Articles written by Ted Sherman in Society & Lifestyle

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About me - Ted Sherman

After Navy service in World War II, I earned a BFA from the Phila. College of Art (now the Univ. of the Arts). I was then recalled to active duty in the Korean War. Following was a 40-year career in public relations, advertising, sales promotion, graphic

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Society & Lifestyle > African-American Issues Culture of racial tensions in the American South: The Jena 6: 1 of 55
Once more, we have a racial problem where both sides are totally wrong. And, as usual, the same cast of disruptive characters comes out of the woodwork to make the already bad situation infinitely worse, and, of course, get their faces and voices on national TV. After a couple of days of posturing and 1960s speechmaking, all... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Lifestyles Transforming tedium to creative growth while commuting to work: 1 of 29
I retired just as the laptop was invading the business world. One of my last tasks in my final years was introducing our insurance agents around the world to the little magic box. I'm sure the ever-improving laptop has done much more for them since, but at that early time in laptop history I realized and appreciated the ways... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Feminism & Women's Rights Should US companies be required to provide equal pay to women and men?: 2 of 55
No private companies should be compelled by law to provide blanket, no-exceptions equal pay for women and men. Organizations that do business with the government may have to conform to controls that mandate specific equality practices, but even they should have considerable discretion in pay scales. Pay for any employee anyw... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Feminism & Women's Rights Types of sexual harassment: 1 of 18
To misquote Elizabeth Barrett Browning: How do I describe sexual harassment? Let me count the ways. I was the manager of a large-company division for 25 years during the volatile times of the 60s and 70s, when the sexual revolution was still storming the gates of corporate America. At first in our company, there were no guid... More..
Society & Lifestyle > African-American Issues Why black athletes dominate sports: 2 of 31
The question answers itself. And wrong. Most people have no problem talking about it. When Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color line in 1947, everyone talked about it. Some of the talk was shameful by today's standards, but there was no lack of talk then about blacks in sports than is today's situation. The ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Racism Is racism taught or learned?: 4 of 56
You've got to be taught to be afraid Of people whose eyes are oddly made, And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade, You've got to be carefully taught. Lyrics of the song, "Carefully Taught" from the Broadway musical about World War II, "South Pacific" seem to answer the question. It is sung with biting sarcasm in the play,... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Political Values Art that mocks faith: Freedom of speech or slander?: 5 of 61
In America, virtually all forms of speech, except that which urges violence or damaging slander on an individual, is permitted. There have been shockingly insulting paintings, sculptures and films that are protected under that protective umbrella of freedom of speech and expression. They're usually done to emphasize the arti... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Family Values Family values: Should older children earn their pocket money?: 3 of 32
We firmly believe older children should earn their pocket money. With our own kids, we started them much earlier to learn the concept of earning money. It's a cold, cruel world out there beyond the home, and the sooner kids are exposed to it, the better prepared they will be to cope when they're adults. We applied a gentle, ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Political Values America is in a privacy crisis: 4 of 42
I'm not totally sure what the title implies, but it is certain we are losing more of our privacy daily. New advances in photography, audio and other spy sciences are making just about every aspect of our lives similar to being trapped inside a a multi-camera-filled Las Vegas casino. No matter what we do or where we go, there... More..
Society & Lifestyle > African-American Issues Hip-hop's negative effect on racial stereotypes: 3 of 29
Of course, hip hop only serves to emphasize the very worst in racial images. Loud, discordant, barking sounds and beats. Gutter grammar. Unchecked cursing. Glorifying the "gangsta". Squawks to defy police and all other authority. And, probably worst of the worst, advocating violence and against women. Wrapped in all of it, o... More..