Literature used for modern social commentary

In this blog, I want you to find your own version of some sort of modern social commentary that is set to a literary motif. I have used a short clip from South Park which mirrors The Grapes of Wrath. The example does not need to be an entire episode. Photos will work also. Once you have posted the video or link, talk about the connections between the clip and the piece of literature. Then talk about the differences seen and how the piece may or may not better apply to modern day problems than the original text. Below is a short example.

http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/166180
In this clip, the family is seen packing up their car in much the same fashion as the Jodes. However, instead of searching for the American dream, this family is searching for the Internet. I think that this clip does a wonderful job of showing America's dependency on technology while also hinting to the loss of the American dream also found in the Jodes' journey.

What is the American Novel?

There have been many exemplary novels dubbed the Great American Novel. But what is the American novel? And what makes an American novel great? In this blog, give examples of your favorite books by American authors that you believe should be considered part of the greats. Give textual examples and explain what you think the American novel contains. Below is a brief example.

The novel On the Road by Jack Kerouac is a true great American novel. The constant traveling of the main characters speaks to the American novel trend of road novels. Through this journey the main character finds not only the true America but also himself.

Movies as literature in the 21st century

In today's technology-laden world, more and more books are being transformed into film. How do you think this impacts the literary world? Do you believe that film should be used more in the classroom? And finally, do you think that movies do a better job of connecting to students than literature? Use examples in your answers!