Teaching Violence?

At the risk of sounding like yet another disgruntled, victimized teacher, I would like to protest the movie “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” a story of three teens on a mission to kidnap, torture and then kill their teacher (Morning Report, Aug. 21).

I cannot fathom how, after the events in Denver, Paducah, Pearl, Springfield, et al, this blatant advocacy of solving school problems with violence and guns could be allowed to complete production.

Obviously, the people at Miramax do not appreciate what it feels like to walk into a public school in Anywhere, USA, (not to mention Los Angeles) with the thought that today, perhaps, one of your students might decide to pull a gun on you. Clearly, they do not understand how difficult it is to teach in a school environment often fraught with fear because of attitudes just like the ones portrayed in the film.

At best, this project is insensitive and irresponsible, but at worst--and let us hope that, in this case, life does not imitate bad art--it is a chilling affirmation to individuals who think that the coolest method to get your way at school is to pick up a gun. It is just this attitude that makes our schools a dangerous place, not only for teaching but for learning.

After every school shooting, people ask, “Why?” Perhaps the folks at Miramax should speak up and take some credit next time.

JENNIFER SOO

Teacher, LAUSD

Los Angeles

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As a 20-year veteran teaching professional, I become concerned for my safety when I learn about destructive movies such as this. Although I think the majority of my fifth-graders appreciate my efforts on their behalf, who knows? Must filmmakers offer problem-solving solutions grounded in retribution and murder? Each year I spend a greater percentage of my day teaching conflict resolution skills to children who have become adept at emotionally and physically abusing their peers.

BARBARA GETZOFF HUFF

Encino

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I admit I have yet to see the movie. Unfortunately, I now have to waste my money seeing it so that I’ll recognize any references to it or quotes from it by my students.

I shouldn’t be surprised by what I hear about it. Promoting hatred and violence has a long history in the film industry. I’m still disappointed when I find there are people who don’t give a @$#!% about the society they live in so long as they can make a few immediate dollars. Too bad there isn’t a way to redirect the violence they espouse so the fallout hits only the perpetrators.

VICKIE BURNS-SIKORA

Teacher, Westchester High School

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It seems like only yesterday that the Hollywood film industry pleaded that a sudden case of good sense and responsibility had overcome the group, giving some hope for self-control.

Then, as school resumes, here comes from Miramax, unable to control the profit urge, the film “Teaching Mrs. Tingle,” originally, it is reported, called “Killing Mrs. Tingle.” There is no light at the end of the tunnel. The industry is in total darkness.

R.W. TOLBERT

Long Beach