Movies in the classroom Options

[impala454]

A couple of recent happenings spurred this topic. Curious what you guys think.

#1- http://www.khou.com/news/local/galveston/s...y.6f97d768.html
A teacher in a Clear Creek ISD high school showed Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" to her class. I heard this on the radio and one of the parents had called in, she said it was explained to her that the relevance of the movie to the ALGEBRA class it was shown in was the "charts & graphs" depicted in the movie. Pretty friggin pathetic if you ask me. There's no excuse for this kind of crap, and nothing to gain by it.

#2- http://www.kentucky.com/476/story/68870.html
A substitute teacher showed Brokeback Mountain to an 8th grade class.

The substitute asked a student to shut the classroom door at the West Side school, saying: "What happens in Ms. Buford's class stays in Ms. Buford's class," according to the lawsuit.

All I got to say is.. WTF

[Mommy]

Reason number 5 million why I would never send my child to a public school

[THECHICKEN]

Reason number 5 million why I would never send my child to a public school

So they won't learn social skills and will effectively be socially retarded?

[Mommy]

So they won't learn social skills and will effectively be socially retarded?

I dont know if you are aware of this, but there are private schools out there too. I went to one my whole life until Tech and Im not socially retarded.

[THECHICKEN]

I dont know if you are aware of this, but there are private schools out there too. I went to one my whole life until Tech and Im not socially retarded.

debateable.....

[James]

#1 - IF only clips of the video were shown and not the entire video, then yes, there is something to gain from it in a mathematical sense. Bravo to the teacher for trying to come up with something different to teach what is frequently considered the most difficult subject in high school. I realize it's been a while since you've been in a high school environment, but try and think back to how excessively boring it was.

#2 - Never seen the movie myself, so I can't comment. What kind of class was it in? When I was in 8th grade, my history teacher showed us Dances with Wolves when we got to the American Indian unit. I ended up having him as a history teacher again in the 11th grade and he showed us some other movie about man-eating lions in Africa with, I think, Val Kilmer.

[Mommy]

#1 - IF only clips of the video were shown and not the entire video, then yes, there is something to gain from it in a mathematical sense. Bravo to the teacher for trying to come up with something different to teach what is frequently considered the most difficult subject in high school. I realize it's been a while since you've been in a high school environment, but try and think back to how excessively boring it was.

#2 - Never seen the movie myself, so I can't comment. What kind of class was it in? When I was in 8th grade, my history teacher showed us Dances with Wolves when we got to the American Indian unit. I ended up having him as a history teacher again in the 11th grade and he showed us some other movie about man-eating lions in Africa with, I think, Val Kilmer.

Brokeback Mountain has a homosexual love scene...or so im told. I want to see it, but havent gotten around to it.

*edit* "it" being the movie...not homosexuals bumping uglies

debateable.....

my social skills would kick your social skill's ass any day

[impala454]

James (jessica stuck a damn post in between)
So you really believe that showing Al Gore's politically controversial movie with graphs was the teacher wanting to teach Algebra and not sway the kids views in that way? The article shows the district's policies the teacher violated:

Teachers are not supposed to use the classroom to transmit personal or political beliefs, both sides of controversial subjects are supposed to be discussed, movies should have educational purposes only, as approved by the school’s principal, and parents must give consent for any movie rated PG, PG-13 or R.

And as far as brokeback mountain, never seen it myself either, but it is a rated R movie centered around homosexuals. I would be pretty outraged if this was shown to my kid in 8th grade with no consent, by a substitute teacher no less.

[Mommy]

James (jessica stuck a damn post in between)

quit your bitchin, boy

[impala454]

quit your bitchin, boy

who you callin "boy"

i was playin super mario before you were born lil girl

[Billy]

Brokeback mountain doesn't have too much guy on guy action (a tent scene which was a 'use your imagination about what happened' and a scene where the two made out for a little while so the wife of one of them could catch their homoness). And I don't remember any male nudity, though I do remember some female nudity. It is a rated R movie for good reason and should not have been shown in school. Though there are worse crimes and I really don't think the sub should lose her subbing priviledges.

You're mad, Impala, about Gore's movie because it shows a view you don't agree with. Well, now you know how Athiests and other Non-Christians feel when church organizations invade our schools to try to persuade them to follow their silly and most definitely incorrect beliefs. I agree, however, school is no place for politics nor religion (politics part 2). But since these rules are not clearly defined about what can and cannot be shown in schools, I do not think the teacher should lose his job. He should just get a warning (slap on the wrist). We're already having a problem keeping math teachers.

[Billy]

I would be pretty outraged if this was shown to my kid in 8th grade with no consent, by a substitute teacher no less.

I think you need to worry about getting a girlfriend first before you throw in these hypothetical situations where you have a kid.

[James]

Do you really believe that a teacher can go a career without expressing their political beliefs in class? Whether it be on purpose or by mistake, it will happen. That district policy is a little confusing. Seems like it is written as someone's interpretation because it covers a wide range of topics, but I will address each one:

Teachers are not supposed to use the classroom to transmit personal or political beliefs: impossible. Teachers have to transmit personal beliefs at some point or they will be nothing more than mindless drones to their students.

Both sides of controversial subjects are supposed to be discussed: Prove that the teacher discussed the content of the video from a perspective other than mathematically. Then prove that the teacher didn't follow up with a video from the other side. Good luck with that one. Keep in mind that the only witnesses to the incident are the teacher and the students. Everything else is second-hand knowledge. Given a child's penchant for exaggeration, I don't see how you can rely on their statements as being completely factual.

Movies should have educational purposes only: I addressed this in my initial post. Furthermore, defining "educational purposes" is no easy task as there are many different teaching philosophies. None of the philosophies are wrong if they get results.

Parents must give consent for any movie rated PG, PG-13, or R: Wow, this rule bothers me as a potential future teacher. Obviously, I would never show an R-rated movie to my students, but there are PG movies that I was shown, Stand and Deliver for instance, that I don't feel should warrant permission slips from the parents. I suppose it is always a possibility that the teacher acquired a general permission statement from the parents at the beginning of the year. I would certainly do so to waive the PG and PG-13 requirement. Also, in almost every other country, that movie was rated G.

Given that information on Brokeback Mountain, it probably shouldn't have been shown unless it is considered to be historically accurate and then it should be properly censored to exclude any sex scenes.

[impala454]

Brokeback mountain doesn't have too much guy on guy action (a tent scene which was a 'use your imagination about what happened' and a scene where the two made out for a little while so the wife of one of them could catch their homoness). And I don't remember any male nudity, though I do remember some female nudity. It is a rated R movie for good reason and should not have been shown in school. Though there are worse crimes and I really don't think the sub should lose her subbing priviledges.

even after saying "what happens in this class stays in this class" before showing the movie?

You're mad, Impala, about Gore's movie because it shows a view you don't agree with.

I knew one of you losers would say this. It has nothing to do with which movie it was. Nobody here can honestly say that that movie comes to mind when teaching algebra to high school freshmen. No more than having the kids listen to Rush Limbaugh would help teach geometry.

Well, now you know how Athiests and other Non-Christians feel when church organizations invade our schools to try to persuade them to follow their silly and most definitely incorrect beliefs.

hmm... which "church organizations" have invaded our schools?

I agree, however, school is no place for politics nor religion (politics part 2). But since these rules are not clearly defined about what can and cannot be shown in schools, I do not think the teacher should lose his job. He should just get a warning (slap on the wrist). We're already having a problem keeping math teachers.

There most definitely were clearly defined rules from this teacher's district, I posted them and you obviously didn't read them. I never said the teacher should lose their job, but disciplined for sure.

[impala454]

I think you need to worry about getting a girlfriend first before you throw in these hypothetical situations where you have a kid.

I pay taxes too, I have every right to voice my opinions on how schools are run.

[James]

I knew one of you losers would say this. It has nothing to do with which movie it was. Nobody here can honestly say that that movie comes to mind when teaching algebra to high school freshmen. No more than having the kids listen to Rush Limbaugh would help teach geometry.

What the hell have I been saying then? Assuming that video has numerous charts and graphs, then yes, it has a place in a high school mathematics classroom. I'm sure we could find a way to fit Rush into a high school geometry class. It would just take quite a bit more work. It would be considerably easier to discuss him in a health class though.

[Spectatrix]

You're mad, Impala, about Gore's movie because it shows a view you don't agree with.

Well how about me? I'm pretty liberal, yet I don't think it should've been shown either. As James said, if only portions of the movie with graphs/statistics were shown, then it might have been appropriate for a math class, but showing the whole film certainly wasn't. I do think it would've been appropriate in a political science class, however, if accompanied by another film showing the opposing viewpoint. Doing a point-by-point discussion of the issues discussed therein could have been very educational.

I disagree with Brokeback Mountain being shown at all. It doesn't have a place in any classroom setting that I can think of.

[impala454]

Do you really believe that a teacher can go a career without expressing their political beliefs in class? Whether it be on purpose or by mistake, it will happen. That district policy is a little confusing. Seems like it is written as someone's interpretation because it covers a wide range of topics, but I will address each one:

Teachers are not supposed to use the classroom to transmit personal or political beliefs: impossible. Teachers have to transmit personal beliefs at some point or they will be nothing more than mindless drones to their students.

So you can go back and tell me the political affiliation, religion, and stance on public issues of every teacher you've ever had? BS

Both sides of controversial subjects are supposed to be discussed: Prove that the teacher discussed the content of the video from a perspective other than mathematically. Then prove that the teacher didn't follow up with a video from the other side. Good luck with that one. Keep in mind that the only witnesses to the incident are the teacher and the students. Everything else is second-hand knowledge. Given a child's penchant for exaggeration, I don't see how you can rely on their statements as being completely factual.

The teacher didn't follow up with a video from the other side... how is that difficult to prove? The teacher didn't even make that claim... she made the (absolutely BS) claim that it was for teaching algebra.

Movies should have educational purposes only: I addressed this in my initial post. Furthermore, defining "educational purposes" is no easy task as there are many different teaching philosophies. None of the philosophies are wrong if they get results.

So again, you honestly believe that a high school freshman will have some educational benefit to an algebra class by watching this movie? This is highly disturbing to me if our future teachers are going into the workplace with this notion.

Parents must give consent for any movie rated PG, PG-13, or R: Wow, this rule bothers me as a potential future teacher. Obviously, I would never show an R-rated movie to my students, but there are PG movies that I was shown, Stand and Deliver for instance, that I don't feel should warrant permission slips from the parents. I suppose it is always a possibility that the teacher acquired a general permission statement from the parents at the beginning of the year. I would certainly do so to waive the PG and PG-13 requirement. Also, in almost every other country, that movie was rated G.

This had no impact on this case either imo. I agree that there should be a blanket kind of movie rating system, but the situation does fall under the first item of "teachers not to transmit political beliefs".

Given that information on Brokeback Mountain, it probably shouldn't have been shown unless it is considered to be historically accurate and then it should be properly censored to exclude any sex scenes.

I'd be interested to hear what all you Christian haters (not sayin you are James, just a blanket question) would say if they'd shown Passion of the Christ instead of brokeback mountain. I don't agree with either movie being shown, as rated R movies which aren't related to classroom material should never be shown.

[GOB]

I'm sure we could find a way to fit Rush into a high school geometry class. It would just take quite a bit more work. It would be considerably easier to discuss him in a health class though.

hiyo!



---
has anyone here actually seen gore's movie? if so, would you be willing to confirm/deny whether there are enough charts and graphs to be shown in school?

[impala454]

the sad part is... this actually makes me want to watch his dumbass movie, just to laugh at.

[impala454]

a co-worker's opinion on the brokeback mountain thing:

hell, if my 12 year old can get me $500k, bring it on

[James]

So you can go back and tell me the political affiliation, religion, and stance on public issues of every teacher you've ever had? BS

I can't, but only because I can't remember all my teachers, but those that I do remember from high school and college, I'd say around 75% of them stated a political belief, religious belief, or public issue stance at some point during their teachings. I have revealed political beliefs and public issues stances in class before.

The teacher didn't follow up with a video from the other side... how is that difficult to prove? The teacher didn't even make that claim... she made the (absolutely BS) claim that it was for teaching algebra.
So again, you honestly believe that a high school freshman will have some educational benefit to an algebra class by watching this movie? This is highly disturbing to me if our future teachers are going into the workplace with this notion.

It's difficult for you to prove. You don't have all the facts, just what was written in the article. You don't know what this teacher does in his/her daily routine. No one, other than the students and the teacher, knows what happens in the classroom on a daily basis. Whether that's a good thing or not is not for this thread. Tell me, why are you disturbed by a teacher that is willing to try innovative ideas? Isn't that the American way? If anything, you should be concerned by the huge deficit in available teachers, the inability of older teachers to learn new and improved methodoligies, and the consequences on our children as they are taught the same material in nearly the same manner their great grandparents were taught when they were children. Progress only happens through change.

This had no impact on this case either imo. I agree that there should be a blanket kind of movie rating system, but the situation does fall under the first item of "teachers not to transmit political beliefs".

Yeah, an item which is flawed. Show your students that you're human, too, and a bond will be developed sooner. This is not something I learned from a book or from a classroom. This is something I have experienced.

I'd be interested to hear what all you Christian haters (not sayin you are James, just a blanket question) would say if they'd shown Passion of the Christ instead of brokeback mountain. I don't agree with either movie being shown, as rated R movies which aren't related to classroom material should never be shown.

LOL. Yeah. Definitely not a Christian hater, I have seen Passion of the Christ, and I don't have a problem with showing it in a classroom as long as it is done so in an educational manner. Maybe in conjunction with a unit over religious persecution in a history class. Just as I would consider showing Saving Private Ryan during a WWII unit.

[Billy]

Well how about me? I'm pretty liberal, yet I don't think it should've been shown either. As James said, if only portions of the movie with graphs/statistics were shown, then it might have been appropriate for a math class, but showing the whole film certainly wasn't. I do think it would've been appropriate in a political science class, however, if accompanied by another film showing the opposing viewpoint. Doing a point-by-point discussion of the issues discussed therein could have been very educational.

I disagree with Brokeback Mountain being shown at all. It doesn't have a place in any classroom setting that I can think of.

I only address impala on that issue because he I really doubt he would have posted this topic had it been a movie over 'dispelling the myths of global warming'. I later agreed that politics has no place in the classroom assuming showing the file was politically motivated.

[impala454]

I only address impala on that issue because he I really doubt he would have posted this topic had it been a movie over 'dispelling the myths of global warming'. I later agreed that politics has no place in the classroom assuming showing the file was politically motivated.

I guess there isn't any movie "dispelling the myths of global warming" to show, or if there is, no teacher has felt compelled to show it, or no one was upset about it being shown. /shrug. not sure what else I can do. I posted the topic because I thought it was interesting. seeing as it's had 22 replies in the past hour and a half, I'd say that was a pretty safe guess.

and James, on proving that they didn't do anything else, the al gore movie issue is local down here to houston, and I've been hearing about it on the radio and local news as well so I've probably had the luxury of more information than the article I posted shows. as far as I've seen, the movie was shown simply as a filler while they were waiting for others to finish the TAAKS (sp?) test.

[super_stefani86]

I think if a teacher showed a movie like that, they should be fired.
I'm not against gays or anything, but kids (under 18) should not be allowed to watch things like this in the classroom. It will only distract from the class, because we all know how high school boys will make fun of the movie the whole way and make jokes all day long. It was a very stupid idea to show that movie.

[Billy]

I'd be interested to hear what all you Christian haters (not sayin you are James, just a blanket question) would say if they'd shown Passion of the Christ instead of brokeback mountain. I don't agree with either movie being shown, as rated R movies which aren't related to classroom material should never be shown.

I wouldn't care if they showed Passion of the Christ any more than if they had a lesson over Astrology as long as the lesson was over fiction.

[impala454]

so, you're fine with rated R movies being shown to 8th graders at school

[jonathan83]

As far as Al Gore's movie... umm, even if there WERE bars and graphs, wtf does that have to do with algebra? i doubt the movie used any algebraic graphs.

[Billy]

so, you're fine with rated R movies being shown to 8th graders at school

I think it isn't the end of the world if it happened. I wouldn't want the teacher fired over it. However, I think these things should be uncommon (as they currently are).

[jonathan83]

rated R movie, no matter the subject shouldnt be shown unless they're 17/18 and older, whatever the law is.

[impala454]

I think it isn't the end of the world if it happened. I wouldn't want the teacher fired over it. However, I think these things should be uncommon (as they currently are).

I didn't ask you if it was the end of the world, or if a teacher should be fired over it, I asked if you were fine with showing rated R movies to 8th graders. It's a pretty simple question.

[James]

The obvious solution is to get rid of the fucking TAKS test. Biggest waste of time ever designed. Replace it with End-of-Unit exams for each subject to be taken in place of semester exams. Kind of like how the departmental finals are done here at Tech. Allow teachers to make copies of the student's answers for personal grading, then after they have mailed off the answer sheets and provide proof of shipping, send answer keys electronically so they can grade for their final exam grades.

Yeah, if this movie was shown in those circumstances, then it obviously wasn't for educational purposes, but now I blame the state education system instead of the teacher for requiring that free time to even exist.

[James]

As far as Al Gore's movie... umm, even if there WERE bars and graphs, wtf does that have to do with algebra? i doubt the movie used any algebraic graphs.

It satisfies the Algebra 1 TEKS 111.32.b.A.1 Foundations for functions. The student understands that a function represents a dependence of one quantity on another and can be described in a variety of ways.

[impala454]

so could I show a graph with a huge cock as the bar and it be ok?

[THECHICKEN]

I watched BASEketball in a history class before... so what?

Not every single class day is educational ... i know in every class we at least took ONE day off during the year. Should they be fired?... only if there was a stated policy against rated R and .... "political" movies.

Everyone bitches now a days about everything, calm down, the children won't have different lives because of a single movie shown in a class. Maybe Gore's movie intrests them into looking into the health of our earth ... OMG WHATS SHOULD WE DOO THE KID IS DAMAGED FOR LIFE!

[jonathan83]

It satisfies the Algebra 1 TEKS 111.32.b.A.1 Foundations for functions. The student understands that a function represents a dependence of one quantity on another and can be described in a variety of ways.

yeah but dont we learn about that in like, elementary or middle school?

[James]

so could I show a graph with a huge cock as the bar and it be ok?

The TEKS are not restrictions, they are requirements. That quote was in answer to Jonathan. Obviously, comparing a giant cock (porn) to Al Gore's movie (politics) is just ignorant. That being said, I'm sure you could find a way to do it indirectly. We got to see the cock and balls of Joe Camel's face when I was in high school *shrug*

[James]

yeah but dont we learn about that in like, elementary or middle school?

Don't you learn about grammar in like the 6th grade? I mean the 7th grade? I mean the 8th grade? No, I mean your senior year! Yeah...

[impala454]

Everyone bitches now a days about everything, calm down,

it's just a recent topic for discussion on this.... discussion... board... if you don't care about the topic nobody's making you read it.

[impala454]

Obviously, comparing a giant cock (porn) to Al Gore's movie (politics) is just ignorant.

and obviously, I was exaggerating and trying to demonstrate a point. that you can't take anything and excuse it as a teaching tool when it obviously was meant for some other purpose.

[THECHICKEN]

it's just a recent topic for discussion on this.... discussion... board... if you don't care about the topic nobody's making you read it.

and what do you think im discussing smart guy? Everyone in the country BITCHING about everything...

if you don't like it don't read my posts

cock

[Billy]

I didn't ask you if it was the end of the world, or if a teacher should be fired over it, I asked if you were fine with showing rated R movies to 8th graders. It's a pretty simple question.

Hey, it's not a 'yes' or 'no' answer. That's like asking "hey if someone bumped into you at the subway, would you be fine with it?" No, I'm not fine with it. But I really don't care if it happens. Is that simple enough for you?

English is somewhat limited at times. Because you can ask two questions: Are you fine with random murder? Are you fine with strangers accidentally touching you?

To both of those I answer 'no'. But obviously the 'no' to the first question has a much sharper degree then the 'no' the second. And that is why I explain my answer.

So no, I am not fine with them showing R rated movies in an 8th grade class. However, if it happens, that's ok, as long as it happens rarely.

[jonathan83]

Don't you learn about grammar in like the 6th grade? I mean the 7th grade? I mean the 8th grade? No, I mean your senior year! Yeah...

umm nothing was wrong with my grammar as far as i'm aware of.

[GOB]

umm nothing was wrong with my grammar as far as i'm aware of.

you ended this sentence with a preposition.

[James]

umm nothing was wrong with my grammar as far as i'm aware of.

That wasn't the point. The point was that there is a LOT of redudancy in the education system. Why should Algebra be any different?

[Mommy]

1) God, Billy is being an arrogant asshole in this thread.

2) I dont care if the teacher was full time or a substitute. If they showed my 8th grader that movie, I would want them fired. If they cant make rational decisions AND follow the conduct rules then there is absolutely no place for them in the public school system

[Divergent Realit...]

2) I dont care if the teacher was full time or a substitute. If they showed my 8th grader that movie, I would want them fired. If they cant make rational decisions AND follow the conduct rules then there is absolutely no place for them in the public school system

jessica has never been part of the substitute teacher hiring process.

any

port

in

a

storm

[Mommy]

im guessing you are being sarcastic because I subbed 35 hours a week in Lubbock for 4 months

[jonathan83]

you ended this sentence with a preposition.

i know. i actually wondered if someone would post something about that.
but that doesnt matter. ending sentences with prepositions is just fine if i'm not writing an essay. perfectly acceptable in conversational english.

[Mommy]

Charlie gets his jollies from pointing out the grammar and spelling errors of others. I think it makes him feel smart or something.

[GOB]

Charlie gets his jollies from pointing out the grammar and spelling errors of others. I think it makes him feel smart or something.

and, as always, you get your "jollies" from being a cunt.

[Mommy]

and, as always, you get your "jollies" from being a cunt.

Im not really that big of a cunt. I just state the obvious.

[impala454]

Hey, it's not a 'yes' or 'no' answer. That's like asking "hey if someone bumped into you at the subway, would you be fine with it?" No, I'm not fine with it. But I really don't care if it happens. Is that simple enough for you?

so... it's not a yes or no answer, but you said "no"....

and what do you think im discussing smart guy? Everyone in the country BITCHING about everything...

if you don't like it don't read my posts

cock

funny, I didn't see "everyone bitching about everything" in the topic's subject line. coming into a topic and going blah blah who cares is pointless.

[GOB]

Im really that big of a cunt. I just state the obvious.

as do i, and when someone asks how their grammar is incorrect, i tell them.

[Billy]

so... it's not a yes or no answer, but you said "no"....

I have decided you must be completely stupid to purposely ignore the rest of the post which explained the first sentence...

[jonathan83]

and, as always, you get your "jollies" from being a cunt.

omg you began your sentence with "and"

[Billy]

1) God, Billy is being an arrogant asshole in this thread.

Like your opinion matters.

[Mommy]

Like your opinion matters.

Does anyone's opinion in this thread really matter?

[GOB]

omg you began your sentence with "and"

i appreciate your input and will take that into consideration next time i type a message.

[Seeker]

Everyone in this thread likes Brokeback Mountain, except me.

[The Grim Reaper]

Everyone in this thread likes Brokeback Mountain, except me.

Didn't like it either. Boring as all hell.

[THECHICKEN]

so... it's not a yes or no answer, but you said "no"....
funny, I didn't see "everyone bitching about everything" in the topic's subject line. coming into a topic and going blah blah who cares is pointless.

Oh im sorry, i COMPLETELY missed how the subject of this discussion was "ONLY IF YOU DON'T LIKE MOVIES IN SCHOOL CAN YOU COMMENT"

I was giving the opposite view point idiot. I explained why and stated that this country is just full of bitching and complaining over nothing (to get people 'fired" none the less).

So... i really can't explain it any better, hope the brain muscle works for you this time.


OH, and when ISN'T billy being an arrogant ass?

[Billy]

OH, and when ISN'T billy being an arrogant ass?

I can't help it if I'm better than you.

[Mommy]

Id jokingly say "I cant help that Im prettier than you" but Jenna thinks that's a written invitation to make snide comments about how I think Im better than everyone.

[James]

Does anyone's opinion in this thread really matter?

Only if someone around here has a child, then I think their opinion would matter on this subject, but since no one does, it doesn't matter

I suppose a teacher's opinion might matter, too, but I don't think we have any of those around here either. Seven more months until my opinion matters!

[pysex]

Id jokingly say "I cant help that Im prettier than you" but Jenna thinks that's a written invitation to make snide comments about how I think Im better than everyone.

Do you?

[Mommy]

Only if someone around here has a child, then I think their opinion would matter on this subject, but since no one does, it doesn't matter

I suppose a teacher's opinion might matter, too, but I don't think we have any of those around here either. Seven more months until my opinion matters!

My brother's in the 8th grade. Im super protective of him. I would go to el paso and beat his teacher to a pulp if she showed him that movie....mostly cuz im on the edge with her as it is. That would just push me over the edge

[Divergent Realit...]

I can't help it if I'm better than you.

you need to learn how to work with it.

its easy to be an arrogant ass.

but it is much more difficult to not display your superiority.

[impala454]

I have decided you must be completely stupid to purposely ignore the rest of the post which explained the first sentence...

I didn't ignore it. When I asked you if you thought it was ok to show rated R films to 8th graders, you never said yes or no, and gave a beat around the bush answer. In your analogy of someone hitting you on the subway, you did say a definitive "no". The fact that it was a no with reservations is irrelevant.

[impala454]

I was giving the opposite view point idiot.

so in your opinion, it's ok for teachers to show rated R films to 8th graders? and it's also ok to show extremely politically controversial movies for no educational purpose but to fill free time?

I explained why and stated that this country is just full of bitching and complaining over nothing (to get people 'fired" none the less).

nobody in either article said anything about parents attempting to get people fired.

[FORSAKENR320]

any

port

in

a

storm

the resemblance of this phrase to jessica's sex life is astounding

[THECHICKEN]

so in your opinion, it's ok for teachers to show rated R films to 8th graders? and it's also ok to show extremely politically controversial movies for no educational purpose but to fill free time?
nobody in either article said anything about parents attempting to get people fired.

Yes im ok with political films... ITS A MOVIE. I'll care when its strict political teachings every day.

R rated movies were shown in my classes (i think the romeo and juliet modern day movie was R) and it was shown in english class. Should they just any movie be thrown around and completely uncensored... of course not, but its not something thats really that horrible either.

And if its in NPR that means people cared enough to make news out of it. I think its not news worthy because its not that big of a deal...


Did i just start typing in russian or something?

[impala454]

Did i just start typing in russian or something?

no but at least you finally gave an intelligent opinion on the topic, rather than "we watched basketball once who gives a shit omg everyone always bitches about everything blah blah blah"

[griseyeux]

I actually had a class where it was a movie we were assigned to watch, but I didn't watch it. I told my professor I was morally opposed to it. I have never seen brokeback mountain and I hope I never will.

[Junsui]

R rated movies were shown in my classes (i think the romeo and juliet modern day movie was R) and it was shown in english class.

Are you talking about the one with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio? If so, it was rated PG-13.

[JRockTTU]

We had to watch Titanic in my Aquatic Science class and I always hated the hype built up around that movie so I refused to watch it. I finally watched it for the first time a few months ago. It was about what I expected.

Back on topic.

First, there is no mainstream (read: high production value) "documentary" of the opposing view to global warming because there isn't a whole bunch of rich people that want to make a movie about it. I think we can agree that the people saying global warming, if it exists, is caused by humans are "Global Warming Experts," which means that if there is no global warming they are out of a job. I have not seen the Al Gore movie, so I can't make any judgments other than him being an arrogant, hypocritical sack of shit that made this movie just so that he would be relevant again, and like all politicians he needs fame and a job (bling bling on the liberal speech circuit!). That being said, if the movie is heavy on political agenda, I don't think it should be shown. If it states the opinions of the scientists and labels the information they present as "probable" or "likely" then I'm all for it. If the movie presents the information as FACT then I don't think it should be shown. I don't mind a bunch of kids seeing a movie that will get them thinking about their impact on the environment and interest them in doing more research, but I don't want agenda driven hollywood productions shown to them in an environment where they are forced to watch.

(Cliff's Notes: If the movie is anything like a Michael Moore film where it twists the truth and spins everything, it should not be shown.)

On a side note, I know that the company that helped Al Gore make this film offers a seminar where they teach you how to present the material that Al Gore presents in the film and give you the rights to the Power Point presentation to spread the word. Of course, you have to pay for the rights and the seminar. I think it would be hilarious if they sued the school district for showing the movie.

As far as Brokeback Mountain? That one is more simple. That movie should not be shown in any circumstance I can think of in public school. The subject matter is intended for mature audiences and should only be shown to a young person at the discretion of their parents.


SHIT (I had to put this here because I got to the end and realized that it's my first techsans post that is void of profanity)

[pebkac]

I suppose I can see why people wouldn't want an inconvenient truth shown in the classroom.

As for Brokeback Mountain, I don't see what the big deal is. It's just a little sex and not very graphic sex at that. 12-13 is the age kids start developing sexually, so that's the best time for them to be exposed to it.

[JRockTTU]

I suppose I can see why people wouldn't want an inconvenient truth shown in the classroom.

As for Brokeback Mountain, I don't see what the big deal is. It's just a little sex and not very graphic sex at that. 12-13 is the age kids start developing sexually, so that's the best time for them to be exposed to it.

I suppose I can see why people wouldn't want an inconvenient truth shown in the classroom.

As for Brokeback Mountain, I don't see what the big deal is. It's just a little sex and not very graphic sex at that. 12-13 is the age kids start developing sexually, so that's the best time for them to be exposed to it.

Yeah, but if it were shown it should be shown in the proper context with a full explanation from someone. That is a tender age for kids. I'm sure there are a lot of kids that have been raised by their parents to be homophobic, so those kids will be cracking jokes, insulting gays, etc. If a young kid is watching the movie and thinks he might be gay, he's going to either be forced into the closet for a long time for fear of being hated or his self esteem is going to plummet. I'm not against introducing homosexual material into the classroom, but I don't know if a fictional movie with as much hype built around it and set in the old west is the best way to do it.

[RitalinJunkie]

IMO...I have no problem with films being shown in the class IF THERE IS A STRONG CONNECTION TO THE TOPIC AT HAND. For instance, I think in a science class, when talking about the atmosphere and mans effect on the earth, National Geographic has a LOT of really good films. If you wanted to actually use film as a teaching tool, you could also use things such as environmental activist films (Incovenient truth) and contrast it to something a bit more..... scientific. Counterbalance things to show multiple viewpoints. The recent Romeo and Juliet was also brought up. I think that it would not be a terrible idea to show it to an english class to show a more modern styling of what happened (my English teacher used West side story), or even better, have them write an assignment that shows what they think would happen now instead of having them waste a whole class being uncreative.

However, I think if a film is going to be shown in class the teacher should fill out a request form in advance, with specific topics that the film is intended to cover, and the purpose of the activity filled out in a lesson plan format, complete with objectives, additional activities, TEKS requirments, the whole shibang. I also feel that the teacher (for his or her own protection) should get it cleared thru the school first and recieve a copy of SOMETHING saying that they have gotten it approved IN WRITING.

I know this seems like a lot....but for Christ's sake, filling out lesson plans and requests are not that hard, and its for both the teachers protection AND (more importantly) the students protection.


anyway...thats my spiel on it.,

[pebkac]

Yeah, but if it were shown it should be shown in the proper context with a full explanation from someone. That is a tender age for kids. I'm sure there are a lot of kids that have been raised by their parents to be homophobic, so those kids will be cracking jokes, insulting gays, etc. If a young kid is watching the movie and thinks he might be gay, he's going to either be forced into the closet for a long time for fear of being hated or his self esteem is going to plummet. I'm not against introducing homosexual material into the classroom, but I don't know if a fictional movie with as much hype built around it and set in the old west is the best way to do it.

The day those kids can grow up without ever having to hear those kinds of jokes will be a great day for all of man kind. As it is though, young gay kids learn at a very young age that there are people out there that don't like them because of their sexuality.

I will grant you that there are much better gay movies out there (I recommend Dorian Blues to anyone who hasn't seen it ), but I think Brokeback mountain would still be a decent choice. I mean, it deals with two people who have gay feelings but still try to act the way that society expects them. And that's something that a lot of kids that age can relate to whether or not it's because they're gay.

[JRockTTU]

The day those kids can grow up without ever having to hear those kinds of jokes will be a great day for all of man kind. As it is though, young gay kids learn at a very young age that there are people out there that don't like them because of their sexuality.

I will grant you that there are much better gay movies out there (I recommend Dorian Blues to anyone who hasn't seen it ), but I think Brokeback mountain would still be a decent choice. I mean, it deals with two people who have gay feelings but still try to act the way that society expects them. And that's something that a lot of kids that age can relate to whether or not it's because they're gay.

I just think that a teacher showing their class a film like Brokeback Mountain can be taken completely out of context and confuse the children. What if kids at that age (12-13) haven't started to think about their sexual attraction and are swayed to think that the reason they don't think about the opposite sex is because they are gay. Kind of the opposite of kids being taught they are straight forever only to find out they are gay later. I don't know, obviously I'm ignorant on this subject to an extent, but I don't agree that showing that movie to kids of that age without consent from parents is a bad idea. I don't consider myself homophobic, but I still feel uncomfortable at the sight of two men kissing or being affectionate, so some kids might feel the same way. I contribute that to societal influences. It's probably a good idea for schools to introduce the idea of homosexuality at a younger age, but I really don't think our society is at that point yet. Unfortunately it's like integrating black people into white society: you have those who see homosexuals as normal people and those who think they're sub-human. It takes a while for the thought of equality to work its way in through the younger generations.

I think I just babbled a whole lot.

NINJA EDIT: I'm mostly opposed because it just seems creepy that it was shown by a Substitute teacher. If some kind of point is being taught over this it should have been introduced by a teacher who knows the class more intimately than a sub and is there for the long haul to continue the education of this matter.

[impala454]

The day those kids can grow up without ever having to hear those kinds of jokes will be a great day for all of man kind.

and this is the kind of opinion that further pussifies the young people of our country. the idea nowadays seems to be, lets not teach our kids to deal with adversity, lets not let them get in fights at school, lets not spank them that's too harsh, lets not keep score we don't want them to get upset if they lose. it doesn't have to do with gays. kids make jokes in school. they're KIDS. they'll make fun of the fat kids, they'll make fun of the skinny kids, they'll make fun of the short kids, they'll make fun of the clef-palette kids, they'll make fun of the wheelchair kids, they'll make fun of anything, any race, any color, any accent. about any kid. if we can't teach our young population to deal with these kinds of pressures, we'll have the 100% pussification of an entire generation of americans.

as far as showing movies goes, most parents have a certain level of morals & virtues they teach their kids. /gasp RULES even. a teacher at a public school shouldn't be undermining the parents ability to raise their kids how they see fit.

[FORSAKENR320]

i actually agree impala. a part of me thinks that kids are shooting these schools up is because they have never had to cope with anything. they never learned that "life sucks, get a fucking helmet"

[cupcake]

1. I agree with impala on the mass-pussification of the kids of today. the whole absence of keeping score in sports irks me to no end. that is teaching them it is ok to be mediocre. when in reality this isn't a socialist society (yet?!) and there is a pecking order. a harsh reality they will find out later instead of sooner.

2. R-rated movies have zero business being shown in public schools. Period.

[Mommy]

the resemblance of this phrase to jessica's sex life is astounding

damn you, Brandon. damn you!

[FORSAKENR320]

damn you, Brandon. damn you!

you know you love the abuse

[Mommy]

I cant believe some of you are saying that Brokeback Mountain is ok to show at school. Honestly, I think the only reason that Pebkac is saying that is because he himself is gay... yeah, I said it. Honestly, it is fucking ridiculous. If a kid wants to be gay, fine; but in my opinion the gay community is trying to rally as many people to their community as possible, as seen in this thread by Pebkac. What happened to letting kids be innocent minded? I can guarantee that if the teacher had shown some movie like Unfaithful Pebkac would be bitching. I dont think anything should be shown to children that is sexually suggestive. We have enough problems with teen pregnancy and high STD rates that we dont need to show sex at school. Get over your attitudes that kids need to see this kind of stuff to be educated on the outside world. Part of the fun of being a kid is the innocense that is associated with it. You can guarantee that I would go the school board and whoever else if my 8th grade family member had been shown that movie.

[Divergent Realit...]

so keeping them ignorant to the risks of sex will prevent teen baby makers and the spread of stds?

[cupcake]

this has nothing to do with gayness in the anus. my beef has to do what is appropriate to show in a public school.

movies rated R are for adults. I'd sue the shit out of the school that showed my kid an R rated movie. faggotry, war, cussing, sexytime, whatever...

that shit should be shown under the supervision of the parent only. not from some teacher with a social agenda.

[impala454]

bingo, and lol "sexytime"

[Mommy]

so keeping them ignorant to the risks of sex will prevent teen baby makers and the spread of stds?

Thats what sex ed is for. Showing them a sexually promiscuous film isnt beneficial to their development.

[cupcake]

whoever mentioned watching romeo and juliet in school thinking it was R...it's not.

PG13. and you read it in HS, so you were over 13.

trying to compare shakespeare to bareback mtn is a stretch!

for the record, I saw and liked brokedick mtn. kinds depresso, but well made.

[impala454]

heh and how exactly would brokeback mountain teach kids of "the risks of sex and prevent teen baby makers and the spread of stds"?

[cupcake]

no clue. I'm pretty sure in that tent those dudes didn't stop and whip out a condom...dude just stuck him...

[Mommy]

this thread is making me hot and bothered to the idea of Jake Gyllenhale (sp) and Heath Ledger having "sexytime"

[impala454]

jessica gets off to gay pr0n!!!

[cupcake]

it was that movie which made me realize heath ledger can act his ass off.

he'll be a rad joker in the next batman...

[Mommy]

speaking of the "pr0n" thing.... whats up with saying "pwned" instead of owned...is it because the letter is so close to the "o" on the keyboard? and why is porn spelled pr0n. I get the zero, but not why the letters are reversed.

[FORSAKENR320]

nipples

[cupcake]

speaking of the "pr0n" thing.... whats up with saying "pwned" instead of owned...is it because the letter is so close to the "o" on the keyboard? and why is porn spelled pr0n. I get the zero, but not why the letters are reversed.

it's internet hipness that is over my head...and apparently yours.