Looking for novels describing idealistic/naive Americans mucking things up abroad. [more inside]
posted by It ain't over yet on May 12, 2009 - 33 answers

My friend, who hasn't lived in Texas for decades, was dismayed to learn that there was a longstanding warrant for her arrest in Texas for a traffic violation she could not have committed. The warrant's for not paying a fine. (She thinks someone stole her driver's license and identity.) [more inside]
posted by johngoren on Sep 5, 2008 - 15 answers

If you believe that people are inherently good, and you approach the world with trust — if you might accurately be described as dewy-eyed and idealistic — if you believe that justice occurs and evil is punished — how do you preserve these elements of your personality (trust, innocence, belief in justice) in light of the urge to protect yourself from hurt and attack (emotional shielding)? [more inside]
posted by WCityMike on Dec 8, 2007 - 29 answers

[book/other media recommendations]: I'm researching the sexualization of children, found in abusive situations as well as in less obvious contexts like child beauty pageants. Has there been a particular book/movie/situation that most eloquently laid out this topic for you? [more inside]
posted by ibeji on Mar 14, 2006 - 17 answers