I have all of these topics I have been wanting to discuss: grading practices, holidays, weaving craftiness, minute meetings, scheduling. You know, professional topics that may aid in my professional and personal advancement. But alas, I slack.
Why? BECAUSE A MAN’S GUILT OR INNOCENCE DEPENDS ON ME. Well, not really. Or at all. But I am completely obsessed with an amazing podcast series. Undisclosed. It’s a new old podcast hinging on Serial, the podcast I was dutifully obsessed with last year. These podcasts follow the case of a young man who was sentenced to life in prison when he was 17 years old. It picks apart the case, the people involved, and the investigation of a young woman who was murdered in the late 90’s.
I’m serious though, it’s amazing. The voyeur in me is interested for the storyline, and -to be completely honest- intrusion into the lives of those involved. The mother in me weeps for the young woman’s family, especially when I imagine hearing so many details about the death of their loved one. The student in me is intrigued learning about the legal system and subtleties of society. The counselor in me ponders how this effects the life of a young person, wonders if Adnon was able to graduate, and winces for my students who have no idea how life can smack you in the face.
I would love to construct lessons around following the case through this medium. I think students could gain so much from diving into such human information, and see how convoluted the legal system can be. Even realize how much an argument, sources, and strategically placed words can make a difference in the outcome of just about anything. And it’s applicable to so much more than just isolated legal cases too- think about the implications that can be taught about decision making and multiple perspectives.
I highly encourage anyone to check it out! Take a look at the website, or get out your podcast app. It’s addicting, and considerably better for me than watching Real Housewives (not to say I am not keeping up, we all have our vices people). I have my opinions on the case, guilt, and/or innocence. But my interest lays less on that, and more on the intrinsic peephole view on real people and real tiny choices that have resulted in alterations for all parties involved for the rest of their lives. Though sometimes I feel a bit guilty hearing such intimate details about someone’s lives, as if I am exploiting them, but I try counteract that by really thinking of the material in a way that is not judgemental, but almost appreciative of the vulnerability of human living and our connected frailty. It’s kind of an anthropology hobbyist’s dream.
