Student who watched Brokeback Mtn. is suing

[bigred760]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070514/ap_en_mo/brokeback_lawsuit_8;_ylt=AiufWw07lr4U9dUJbV2Nl4AE1 vAI

I'm kind of curious what education value Brokeback Mountain has. I thought it was a decent movie, but don't see what a bunch of eighth graders would get out of it.

Of course, I don't see how an eighth grader would be psychologically damaged by watching it either.

We live in a strange world.

[EVILxxx]

Page error.

It's very stupid to show Brokeback Mountain in a place for education.
It's also very stupid to sue over it.

[Brando @$$ Fat]

Originally posted by EVILxxx
It's very stupid to show Brokeback Mountain in a place for education.
It's also very stupid to sue over it.

Ditto.

[bowieee]

both parties in this are morons.

[Pride]

Unless he was suing because he fell alseep in this boring, boring movie and hit his head on the desk causing a seisure, he has no right to sue.

[sarah1980]

Originally posted by bowieee
both parties in this are morons.

[Derek237]

Oh, man. How sad. This was actually the same teacher that showed Amistad and got fired. He was finally back on his feet, but then he decided showing Brokeback Mountain would be a brilliant idea. Oh well.

[electriclite]

Well since the movie was originally a short story, I'd imagine that it could've been shown in an English class.

No one here ever had to read a book and then watch the movie in their English class?

[bigred760]

Originally posted by electriclite
No one here ever had to read a book and then watch the movie in their English class?

Not without my folks knowing.

[InvaderZim]

Originally posted by Derek237
Oh, man. How sad. This was actually the same teacher that showed Amistad and got fired. He was finally back on his feet, but then he decided showing Brokeback Mountain would be a brilliant idea. Oh well.

Teacher sounds like a real moron.. I had a lazy teacher in school.. 10th grade.. all she ever did was put movies on.. Lion King - Twister....... i should sue her... lol

The teacher shouldn't be teaching. fire him and movie on

[Shockwave]

..it was kinda dumb to show it in school, but its a far dumber thing to sue over it. I realyl doubt anyone forced him to watch it.:o

[JJFlamingo]

I remember back in fifth grade one teacher tried to show us Old Yeller as her attempt to "broaden" us. Well, since the movie was so bad and everyone knew how it ended, me and my classmates started riffing on it MST3K style. The kicker was when we got to the end and Tommy Kirk shot the dog, the entire class erupted in thunderous applause and cheering (mostly cause it was finally over). Needless to say, the teacher was pretty pissed and chewed us out afterwards for being "sick"...:D

[RandalGraves]

I just can't believe they showed it in a school enviornment...

[LedZeppelin1114]

They probably showed the film under the guise of some attempt to promote "cultural/lifestyle studies". I was enrolled in a sociology class in college and there was much we were able to watch that normally would not be viewed in a classroom setting but was accepted due to its depiction of a "different form of culture". I remember discussing it with a professor in English who was having hell getting certain Shakespearean movies to pass and he said "I wish I was in Sociology because it is so easy to get movies approved there. They could probably get Salo approved with little effort". Now of course, that is probably a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

[Derek237]

If my child ever asks me where babies come from, I'm just going to turn on Brokeback Mountain and leave the room.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Originally posted by InvaderZim
Teacher sounds like a real moron.. I had a lazy teacher in school.. 10th grade.. all she ever did was put movies on.. Lion King - Twister....... i should sue her... lol

The teacher shouldn't be teaching. fire him and movie on You'd sue someone because she made you watch The Lion King?

May God have mercy on your soul. And bless your teacher's.

Either way, this is actually pretty funny. Someone should tell this teacher to screen "Mordum" when he gets another job; I'm sure that'd work great.

[Cronos]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Someone should tell this teacher to screen "Mordum" when he gets another job; I'm sure that'd work great.
i'd love to see a class of kids' reactions to that :p

[sarah1980]

if they want to psychologically damaged 8th graders maybe they should put on any of the Saw films or Hostel (or maybe Gigli lol)

because seriously i don't see how Brokeback Mountian can psychologically damaged a 12 yrs old

i mean shit I saw Basic Instinct at 12 and it did nothing to me :D

[Preston_79]

Originally posted by Derek237
If my child ever asks me where babies come from, I'm just going to turn on Brokeback Mountain and leave the room.


Oh god that's awesome.

[adamjohnson]

Originally posted by bigred760
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070514/ap_en_mo/brokeback_lawsuit_8;_ylt=AiufWw07lr4U9dUJbV2Nl4AE1 vAI

I'm kind of curious what education value Brokeback Mountain has. I thought it was a decent movie, but don't see what a bunch of eighth graders would get out of it.

Of course, I don't see how an eighth grader would be psychologically damaged by watching it either.

We live in a strange world.

Ah, I miss the good ol' days when people could DO... SOMETHING without getting sued.

[MadsenOMC]

I taught in a public high school for two-and-a-half years. Though it happens with subs more often than not, it isn't limited to them. Movies are often shown in the classroom because the teacher is lazy or because the sub is merely there to babysit. Or every Friday is a "free day" or a "reward day." There are plenty of bad, dumb and/or irresponsible teachers out there. Suing, though, is idiotic.

[bowieee]

Originally posted by electriclite
Well since the movie was originally a short story, I'd imagine that it could've been shown in an English class.

No one here ever had to read a book and then watch the movie in their English class?

Coming from someone who has worked with kids all his life I have to say that their is a certain line that common sense should draw for what you choose to show to kids/youth/teens. I think brokeback mountain is a beautiful movie but I'm sure as hell not going to show it in the classroom. That's what the beauty of college is for.

.

[Le_Big_Mac]

The stupidest thing is that he showed this to a class of eighth graders. What kind of asshole decides that it's a good idea to show Brokeback Mountain to a group of people who are, by human nature, unrelenting homophobes.

[SkyNet]

this story is so annoying... it says that these people have tried sueing before over the content of read litertaure in classes...

these people just sound like people who want to sue over every little thing.. and are probably the same type of people who cream their pants when an image of jesus comes on a tv screen.

as for showing Brokeback Mountain in school to kids... well i mean.. the movie really has no educational purposes... and i cant imagine why a teacher would show this in a class... unless they were trying to teach equality between straight people and homosexuals... but showing that flick just makes no sense to me! Whether it be 8th graders or high school students! Its a decent enough movie.. there is just no educational value to it at all!

The teacher should be repremanded (not lose their job.. because i mean, everyone has bad judgement sometimes)

[BorderEevilIII]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Student-sues-over-Brokeback-Mountain/2007/05/14/1178995039164.html


finds link to the pleasedontwastethecourtswithsillylawsuits :rolleyes:


The only thing goin is the subsitute teacher is gonna get reprimanded for showing "Brokeback".....
A lot has changed when I was in school and I saw Purple Rain in class once.

She must have been channeling MIchelle Williams character in the film.......


THAT DANG MOVIE was NAASSSTY


girl GROW UP. If you had issues with that movie ya should have NOT WATCHED IT

[Cyclonus]

For the record, I'd like to say that this substitute teacher exercised very poor judgement in showing Brokeback Mountain to these eighth graders. It's not clear what kind of class it was, nor what was supposed to be on the lesson plan, but this was clearly an inappropiate choice. Surely he could have shown or done something considerably less "controversial?"

That being said, this lawsuit is absurd. I personally doubt that this girl was so "traumatized" by watching a movie that isn't even that explict--if certain details were tweaked it might even have slipped by with a PG-13. And that dollar amount--half a million bucks? How is that even remotely justifiable? Could greed be a motivating factor? Hmmm...

[EVILxxx]

I was able to convince my sub to screen Brave Heart, Young Guns, Saving Private Ryan, and Full Metal Jacket.

I rule.

[BubbaStrangelove]

In high school, I had Pump Up The Volume and we had a sub in peer counseling class - since we were basically having a free day, I asked if I could put that movie on. Now, I didn't think anything of it -- When I was 14! This guy was over 30 easy.... But he was so amused by the first 45 minutes of the movie that he asked to borrow it and show it for the rest of the day to other classes - I had this class second period. At the end of the day, I picked up the movie, and he asked if I could bring it back so we could finish it since he'd be on tomorrow. Well, some kids had apparently told their parents, and long story slightly less long, I never saw that sub or my movie again.

[Lindsey]

Out of all the films to choose, why in the hell would he pick 'Brokeback Mountain"? Sheesh.. :confused:

Was it wrong? Yes... But a lawsuit? It's like that woman who sued Wendy's because of the hot pickle that 'scarred her face'. It's absolutely ridiciulous, but you know they'll win.

[MadsenOMC]

Morons who file lawsuits like this cause me psychological distress, so I'm going to sue them for $500,000.

[Preston_79]

The link to the article is no longer there so I don't know what age these kids were which to me makes a little difference.

If I had a kid and they showed that movie to them without my permission then I might file suit against them. I wouldn't seek loads of money, rather I'd want the teacher fired. If it's just a little slap on the wrist then it will happen again. Anytime the movie is rated R you need permission from the parents. I'd allow a high schooler to watch it if I had one, but that's not the point. It's not up to the schools or a teacher which rated R movies are appropriate, that's a parents decision.

Anyone disagree?

[MadsenOMC]

Like I said, I taught in a public high school. If I wanted to show a movie that's rated R, I needed to get permission from my principal (explain why I was showing it) and then get permission from the parents. That was the procedure, though of course most teachers and subs didn't follow it. I can understand wanting the teacher here to be disciplined or fired, but the lawsuit is bullshit and should be laughed out of court.

[BorderEevilIII]

Originally posted by Preston_79
The link to the article is no longer there so I don't know what age these kids were which to me makes a little difference.





uhhhhh did ya look at the one I posted?

yes that one and I just checked it ma self and its still there

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by Lindsey
Out of all the films to choose, why in the hell would he pick 'Brokeback Mountain"? Sheesh.. :confused:

Exactly. Its just asking for trouble.

The lawsuit is bullshit as the kid could have refused to watch it, but i just cannot fathom how a teacher could be so stupid as to show that to a class.:eek:

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Someone should tell this teacher to screen "Mordum" when he gets another job; I'm sure that'd work great.

I laughed out loud at that. Cheers.

As for the story. Eighth grade? That's like 13 & 14 year olds? Hmm. I think it was a bit silly of the guy to show it to the kids. But let's get this into perspective. When I was 14 my English teacher let us watch Excalibur. Sex and violence aplenty. Didn't emotionally scar me (nor any of my fellow class mates). People make too big a deal of shit like this. We live in a culture where too many people allow their every action and the actions of those around them to be dictated by a media that only cares about making a buck. People should exercise some fucking common sense.

[Preston_79]

A normal straight sex scene is one thing. Two dude buttfucking and making out...ugh...I can see how that might mess a young kid up just a little. I'm mostly suprised that it's a 13 year old girl that had a problem with it. I would have guessed it was a boy being tramatized.

[Castro]

Originally posted by Preston_79
A normal straight sex scene is one thing. Two dude buttfucking and making out...ugh...I can see how that might mess a young kid up just a little. I'm mostly suprised that it's a 13 year old girl that had a problem with it. I would have guessed it was a boy being tramatized.
Yeah I always thought that every man thinks that every girl thinks that 2 handsome guys making out is hot.

[dennisv]

So the student had homosexual thoughts about his best friend?

[chasingbanky]

They should have shown KIDS... Then they could've learned something.



EDIT: Dennis your avatar is the good shit my friend.

[MadsenOMC]

Originally posted by Preston_79
A normal straight sex scene is one thing. Two dude buttfucking and making out...ugh...I can see how that might mess a young kid up just a little.

Yeah seriously. Show some straight porn or Basic Instinct or any kind of straight sex you want. Big deal. "Normal" straight sex is fine. No problem. They could have a class on it. But how could anyone ever recover after seeing 10 seconds of two men going at it? I think they have proven that it turns people gay.

[Preston_79]

At 13 years old I wouldn't have been bothered by a sex scene, but if it was a gay sex scene I'm sure I would have thought it was disgusting. That's all I'm saying. What's wrong with that?

[MadsenOMC]

It sure didn't seem like that was all you were saying, but maybe I misunderstood you. Your use of "ugh" and statement that you "can see how that might mess a young kid up a little," as well as crudely saying "buttfucking" implies otherwise.

[Cyclonus]

This isn't to say that this Jessica girl wasn't a little weirded out by that gay sex scene, if she was so sheltered. But...if she really needs half a million dollars worth of therapy, that's just sad.

Offhand, I'd say that these grandparents know for a fact that no sane court would actually award them that much money for such a trivial reason. They're probably just using this lawsuit as leverage to force the school board into offering a lesser, but still generous, settlement.

[MadsenOMC]

Yeah, I'm sure they figure that this is a great opportunity to make some easy money.

[Preston_79]

You did misunderstand me, but it happens.

Young minds are delicate and I think watching gay sex "could" mess them up yes. I guess it would depend on the kid. I never said it would be something they couldn't recover from, or that watching gay sex makes people gay, never said that. The "ugh" part, well that's what I think of two dudes buttfucking.

[MadsenOMC]

If you believe that watching gay sex could possibly mess up fragile young minds, then watching sex of any kind could possibly mess up fragile young minds. As for your feelings of "ugh," well, I guess you have some growing up to do.

[Shockwave]

...either way it was totaly uncalled for to show to kids. I cannot see how someone could be so stupid.

[Preston_79]

Why do you want to make it personal Madsen? I'd say "ugh" if I saw a sex scene with two fat people, or how's about two really old people. It's not like I'm having a fit about it. There are straight sex acts that disgust me to, but we aren't talking about any those things.

[martyds761]

Romeo & Juliet anyone? It's called, "fast forward" through scene. Which would make me laugh........

[bigred760]

I don't think 5th graders should be watching any movie with sex in it, gay or not. There's a reason the movie's rated R and it's not because of the cigarette smoking. There's not just gay sex in the movie, but heterosexual sex with some female nudity thrown in for good measure. The movie's not for 5th graders; hell I wouldn't recommend showing it to high school seniors (because there's always at least one kid who's mother is overprotective and doesn't want her "angel" to experience such things).

[TheDeadWalk]

What?

There's plenty of educational insight taken in by our children with this movie!

Where else will they learn that it's polite to spit on your dick before anal intercourse?

[Brando @$$ Fat]

Originally posted by TheDeadWalk
What?

There's plenty of educational insight taken in by our children with this movie!

Where else will they learn that it's polite to spit on your dick before anal intercourse?



People should spit on their dicks no matter what kind of sex it is.

[DrkBlueXG]

Originally posted by Derek237
If my child ever asks me where babies come from, I'm just going to turn on Brokeback Mountain and leave the room.

ahahaha
doog boj

But seriously, no education value can come from this movie. The movie was okay but not something I would give praise over.
Sitck to showing "Of Mice and Men", "Roots", "North & South" in the classroom.

[X-Nightcrawler]

What we have to understand is that if you haven't seen "Brokeback Mountain", you're a homophobe. This teacher probably wanted these kids not to be catalogued as homophobes. He's doing a public service, in a way.

Still, he should've stuck to the ultimate classroom screening movie.

http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/coverv/62/116262.jpg
The Phantom Tollbooth!

Come on, sound the sighs of nostalgia, everyone.

[Monotreme]

Originally posted by X-Nightcrawler
Still, he should've stuck to the ultimate classroom screening movie.

http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/coverv/62/116262.jpg
The Phantom Tollbooth!

Come on, sound the sighs of nostalgia, everyone.
Dude I grew UP on that shit!

Anyway, on-topic... I'm not entirely up to date on the details, and I think the biggest piece of the puzzle that's missing for me is exactly why this teacher was showing his class Brokeback Mountain in the first place. If it was to teach about intolerance, then I suppose his intentions were good - and I am strongly against the whole parent's consent to show R-rated movies in US schools policy - but only within certain logical boundaries. Showing this film to, say, a 10th or 9th grade class in order to explain about intolerance is one thing, and I definitely think that kids that age can more than take nudity and sexual content. But showing it to a 5th-grade class? That is just plain bad judgement if you ask me. Still, this whole suing business is a little out of hand...

[the_sneaker]

I can understand why people get upset because of frivolous law suits, but the girl's grandfather said he did not want her watching rated-R movies in class but the teacher did so anyway, without giving the girl the opportunity to do something else. This teacher is a freaking moron.

[gattacafan21]

awenestly dudes, who gives a fuck. yeah, its not the best movie to be showing in a school environment, maybe for story reasons, definetly not grahpicness. So long as he fast forwarded that stuff I don't see why it wouldnt be a story figure considoring it did start out as a short story. And if the administration is mad and the parents are mad, fine. Slap him on the wrist, and send him back to work. And whoever the hell thinks its so bad as to sue, is stupid beyond reason. He showed a movie with some scenes that can be fast forwarded just like every other film they show them. Big fucking deal. This is just teaching more people that being "gay" is bad. And thats all we need. The whole thing is stupid, the teacher and the student. We should put them both in time out, and then let them proceed.

[Preston_79]

Originally posted by gattacafan21
This is just teaching more people that being "gay" is bad.

Maybe the parent just didn't want there kid seeing anything of a sexual nature no matter what it was? It just happened to be a gay cowboys, but it could have happened if it were any other movie with sexual content. Let's not assume the parents got more angry when they found out it was Brokeback becasue they don't like gay people.


And just because someone doesn't like Brokeback doesn't mean they have anything against homosexuals. There are plenty of reasons to not like the film, plenty.

[jin4154]

This discussion of showing Brokeback to 5th grader is interesting!!

Do you guys really think that 5th grader should not watch anything of a
sexual scenes in the movie no matter what it was? I think many 5th graders and even younger ones are already exposed to Pornos. Then, why people get mad at this??

People are getting more angry because I think the movie is dealing with homosexual love(including physical scenes). This kind of thinking is actually very dangerous because it might influence the kid that guy is shocking and hetrosexual must be discouraged. I think the kid was mentally harmed not only because of what he has seen but also from the ideology of homosexaulity, which is kind of evil, strange, crazy etc.

I dont know the reason that teacher shows this movie to the class of elementary school. For some of them guy sex must be shocking, of course because it is not usual. But on the other hand it can be quity natural if younger kids get exposed to the idea that homosexual is as normal as hetrosexual. If young kids get this kind of change of recognition, guy people will be less discriminated and the society's recognition of the difference of between homo/hetro sexual will decrease.

[Preston_79]

Originally posted by jin4154
This discussion of showing Brokeback to 5th grader is interesting!!

Do you guys really think that 5th grader should not watch anything of a
sexual scenes in the movie no matter what it was? I think many 5th graders and even younger ones are already exposed to Pornos. Then, why people get mad at this??

People are getting more angry because I think the movie is dealing with homosexual love(including physical scenes). This kind of thinking is actually very dangerous because it might influence the kid that guy is shocking and hetrosexual must be discouraged. I think the kid was mentally harmed not only because of what he has seen but also from the ideology of homosexaulity, which is kind of evil, strange, crazy etc.

I dont know the reason that teacher shows this movie to the class of elementary school. For some of them guy sex must be shocking, of course because it is not usual. But on the other hand it can be quity natural if younger kids get exposed to the idea that homosexual is as normal as hetrosexual. If young kids get this kind of change of recognition, guy people will be less discriminated and the society's recognition of the difference of between homo/hetro sexual will decrease.

I agree with most of what you're saying. I think it's better to have a kid understand homsexuality when they're learning about sex. I wouldn't use Broke Back as an introduction, but that's beside the point. I'd be angry at the school for showing the film to my kid without permission considering how so many people don't agree with the lifestyle. You should respect those people even if you don't agree with them.