Students watch 'Fahrenheit 9/11' in English class

[Street Smarts]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2839280

Where's the parental consent to watch a R-rated movie? I would expect the same treatment if they show "The Passion" in a classroom.

What is the purpose of watching this movie in an English class anyways? Checking the grammatical errors in the movie?

 

[Mechanical Bliss]

Where's the parental consent to watch a R-rated movie?

It depends on the age group, I would imagine. Considering the restrictions of what an R rated movie is according to the MPAA is "under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian," this does not apply to all high school aged students.

What is the purpose of watching this movie in an English class anyways? Checking the grammatical errors in the movie?

This isn't a black and white issue. It depends on what type of class it was. English classes aren't simply about grammar especially late in high school. I know I saw a lot of films in English classes later in high school. English classes are more like literature classes in that they explore how language is used to convey ideas of all sorts, and such classes invovle a wide variety of topics. There are many possibilities as to the purpose of showing the film in such a class, but who can say which purpose(s) without knowing more about the class itself.

 

[hyperborean]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/2839280

Where's the parental consent to watch a R-rated movie? I would expect the same treatment if they show "The Passion" in a classroom.

What is the purpose of watching this movie in an English class anyways? Checking the grammatical errors in the movie?

I finally watched 911 yesterday. I have read so much about it I felt as if I already have seen it. Very anti-climatic. The R rating is due from scenes of war and of the Saudi government shown beheading some poor soul. Which would differentiate it from a movie like The Passion. I suppose that parental consent may be reasonable, but the film clips are "news." I remember in biology class there was a film being shown about reproduction. Of course I wasn't really paying attention, but I looked up at one point and there was this huge virgina on the screen and then suddenly this thing came out and it turned out to be a baby's head. Needless to say I was shocked!

 

[Ave Maria]

Cool! I'm sure many of them enjoyed it.

 

[ApostateAbe]

Farenheit 9/11 should not be shown in English class unless the teacher plans on using it to teach the class how to persuade by insinuating points without directly stating them, how to take quotes out of context, how to load opinions with emotion, how to quote erroneous sources while appearing credible, etc. Math class is for learning math, history class is for learning history, English class is for learning English, and I have no tolerance for teachers who try to impress their political views on students, especially when it takes time away from teaching the assigned subject matter.

 

[feral]

I think it is good for high school students to be shown politics films or have political topics discussed in school, so they can be exposed to the issues which they will soon have a chance to vote on, but I think a current events, social science or government class would have been a more appropriate class to view the film in. And there are some scenes which might be inappropriate for some students. Parents should have been informed that the film was going to be viewed in school, and alternative films or projects should have been available for students whose parents considered the movie inappropriate. Though, the kids with the parents who would veto it are probably the ones who need to see it more...

 

[MaryS]

For balance, it would be better if they showed both Fahrenheit 911 AND
Fahrehype 911.

Oh well, the National Education Association showed Moore's film at their last convention!

 

[Street Smarts]

For balance, it would be better if they showed both Fahrenheit 911 AND
Fahrehype 911.

Oh well, the National Education Association showed Moore's film at their last convention!

Thats cause they are one of the biggest democrat lobbyist group there is.

 

[MoonlessNight]

I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm not, but that's probably because almost every English class I took in high school was more about agreeing with the Teacher's political opinion than learning how to write/read/speak.

 

[TwinCrier]

I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm not, but that's probably because almost every English class I took in high school was more about agreeing with the Teacher's political opinion than learning how to write/read/speak.

That is so true. Sad, but true.

 

[Reader Nilus]

Being that we expect 18 year olds to register for the draft the movie is suited for them to see. When I was in high school back in the early 70's we also saw R rated movies in school, and we had a rock band at assembly sing the great Country Joe and the Fish song, 1,2,3, 4 I don't give d--- cause I'm going to Viet Nam. It did not warp us.
Jeff the Finn

 

[joebobned]

I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm not, but that's probably because almost every English class I took in high school was more about agreeing with the Teacher's political opinion than learning how to write/read/speak.

So true. I remember Mrs. Rostkowski beginning each and every class period by rolling her eyes and talking about Bush's policies.

It might have been relevent in a social studies class, but instead of a political debate it was a political soap box for her.

 

[bobbichan]

I remember watching a few rated R movies in English classes during my Sr and Jr years of high school. Infact, looking back, I don't remember having to take home a permission slip in order to watch a movie during high school. I guess they assume that most high schoolers are responsible enough.

I haven't seen Fahrenheit 911 yet, but I think Alex Jones' 9/11 Road to Tyranny is more credible. It actually shows credit from newspaper and credible internet news sources, as well as video and audio clips to make his point... and it's not an overly hyped hollywood film.

I think it is very important to introduce students to all ideas when it comes to current events and politics. They need to learn how to think for themselves and to not have everyone decide what the facts are for them. Just like when chosing a topic to write a paper on, it is important to look at the topic from all perspectives and from there choose how you view that peticular issue. The same goes with politics. Looking at things in a critical manner is very important, unless you don't want to not be involved with society and how it functions.

 

[MadeInOz]

Schools can do whatever they darn well please... boo frickin hoo.

 

[TwinCrier]

Being that we expect 18 year olds to register for the draft the movie is suited for them to see. When I was in high school back in the early 70's we also saw R rated movies in school, and we had a rock band at assembly sing the great Country Joe and the Fish song, 1,2,3, 4 I don't give d--- cause I'm going to Viet Nam. It did not warp us.
Jeff the Finn

Well, some of us may disagree with that last part.

 

[Kotton]

I would like to say I'm surprised but I'm not, but that's probably because almost every English class I took in high school was more about agreeing with the Teacher's political opinion than learning how to write/read/speak.

Well, my English teacher said anything can be part of English class. However, back in those ancient days, it wasn't politics she shared because she was a baseball fan. We listened to the WORLD SERIES!

Kotton

 

[Street Smarts]

Being that we expect 18 year olds to register for the draft the movie is suited for them to see. When I was in high school back in the early 70's we also saw R rated movies in school, and we had a rock band at assembly sing the great Country Joe and the Fish song, 1,2,3, 4 I don't give d--- cause I'm going to Viet Nam. It did not warp us.
Jeff the Finn

Just curious what was the R rated movies you saw in High school in the 70's -

 

[Street Smarts]

I remember watching a few rated R movies in English classes during my Sr and Jr years of high school. Infact, looking back, I don't remember having to take home a permission slip in order to watch a movie during high school. I guess they assume that most high schoolers are responsible enough.

I haven't seen Fahrenheit 911 yet, but I think Alex Jones' 9/11 Road to Tyranny is more credible. It actually shows credit from newspaper and credible internet news sources, as well as video and audio clips to make his point... and it's not an overly hyped hollywood film.

I think it is very important to introduce students to all ideas when it comes to current events and politics. They need to learn how to think for themselves and to not have everyone decide what the facts are for them. Just like when chosing a topic to write a paper on, it is important to look at the topic from all perspectives and from there choose how you view that peticular issue. The same goes with politics. Looking at things in a critical manner is very important, unless you don't want to not be involved with society and how it functions.

Just curious what R-Rated movies did you see in your English class?
Man I went to a crappy school we didnt get to see any movies worth remembering..we saw My Fair Lady and Lord of the Flies a very old version....talk about nap time

 

[Street Smarts]

Schools can do whatever they darn well please... boo frickin hoo.

Sorry actually public schools CANT do whatever they darn well please but thanks for the imput

 

[the_malevolent_milk_man]

I don't see what the big deal is. In my HS english class we watched The Matrix, Monty Python's Search for the Holy Grail, and 13th Warrior. Even wrote a paper over the Matrix. Search for the Holy Grail was a life altering experience and I will be forever greatful to my Sr. English teacher for showing it to me. NEEEE!

Would also like to add that we watched two versions of Macbeth, both R rated. One of them had nudity in the witch scene /shudder.