Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Freaks and Geeks

You have all been introduced to 1980's Michigan HS students as portrayed in Freaks and Geeks. A lot of funny scenes and some all too familiar scenarios (for me) but more importantly, a really nice piece of sociological entertainment. Clearly the writers were using their sociological imagination, as were the actors making the shows in 1999. I have to say looking at their closing homecoming scene it reminded me a lot of the Stevenson Prom I chaperoned last year and the different perspective I have as a teacher and as a person from a different generation. Two different "groups" that I belong in. What do you think your groups would be at Stevenson if they were filming a show here today? Who and what have "power" in the Stevenson world here? What are the important symbols for the school society you live in today in 2009?
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3 comments:

  1. OtterSeptember 2, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    In the Stevenson world, you don't really see the division of power as you would in other stereotypical schools. Stevenson for the most part, has its groups, it has its own stereotypes, however u dont see the bullying between the jock and the band geek. You dont really see people making threats to fight in school unless its for a semi-legit reason. I dont think that power is just granted. The lower people in the chain just need to step up to claim their right to some of that power with some say in what goes on.

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  2. SmithSeptember 2, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Having taught at 4 schools in my career I am amazed at how few fights I have ever seen or been around. But, the High School I attended seemed to have a few fights every week. That said I wonder why fights are such a common cultural image or symbol of high schools but so uncommon at the schools I have been at? Have the times change or is it something unique here? Are we bullying less than 20 years ago?

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  3. OtterSeptember 10, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    I think in some parts of the country or even in some cities there is less bullying than 20 years ago. I think its because more and more areas are starting to crack down on the bully issue. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that there are still plenty of areas that still have the bully problem. Fights are also a natural part of high school. I would be surprised if there weren't a couple of fights every year in every school. Some people just naturally dont get along. More and more people have been coming to their senses about fights. They avoid the school yard and take it outside of the learning grounds so they dont get into trouble at school. However, fighting and bullying are 2 completely different topics. Bullying is on the downfall as integration and acceptance becomes more popular and fighting is where it is over the past 20 years. It just doesnt happen in schools as much due to the increase of intelligence.

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