TEACHSOC: Re: using Brokeback Mountain to teach

[Del Thomas Ph. D.]

Sarah, Sorry you think an Oscar or two, being a chick flick, being liked by the west wing crowd are negatives.  I am just reporting what the producers had in mind...... marketing is part of the original pitch.   This is entertainment. It is fiction.  It is entertainment not meant for most guys.  That's why the marketing is what it is.   Ask your husband and brother in law.  It is risky to use such material that is untested.   As for impact.  You may recall Coco's nest .....  mental hospitals and nurse ratchet should have ended after that....  Did you see good night and good luck?  The fact that it was flawed does not limit its art.  You know the rule of the flaw in carpets.   This movie is not based on fiction and provides information for generations that did not live through those times. There is a hope that they can see the current dangers.  The fact that Clooney used real film footage .... that is his own words removes much of the risk of bias  .... not there will not be attacks.  But in this case the student do research.  It also has a powerful family hook.  You asked.   (Of course, my own husband and brother - in - law refused to see it as well.)   Any thoughts? In the end shouldn't social science be more concerned with accuracy than positive or negative? Del   Murray wrote: Can always count on you for a negative comment!  Got some very positive ones off-line. ----- Original Message ----- From: Del Thomas Ph. D. To: Sarah Murray Cc: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 8:48 PM Subject: TEACHSOC: Re: using Brokeback Mountain to teach Insiders suggest it was made as a chick flick. It has become a joke in the media.  From the outside it looks boring... the west wing crowd will like it.  Masterpiece? Maybe an Oscar or two. I saw good night and good luck. Some people loved it because of the idea and filming... but it was a poorly made film.  I'm glad I saw it.  It was worth the time and $.  As for showing it in class.  Why?  Do we have any beta test on what is learned from a film.  You could be increasing anti gay sentiment. Del Sarah Murray wrote: Hi all... Having recently been mesmerized by two viewings of the film masterpiece "Brokeback Mountain", I've decided that when it comes out on DVD, I will use it as a teaching supplement in my Family and Sexuality course, as well as my Violence course (which includes hate crimes and homophobia, as well as rural violence.)   I mentioned it to my current class, and a couple of the young men indicated (good-naturedly but sincerely), that they would not sign up for any course in which that movie would be shown -- and we're 15 minutes from Manhattan!  (Of course, my own husband and brother - in - law refused to see it as well.)   Any thoughts?   Sarah Murray, adjunct William Paterson U of NJ