thought about it. I had no idea that’s why the Mormons were so into genealogy and find it strange (I don’t say this with malice since there are plenty of weird things in all religions).
I’m finding their discussions a bit on the light-weight side. Health care is a complicated issue and the arguments on both sides could have been more nuanced (like much of the book).
I am responding to questions covering pages 32 – 134:
1.In the Las Vegas chapter Michael and Meghan tour the Zappos headquarters.Would you like to work there? Why? Why not?
Super irritated that I did not realize you could visit the Zappos headquarters especially given the fact I was in Vegas just a few months ago, oh the agony. Of course I would go, one has to be curious about an organization popping up as it did and taking its sector by storm with customer service above all and a sense of humor. Disney started with a mouse and Zappos with shoes.
2.While in Vegas Micheal, Meghan, and co. go on a strip club tour of Vegas. Michael points out that in Vegas exotic dancers actually pay a fee to the clubs where they work for the opportunity to dance at the clubs. What do you think of this system?
This was a shock to me, shock. Something is wrong with that picture although when you hear about some of the money these strippers pull down you could argue it makes sense but it made me feel sad.
7.Cousin John. Discuss.
Love that he took this job, probably better then some others. I do hope the dynamic politico duo rewarded him for his time, effort and good natured spirit on the road with more then a six pack.
9.Meghan and Michael smoke marijuana during one of their nights out in New Orleans. Meghan even writes that she believes marijuana should be legal. Do you agree? Disagree?
I think we can learn a lesson from some other parts of the world that have dealt with this issue in a way in which seems to work.
11.What are your thoughts concerning the section in the New Orleans chapter where Meghan writes about her tour of the Lower Ninth Ward?
My heart goes out to those folks and it is sad that it took Katrina to put them in our thoughts. I did not like the criticism of the group led by Brad Pitt unless Meghan was willing to offer something else the funds to execute it. Sadly it is easy to criticize but not always easy to organize and execute an alternate solution.
9. I have to agree with Lois that it is a generational issue. I have found that things like Marijuana and Gay Marriage are not partisan issues, but based on your personal experience. If you are more familiar with something or had a good experience with it, then you will be more likely to accept it. The older generation remembers the days of extreme liberalism and experimental drugs, so they are more prone to be against the legalization of marijuana. Young people have nothing but fond memories and know that it is milder than alcohol. Like most issues, it comes down to personal experience.
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