America (The Book): Teacher's Edition
by Jon Stewart and the writers of The Daily Show
Published by Warner Books
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Yuka Mizushima
Subtitled: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book) Teacher's Edition: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction
America (The Book) will never be mistaken for the dry textbooks many of us used in high school. The book focuses on "the past, present and future of American democracy." This concept is covered in nine chapters:
1: Democracy Before America
2: The Founding of America
3: The President: King of Democracy
4: Congress: Quagmire of Freedom
5: The Judicial Branch: It Rules
6: Campaigns and Elections: America Changes the Sheets
7: The Media: Democracy's Valiant Vulgarians
8: The Future of Democracy: Four Score and Seven Years from Now
9: The Rest of the World: International House of Horrors
All of The Daily Show correspondents make contributions, ranging from what it's like in Canada, to photo expressions of TV journalists. Each chapter ends with Discussion Questions ("Which would you rather see being made: sausages or laws?") and Classroom Activities ("Take construction paper, trace you hand, and make a Turkey of Congress").
America is also a visual treat because of all the colorful graphics. You can play the Game of the Presidency, which is similar to another well-known board game. You can also dress the Supreme Court Judges who are unfortunately anatomically correct and in living color. (There is nudity and it is not pretty).
In response to criticism that the previous edition was filled with misinformation, Professor Schultz has corrected this edition. In the beginning, I found the red ink distracting but eventually my eyes adjusted. I would definitely recommend reading the comments because they are written in the same spirit as the book.
Unlike The Daily Show where the swearing is bleeped out, here it is left in. It didn't bother me but it may offend other readers.
America is witty, intelligent and irreverent as it examines the highlights and failures of our political system. If you are a fan of The Daily Show, this is a must read. It will have you laughing out loud and more importantly, have you stop, question and think.
Armchair Interviews says: This is one textbook that will not cause drowsiness!