Parents, would you be mad if your child's teacher had the class watch Enemy at the Gates in class, grade 9s?

Question

If your daughter/son was in grade 9 and their teacher had their class watch enemy at the gates for the topic they were learning in english class, without no permission slip or anything, would you be mad? What would you have done?

Answer 1

Yes, I would be mad.

To be honest, I'm surprised the teacher was allowed to show this.  I used to teach a film studies class at a camp and could not show any movie rated above PG, regardless of how educational or well-made the movie was.  I'm wondering if the school administration has any idea that this teacher is using this film in class?

I'm not saying that I personally wouldn't allow my own ninth-grade child to watch the film.  I haven't seen this so don't know enough about it, but there are certain R-rated movies that I would allow a ninth-grader to watch.  But only if I watched with them, or had at least seen the movie myself before, to ensure that I could engage with them about it.  Have you actually watched the movie?  If not, I would go rent it now so that at least you can discuss it with your child.

You can complain to the school administration and I probably would, if I were you.  Unfortunately though, the child has already seen the film now so you can't undo any damage.  You can only hope that you can discuss it enough to rectify the damage.

Answer 2

I would have preferred to get a permission slip to explain why the class has to watch it.I wouldnt be mad though.

Answer 3

I wouln't be mad.  My 5 year old has watched it.  I mean come on.....9th graders watch everything under the sun.  Why would oyu have such a problem with it anyways?

Answer 4

Personally, I wouldn't be mad.  I think by highschool it's reasonable for kids to see something like that.  Sheltering little kids is one thing; high school is another matter.  

However, the truth is that the teacher could find themselves in some trouble for showing rated R movies to 13-year-olds (edit -- sorry, 14- and 15- year-olds) without their parents' permission, and would be wiser to let parents know first.  You'd be in your rights to say that next time you'd appreciate a heads-up.  Did they see the whole movie or just a clip? If was a clip, maybe there weren't even any issues.

Answer 5

I don't understand. What is the problem? It's a very good film.

Answer 6

Personally I would not have been mad an considering your kid is probably in the nieghborhood of the age of 15 to 16 apx at this stage i would be giving them live advice on how to make it off okay in the real world ,not saying they have to be in thier footie jammies and in bed by seven'o clock. if you want real advice you shouldent worrie your kids are sixteen you shouldent freak out over them watching an r rated movie without you I mean are you still giving them juice boxes and kissies

Answer 7

I just watched 2 trailers for it and I have to say I am sickened by it. I do not enjoy watching someone being shot in the head, hanging bodies, bombs going off and blowing people up. That is something I never would have sat through in a theater and I had to turn off the trailer because I am not accustomed to watching butchery.

I am with you. It is wrong. Children, and that's what 9th graders are... need to READ BOOKS. Showing this movie was beyond bad taste and judgment, but then that's lame for a lot of people these days, they've been desensitized.

When I went to orientation with my 4 year old son at his daycare, one of the dads was bragging about how his son and him love to watch "Fear Factor" together. I looked at my son and said, "Don't ever ask to play with that child." That's what inbreeding will do to society. I am assuming that the father was an inbred, I would hate to think this is "normal."

I am sorry your child was made to see that. I would definitly say something to the school.

Answer 8

no i would have shook the teachers hand and thanked him for not being some pc t**t that there are so many of today

Answer 9

Why would I have a problem with it?  All three of my girls have seen the film and the oldest is 11.

Answer 10

well with the video games they play like halo this is nothing

so why is it different if the school takes something that you probally allow your child to be exposed to and turn it into something educational

Answer 11

Without -A- permission slip, you mean?

I wouldn't be upset. If the teen was upset by what he/she saw, he/she should be allowed to leave the room. But, at that age, your children are ready to handle things such as movie violence.

Things like that are going on all over the world, in real life. You can't just shield your children from everything. When they do get out on their own, they're going to be overwhelmed by what they see, because they've been exposed to too little of it to understand.

    In high school, your kid can definitely handle a violent movie. Many teenagers even enjoy that kind of thing.

Answer 12

With no permission slip means this was NOT approved by school administration.  A 9th grader is about 15 years old and this movie is rated R, ..so I would first hit the roof then file a complaint with school officials.