Allegory of the Cave Plato And now, I said, let me show in a figure how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened:Behold! human beings living in...

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles fooled the American public with his legendary radio performance of The War of the Worlds. The fictional account of an alien invasion caused real panic among many listeners. Although this performance was intended to be purely entertainment, it convinced many in the audience that it was genuine.

Click here to read Ken Sanes' essay about The War of the Worlds and other media deceptions.

How much do movies influence us? Do they have the power to alter our perception of reality as Plato suggested? Do movies and television provide us with truth or illusion? Select a movie or television show that you think has changed people's opinions or behavior. In a minimum one-page essay, describe how the movie Inception changed the way people think or behave. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Jaws—did this movie reduce beach vacations?Fatal Attraction—did this movie change the way men thought about one-night stands?Bambi—did this movie spark an animal rights movement?

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