1. Chapman describes people in Islamic cultures who flock to gawk at the misfortunes of others. Americans are also fascinated, even entertained, by others’ problems and misfortunes. How do you account for the causes of our fascination with others’ misfortunes. Give one example of this phenomenon as it relates to the Chapman essay, and then explain why you think people are so attracted to the troubles of others’ misfortunes. Consider linking Stephen King’s Why We Crave Horror Movies (p. 397) for some insights into this morbid human tendency.

As soon as I read the first sentence, I thought of Stephen King's Why We Crave Horror Movies. Personally I have no taste for seeing another being suffering in a way like that. It goes against all of my morals, but everyone's morals are different. I'm not saying that people who like horror movies don't have morals, but I think that people who watch physical torture or executions have morals slightly awry. Then again, the people in Islamic Cultures are raised in that culture. It's normal for them to be around things people from other cultures are not.

cul-ture (according to www.dictionary.com)

a. The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.
b. These patterns, traits, and products considered as the expression of a particular period, class, community, or population: Edwardian culture; Japanese culture; the culture of poverty.

We are all raised differently, and I think that is the true key to why people of Islamic Culture gawk at such "events", that's what they know and what they were taught to do. As it applys to Americans, I think for those who hear about, watch those movies, and read about it, it becomes their reality so they want more of it. We have all heard the term, "You are a product of your environment."