I teach high school art twice a week and was surprised to hear the kids talking all about Ukraine and Russia. They were repeating what the news and their teachers were saying (which were one in the same) and my hackles went up. This morning the principal prayed Putin would have a change of heart and withdraw. It’s a conservative school, but the majority of parents, students, and staff don’t have a clue. I have them again on Tuesday, and I want to be prepared. I’m going to do a lesson on propaganda in art, using what’s going on now to show them how what we’re told and even what we’re shown isn’t always the reality. Here’s where I need help. When things like this come up where there’s so much information and a limited amount of time and some know-it-all teenagers, I get tongue-tied and I can’t get the information in my brain to come out in a calm, sensical manner. Any suggestions are welcome! I’m planning on showing the map of the US bio labs and where Russia bombed those areas, the picture from last week, I think, of the kindergarten or daycare that was bombed yet the toys were still neatly put away and the video of the people running in front of the ancient tank on the green grass in winter and the dummy flying through the air. Sorry for the long post, but I want to do the best job I can to get through to these kids who will hopefully get through to their parents and other teachers.
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You have to keep in mind that these are high school students. I think it’s fantastic that you want to do what you wanna do. But I would do it in a manner that you would have the most affect.
What you were talking about above is taking red pills and shoving them up all those kids asses. I don’t think that’s a good approach. You should pick some gentle red pills, and slowly introduce into your lessons propaganda artwork.
If you teach art then use art. recently there was somebody posting artwork around Washington DC I think it was, and it was exposing Biden for who he is. I think it was black red and white.
Do some research on former wars, and how they used Memes, or artwork, to change the narrative, or cause fear. There’s a meme that has an eyes nose, and some fingertips - but I can’t remember what the saying was Leroy was here, or somebody was here. Anyway you get the point… That was used a long time ago for the war.
By using past propaganda, and current propaganda side-by-side might be more effective. There’s plenty of Memes and art work that you can choose from. I wouldn’t be in too big of a hurry, take your time, and put something together. Even if it means waiting until the next time you see the kids in class.
This topic is not going to disappear in the near future so you have plenty of time. Pray, ask the Lord to guide you, and be prepared to lose your job if you go the route you originally were going to go.
I appreciate your enthusiasm and having a avenue to reach out to the kids, but take it easy - Think it through, and post what you decide to do once you have taught the kids. I’m interested in hearing what you come up with - And more importantly… Their reaction.
Thank you! This is how I’m going to approach it. Sometimes I have a hard time slowing down and taking my time. It’s hard when I want them to understand everything right now(!), but going the slow and steady route and getting them to think for themselves is what I really want them to learn.
Best of luck to you. I would love to hear or see a post of what happens in the future. He will be making a difference. Either way you’ll be making a difference and that’s what counts.