Step 5

Step 5: Exterminate

The final step in the documentary is also the most radical: extermination.  The idea is illustrated by actual footage from the Zimbardo experiment, in which college students played either prisoner or guard.  The experiment had to be stopped as the human rights abuses increased.

The final session also presented the students with an opportunity for closure.  They were reminded that they had all volunteered for this journey without knowing that the reward would be a virtual classroom experience with students in Scotland.  They were reminded that they volunteered because this was an issue in which they were truly interested in and passionate about.  They were reminded that while many may feel they were alone in their perceptions about bullying and intolerance, they only had to look around the room to know that they were not alone, and that together a change in building climate could be achieved.

Students were then given an opportunity to not only imagine what they would like to ask the students in Scotland, but to also reflect on their process through the workshop sessions. 

"This workshop helped me open my eyes to and think about why I do certain things.  My opinion has changed of people.  I will not judge people by what they wear and how they act."

"It is quite shocking that people can be treated so cruelly, and how we can relate to the treatment (on a much lower scale) in our own high school and community.  It also showed me that it only takes one person to stand up and to cause a change.  My opinions did change.  My preconcieved notions were nothing to what I learned watching these clips."

"My reaction to this is emotional and fun, because I am going to be able to talk to other kids from another country."

"I liked the workshops I attended.  I learned a lot about diversity. My opinions changed.  I think this discussion should be brought up again to people who don't know anything about diversity."

"I have realized that there are certainly tyrannical aspects in our own high school.  I became more aware of how students treat, victimize, and almost dehumanize others for uncontrollable reasons."

"I am more aware of  the certain types of words I am using."

"I thought that there was an easy solution to stop bullying, but there is actually a very complex solution.  I think this is a worthwhile discussion to have again."