I'm "forced" to use a bad show for a project

Tayo · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 04:34 PM

I just got a project for school where I and 4 other people have to watch an episode of a TV series of our choice. Well, I don't have many friends, so I got stuck with whoever was left. These s are nice and all, but they want to do a show I'm not comfortable with. I basically HAVE to do watch it and do my part of project on it. Even my teacher said so, because otherwise I get a back grade. I don't know what I should do. Please help me! I need an answer before tomorrow... Thank you!

Dr T · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 04:44 PM

It seems like there ought to be an alternative to the work for religious reasons. I'd try there.

Bini · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 04:49 PM

I don't know what TV series you're referring to but regardless different people find different things offensive. Have you explained to your teacher why you're uncomfortable doing a project on this specific show? I can't imagine the school "forcing" you to participate in something that goes against your beliefs and faith. Of course, anymore I'm surprised at what students and some teachers get away with these days.. When I was in school I remember doing supposed scientific experiments on cow eyeballs. It was a required class and project BUT some students were excused, specifically, my Hindu classmates :]

Just_A_Guy · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 04:54 PM

Could you do some portion of the project that doesn't require actually watching the show? E.g., writing up the final report from notes made by others, or doing the art project based on the instructions of the other three, or make up a list of discussion questions, or something like that?

candyprpl · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 04:59 PM

Stick to your standards and take the great advice of all those who have posted!

If your teacher won't listen to you, I'm sure your parents would step in and support you.

Vort · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 05:04 PM

It's not legal for a public school to force you to watch a TV show that violates your standards. Stick to your guns.

But understand that the school may do so, anyway, legal or not. Unless you are willing to follow up with legal action, if necessary, you may get a low grade in this project. That seems unlikely, but possible. If it happens, it will be unfair, but it may be quite expensive for you to do anything about it.

But stick to your guns anyway.

Dr T · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vort

It's not legal for a public school to force you to watch a TV show that violates your standards. Stick to your guns.

...

But stick to your guns anyway.

Those don't mean take a gun to school though. Just so you know.

Gretchen · #8 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 05:26 PM

I'd try to get people to back you up. Principal, perhaps? Or district authority?

They (the schools) don't force Jewish people to eat bacon, so why should they force you to watch something that goes against your religion?

Just my two cents.

WmLee · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 05:27 PM

Two of my kids have been in the same situation. They have explained they find the show or book offensive and in bad taste and they have requested an alternative assignment or group. One teacher excused my son but instructed him to pick another book and write the same report on his own. He chose the Book of Mormon, (he had been reading anyway) finished it and wrote his report. That opened another can or worms, but he made his point and the school administration backed him.
Good luck and stick by your standards!

Gwen · #10 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 05:33 PM

i'd take it to the principle or guidance counselor if the teacher won't listen... they can't fail you for not violating your standards... the group can pick a different show.