Something To Talk About

Who right now is the hottest young actress in Hollywood? What professional athlete is the most promising young talent now? Who was just nominated to take control of the World Bank? If my assumption is correct, many people immediately had a name in mind for questions one and two, but question three found no answer, just silence. Why is this?
As a Sociology major at Sonoma State University, my primary educational goal is gaining the ability to analyze and understand why groups and societies of people do what they do. And right now, I am very curious as to why people from the dorm room to the office are open to and eager for gossip about the hottest new movie star and the most talented new basketball player, but are hesitant and to engage in political debate.
Gossip may be fun, but it does not matter. At least, I do not think so. Knowing that John Bolton, nominated to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations, thinks of the institution as useless, is important.
Turn off CNN. Two hours of programming has 35 minutes of commercials. Pick up an independent newspaper, and you just might learn something.