Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Nebraska teacher suspended for showing beheading video

twotimesadingo · 05-22-2004, 01:53 PM

I think the teacher was well within his limits to show the video. In fact, on some level, I believe that if he really valued his students he was obligated to screen the video.

Why?

What ART said, I tend to believe is at least half-way correct; I'm not so long out of high-school to not remember how arbitrary and unnecessary half the material taught was.
The video of Nick Berg's execution, however, has some real value, both in morality (which is the purview and responsibility of every teacher) and history/sociology. For example, if he was discussing the means to fight a guerilla war, this is certainly one of them. Guerilla war depends on instilling doubt and fear, and dissolving the opponents will to fight (morale), and the execution certainly does that. Moreover, if he was discussing with his class how propoganda doesn't match up with the reality of the situation, this would be a good way to show how the news reports we hear dehumanize the events and distance the audience; the execution tape certainly slams home the human emotions of pity, sympathy, and moral disgust.

Just some thoughts.

*EDIT*
neddy65, I couldn't disagree more. This event should be powerful. I don't think anything could be more affective in dispelling the illusions some segments of the general population have that perpetuate war-mongering. We need to know what happens over there, even the stuff that doesn't sit well with us. Information is always power; you just might disagree with the logical conclusions that having this information engenders...

05-22-2004, 01:53 PM	#23 (permalink)
twotimesadingo Psycho Location: that place with the thing	I think the teacher was well within his limits to show the video. In fact, on some level, I believe that if he really valued his students he was obligated to screen the video. Why? What ART said, I tend to believe is at least half-way correct; I'm not so long out of high-school to not remember how arbitrary and unnecessary half the material taught was. The video of Nick Berg's execution, however, has some real value, both in morality (which is the purview and responsibility of every teacher) and history/sociology. For example, if he was discussing the means to fight a guerilla war, this is certainly one of them. Guerilla war depends on instilling doubt and fear, and dissolving the opponents will to fight (morale), and the execution certainly does that. Moreover, if he was discussing with his class how propoganda doesn't match up with the reality of the situation, this would be a good way to show how the news reports we hear dehumanize the events and distance the audience; the execution tape certainly slams home the human emotions of pity, sympathy, and moral disgust. Just some thoughts. EDIT neddy65, I couldn't disagree more. This event should be powerful. I don't think anything could be more affective in dispelling the illusions some segments of the general population have that perpetuate war-mongering. We need to know what happens over there, even the stuff that doesn't sit well with us. Information is always power; you just might disagree with the logical conclusions that having this information engenders... __________________ I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and all your demons. I'll be the one to protect you from a will to survive and voice of reason. I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and your choices, son. They're one and the same I must isolate you, isolate and save you from yourself." - A Perfect Circle Last edited by twotimesadingo; 05-22-2004 at 01:57 PM..