"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Neroli's Day Off; or Gimme Gimme Octopus

Today on my day off I thought I would return to writings about violence and the awareness of violence.
Somehow, while looking for a link about the Milgram experiment, I wound up watching videos from a Japanese children's TV show from the 60's.




My mind just works that way, sometimes, dear reader.
Doesn't it look like he cracked open a star pinata in the second video?
Hope you are having a great week---like a pinata, full of whatever is good to you.
(Fortune-cookie fortunes would be ever so lovely wafting down...)

12 comments:

Diane O'Connor said...

Oh too funny.... I want to get a bunch of people together and dress up in those outfits and run around like that! I'll be the red guy.

I have lots of neckties said...

I'd be interested in knowing your motivation for learning about Stanley Milgram's experiment. Can I assume you're not going to attempt something similar in your classroom??!?

Incidently, in the spirit of full disclosure I'll tell you that I read Milgram's Obedience to Authority several years ago and found it fascinating.

neroli said...

Diane, that is totally hilarious!...I'll be the squash!
*laughing*

Neckties, you can certainly assume that!
I really wanted a reference that documented how we can abdicate responsibilty, remain silent, and allow conditions for violence to take root and flourish...
I've never read the work you mentioned, but I would definitely like to.

I have lots of neckties said...

Is it my imagination, or is that one character emitting sounds like Flipper (the dolphin)?

neroli said...

Nope, it's not your imagination!
*laughing*

Pelicano said...

Madness! These actually remind me of the Kroft brothers' stuff! I recorded the opening theme though to use on a comp. :-)

I was forced to read about the Milgram experiment...and then about that other one with the "mock prison". Interesting. Thanks!

neroli said...

Pel, you are most welcome.
Those videos? I thought so too. It wouldn't have surprised me in the least to see H. R. Puffinstuff or the Mayor of Lidsville pop on out, and then clobber someone on the noggin :-D!

The Milgram experiment is one of those things that would have never been able to be done today; yet I'm glad that it was done then. It is incredibly informative---especially since the study's validity was proven in various locales and settings over time.
There's a link I found that had some audio of the Milgram experiment: I'll have to post it when I actually make the post that the information was meant for...

Pelicano said...

Still, this was an interesting post of dark against light.

neroli said...

Pel, thank you---I always learn from how you see things : )

Pelicano said...

Me too! :-D

captain corky said...

I think I'll stick to Gumby and Davy and Goliath for my 1960's children's programing. ;)

Hope you're having a good weekend Neroli!

neroli said...

Captain, I loved Gumby and Davey and Goliath!!!
BG grew up on Gumby videos from Blockbuster...now he watches them on YouTube :)
I'm having a great weekend, Captain, and wishing the same for you.
Today is jack-o-lantern carving day!