Week 5 Journal

I thought the film Die Welle that we watched portions of in class on Thursday was interesting. It reminded me of some articles that I had read in The Guardian about the recruitment strategies of some fringe groups in England and other parts of Europe. Like in the movie, those groups create a sense of belonging and can target individuals who feel isolated in different aspects of their lives. In Tuesday's class, I enjoyed the ending activity. I had actually thought it was going to be one of those exercises where no one was the witch. However, seeing that there was actually a "witch" in the game demonstrated a different perspective to me which may have led those Salem residents who did not really believe in witchcraft to still get swept up in the hysteria over the tiniest of doubt that one may have possibly been in their midsts. For one of my classes, I went to the Best Maid Pickle Emporium and analyzed how they designed their store environment. It was funny to see all the different pickle-themed and flavored merchandise they sold. I was also surprised at how enthusiastic children and even some adults could get over those items (I am not a big fan of pickles). Finally, in my religion class, we watched a film over the shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina. I had heard about it before but only in passing. It was difficult to watch it without getting emotional (I didn't want to be that awkward person crying in class), but it helped me to understand the significant impact of that terrible night and the days that followed particularly in a city like Charleston that has such a complicated past.

Comments

  1. williams.dan76September 29, 2026 at 5:55 AM

    Thanks for this reflection on your various learning experiences. Various, but connected. At least I see some connection s between our class, your Guardian articles, a pickle emporium, and the most tragic shooting in South Carolina. All seem to touch on manipulating human responses, one way or another. I appreciate your holistic vision.

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