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Professor Schmoe put up plenty of notices to help you remember that you’re having class on the grounds today, so errrrr… Hopefully you did remember. Was this wishful thinking? Mayhaps. It was unusual to have a Muggle Studies lesson outside, after all.
Anyway. Just as promised, Professor Schmoe is standing (in all his uncomfortable, noodle-y glory) by a large fire pit. Was that here before? Hmmm... The whiteboard surely wasn’t! That had come all the way from his classroom. While your professor is still quite twitchy (something he couldn't seem to shake after last term), he does look significantly less miserable than he had in previous times. Still a little miserable though - but then again, aren't we all?
Though the fire pit is not yet… fired up, there are 4 large tree trunks set up around it so that you could sit as you wait for class to begin. Finneas asks that you keep chatter to a minimum, but otherwise busies himself by reorganizing his small supply table. What could Finneas have in store for you today? Surely you weren't here to sing campfire songs... Though that could also be arranged. Care to join frog choir, anyone?
OOC: Hello, hello! AND WELCOME! We’re smudging some days around & saying this class is taking place the first week of school, so it’d be one of your first lessons with the Schmoemeister this term! While you’re here please take a look at the classroom rules (they’ve changed since last term). Annnnd I’ll post in about 24-28 hours to officially start the lesson.Lesson has STARTED, post as if you've been here all along.
"So dangerous," Nem agreed in a flat voice, and left it at that.
As the answers came in, they were about as oblivious to the few eyes that darted their way as they were bothered about the fact. Nem was more interested in watching for reactions to the board and answers in general, scrutinising each unhappy expression, bowed head, slumped set of shoulders, and everything else there was to see, filing it away to be picked apart later.
Nem had an inkling that this lesson was about to start moving into the realm of muggles, and they were soon proved right. That was when Schmoe lost them. Nem didn't care, they didn't care about muggles, never had, never would. No big deal; it was hardly as though that consideration was directed anywhere else, and it was not their disregard for muggles that had drawn them into the Neo-Alliance, though having an outlook that coincided with their tenets had only helped in earning Rosier's favour.
Fact of the matter was, Nem made the effort to learn about muggles for the very same reason they studied people in general. To play the game better than anyone, it was necessary to know what and who they were dealing with. They knew it was still a good idea to pay attention to this new question and the answers provided, but redoubled apathy hit them all at once like a curse to the face, and Nem drifted. They glanced down at Cambridge, then the unlit fire, before settling on fixing an empty stare somewhere off on the horizon.
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
Seeing Evan’s thumbs up and smile acknowledgement of her answer made Lisa puff her chest a little bit and wiggle in her seat. Good. She had gotten it right and done him proud
Professor Schmoe spoke again and Lisa nodded as she listened to him. She then jotted down a few things in her notebook to brush up on. His next question stumped her and gave her pause. She didn’t know how to entirely answer it so she opted to listen to the others responses. She liked the notion that Claudine brought up which was all centered around getting to know muggles and not assuming or basing things off rumours. She was such a big fan that she could have turned into an air conditioner ... I’ll see myself out.
She shot her hand up in the air to offer HER perspective. “I agree with Claudine about getting to know muggles instead of relying on rumors or hearsay...” she began. “I think how you move forward is you acknowledge said unconscious bias...” ohohoho she felt quite amused using such big words. Heh. “And we strive to understand their viewpoint. People may not agree with it. That’s fine... I guess not cool but fine.... but there needs to be an understanding at least”.
“Buuuut easier said than done I’m sure...” And she bit her lip from refraining to relate the situation to V and Daniel’s earlier outburst. She was so so tempted but she saw what happened to Atlas....
Mamie had to squint to see the writing on the board. Was that everything everyone had put as things people assumed about them? All she could really make out were the ones in big block letters, like "traitor", "not potty trained", "evil spawn", "arrogant", and "condescending."
None of those seemed like very good things to think about people.
She fidgeted on her log, trying to bunch her robes underneath to make it a bit more cushioned. She knew people assumed she was stupid, because her brothers told her. She wondered how other people knew. Did people tell them, too? Or were they just basing it off how people treated them? She didn't think she'd be able to tell if people were treating her like she was stupid. She didn't really have anything to compare to, like how they'd treat her if they thought she was smart. Was she smart? Mamie didn't really know.
And then Schmoe was indeed getting to the meat and potatoes of the class. And talking all about last term. She fidgeted even more. Did they have to talk about this? Could they just...not? She realized she'd been nibbling on her fingernails, chipping the nail polish, and shoved her hands under her legs.
Wait.
No, she couldn't raise her hand if she was sitting on it. Ummm. She sat on her hands for a few more moments, sort of listening to the others' replies. Then she pulled her left hand free and raised it in the air. "We can learn things from Muggles, but not if we assume they're stupid," she said. "And we can be friends and have fun with Muggles, but not if we assume they're dangerous."
"Like some others said, getting to know someone can help overcome your first impressions or assumptions."
She was glad Alfie had moved. LOVELY. GOODBYE, TRAITOR. Hmph. She still had Serena. And she quickly opened her notebook to scribble a note under the one about getting revenge on Daniel. Thank you for being a good and loyal friend.
HA!
She supposed Professor Schmoe had a point. You didn't want to box yourself in and stuff by only allowing yourself to BE what others thought you were. V just thought sometimes...embracing your bad stuff was a way to STICK IT TO THE MAN! However, HER assumption, the crybaby thing, wasn't really something she wanted to embrace. She reaaaally needed to get a handle on that. Her mother, for sure, would probably be writing her soon about how disappointing it was that she was just crying all the time. Sigh.
SO THIS WAS THE CONNECTION! To the muggles! Ahhh! It all made SENSE. V thought for a moment and listened to some of the other people answer first.
"I think it's important becaaaaaause muggles are people, too, and if you hate an entire group of people you're POTENTIALLY missing out on POTENTIAL HUSBANDS. Or wives." Victoria nodded, knowing in her heart that this was the TRUEST answer of them all. She was like, twelve and all. So she knew things, all right? And one day she would grow up, find a handsome bloke and mARRY HIM unlike what her parents had done - which was have other kids first then sort of live together until accidentally having THREE MORE kids and never actually getting married.
Her family was great! But like...Victoria wanted to be NORMAL when she was an adult. Normal. Married. Kids. Happiness. LIFE. Death.
__________________
"You can justify anything if you do it poetically enough."
Roman Gellar ● 1st Year ● Slytherin
Baguette | there is no D in my name | TRAITORclaw | Queenie of Narnia
Ivy shifted a little uncomfortably in her seat now the topic finally connected to Muggle Studies and what had happened last term. It had seemed likely that this was where it was going, but at least it was there now, and it made some sense.
She raised her hand. "It's already harmful enough to be stuck on an assumption you've made about an individual person," she said. "But then to expand it to cover an entire group of people it becomes even worse. Because if you think they're all the same, then it's easier to think they're less human than you are. And that obviously leads to bad things." As they had all witnessed... "And one of the ways to prevent that is to find common ground with other people, like Muggles. To be open to other perspectives and understanding how they view the world and why."
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if we fall, we will fall together; and when we rise, we will rise together__________________♥♥♥♥ together we are dangerous; together with our differences; together we are bolder, braver, stronger
Valentina shifted slightly in her seat. Talking about the previous term was going to be uncomfortable, to say the least. She looked down at her feet for a few moments as a few of her classmates gave their answers. The gryffindor tucked her blonde hair behind her ears before raising a hand.
"Becaaaause making stupid assumptions about people you don't know or don't bother to get to know is just.. pointless!! We can move forward by just talking to them?? By being friends with them!" if that made sense. Because they were people too!
Jedi Master•General Iroh•Java Junkie• King ♛ Stefan •Mycroft Holmes•Dragon Lord•Druid Boy
Noah grinned back at the professor, noting his empathy towards him. To be honest, it felt wonderful to be understood and just... be heard for once and not question further. Just then he'd caught the look of a first year Slytherin, and then looked at the board. Noah had a brow raised at her, questioning her subtlety and judgment. Did he care? Not really. She's just a kid, and most of them are annoying anyway.
The Gryffindor took a moment to hear what the others felt when people made assumptions about them, and he did agree with Upstead's answer. The question was, did they want to be understood? Because there were people who are actually detached and don't care at all, which makes the problem even harder.
"Assumptions are harmful because it can cause that person unnecessary anxiety, and it can be deeply ingrained in their mind, and eventually make it their reality. It's like you're purposefully making a good apple into a bad one, because words-- bad ones, are powerful and is a potent source of brainwashing someone, especially if they aren't even sure of themselves." Noah sat back on his hands, stretching one leg out in front of him. "I mean, look, we all have instincts, right? It's not perfect, that's for sure, but if you don't think you can vibe with somebody after talking to them, then just... leave them be and move along. Most of the time they'd share the same sentiment, anyway. Mind your own business, and keep the peace." Was it really so hard to do?
And this is the very reason why he thinks it's hurtful to be called detached when all he was trying to do was to be respectful.
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"It didn't go quite as planned." | The Underground Studio Translation: I may have caused irreversible damage on a monumental scale.
lives in a hobbit hole || Ern and Touz's Nuzzle || roflysst || looking at a seed packet
Could Schmoe be any more long-winded? He was slowly getting to a point, but that point could easily be covered in less than a half page of reading any first year muggle studies text book and not involve sitting out here in yet another attempt at a group kumbaya moment. If she were engaging she would speak on fear and the unknown being contributors towards some assumptions that people often had about other groups, but it felt like a waste of time even if she had been inclined to speak up, which she wasn't even at the best of times. Instead, Pax didn't even look up from the book on her knee. At least she could get some studying done.
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love is like a letter wrote :: and life is like an envelope
be careful who you give it to :: they might not give it back to you
Otter This World ♡ Catpurrccino ♡ Slotherin ♡ Pandamonium
Dahlia nodded. That was it. Perspectives. It was a better way of putting it than she had. She might be an avid reader and a wonderful listener but words weren't her thing. Putting them together in a way that always made the best sense, that is. Sometimes when she talked the words tended to get all jumbled up on the way out and made no sense. It always sounded so much better in her own head.
As Professor Schmoe cleared all the assumptions off the board, Lia felt a little bit better not having to see them anymore. Kinda like, out of sight, out of mind. Only not really as they were still discussing the same topic. Except muggles were being added into it. She should've known. Somehow, she should've known.
Shifting uncomfortably, the second year chewed at her bottom lip as she tried not to think about everything that had been taught last year in their classes. She knew it wasn't true, the things they had been taught. None of it had been fair. Lia raised her hand when it was her turn. "Assumptions just aren't fair. No one likes when they are made about them so why should we make them about anyone else? Everyone deserves to be met with a clean sleet, exactly like how you wiped all of the assumptions off of the board. A fresh start. A do over. Call it whatever you like." she paused for a breath. "All anyone wants is to be treated the same. With respect and like an equal."
With her little rant finished she slumped down on the log staring off into the fire less fire pit. It was a new term for them. A chance for them all to try to move forward as difficult as they may be.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Bread!
Rhibear ~ Madam Solo ~ Dark Brooding Girl ~ Accio Jedi ~ Gryffinclaw ~ Just a doll
Heath was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the nod from Schmoe or really anything else until the professor spoke again. Wasn't it obvious what the dangers of assumptions were? all assumptions did was breed division and oppression. Every person who'd been here last term had seen it firsthand! Visceral anger roiled within him, not at anyone here, but at all they'd endured last term because of one man's assumptions.
Normally Heath was cautious about answering in class, but this time his hand shot up. "Once one starts down that path of making assumptions, it's easy to build on it," he said. "Maybe it starts with stereotyping a specific group of people, such as muggles. Then those assumptions get applied to people descended from said group, then eventually to anyone associated with that group, no matter how tangentially until… it never ends!" His voice trailed off and he blinked, shocked at the impassioned speech he just gave.*
Taking a deep breath, he returned to his usual quiet, matter-of-fact tone as he answered the other part of the question, "I think the best way to move beyond it is to educate yourself and others. Instead of relying on assumptions about people, learn from them, and share what you know with others so that those stereotypes can die."
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Old voices I had thought long since dead whisper of another life I might have led If I could take that second chance, If I could make my life anew, If only dreams came true...
Alfred sat in silence and simply took notes with an ambiguous expression on his face. He was too angry to speak. Reading over the other assumptions on the board, he fought a laugh when he reached the crybaby one. That was so obviously V. That seemed to cheer him up a bit. Despite that, listening to Schmoe talk about the last term solemnised him slightly. He was glad he didn't attend Hogwarts then; it sounded terrible. He raised his hand before offering his answer.
"It may lead us to behave irrationally." Just like Lisa, he fought the urge to bring Daniel and V into this. It made so much sense, but he didn't particularly want to join them in the office.
doesn't proofread tweets | #wrongaboutcereal | #siriusly? | emo to the extremo
SPOILER!!: Individual Replies
SPOILER!!: Gemma
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazinga
"Making assumptions about anyone muggle or not is not allowing yourself to get to know someone and really finding what they are about. People are more than stereotypes and we as people should always give chances to show that. If you just think about the assumptions you could really loose out on a friendship that could have been or finding someone that could have really helped you or you help them in some way." She had been always taught to respect and be kind to everyone, to always give chances before judging.
Thinking about the rest and how they get past that Gemma was at a loss. How did you get past everything that happened last term, but she put her hand up again and talked a little softer. "I think getting past that is going to be hard. I mean there was so much hurt and loss, but in time healing can happen and hopefully people will have learned from history so it doesn't happen again, it can't happen again." She bit her lip and tried to focus on something else, anything else.
Finneas agreed with his whole heart and conveyed as much of that as he could through a singular look. He was never able to hold eye contact for terribly long, but never let it be said that he didn't try. "Learning from is an excellent start," he agreed with a twitchy bob of the head.
SPOILER!!: Claudine
Quote:
Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19
Claudine dully watched Schmoe erase all those assumptions. If there was one good thing about this lesson, it was that she already wanted to work hard to stop judging others. It was easier said than done, given the fact she’d been judging for as long as she could remember. Right now, Claudine could draw the link between the curriculum of last term and Rosier who was probably the most judgemental of all. Woops. There she went, judging again.
“Well, for starters, any negative assumptions could bring on another war,’’ the sixth year volunteered, lowering her hand after she began to speak. “Those assumptions could be avoided by we, ourselves getting to know Muggles rather than relying on the hearsay of others.”
Schmoe nodded slowly, the reminder, it was true. Though that didn't make it any less difficult. "Avoiding taking another's word and investigating the truth for ourselves.." He echoed her sentiments, agreeing with the suggestion.
SPOILER!!: Evan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chelliephone
Hearing Lisa's response to the previous question, and the mention of their mum, Evan did glanced her way. He smiled encouragingly when she looked his way, as if confirming that she'd said it all right - which she had so he gave her a subtle nod and a small thumbs up. Eomma would be pleased that she had remembered all of that.
Moving onto the next question, this was one Evan was willing to offer a response too. He raised his hand and waited to be called on. "It's important to not make assumptions, especially on an entire specific group of people, because then you miss out on learning opportunities. There are so many things that are different between the muggle world and the wizarding world, and I think it's important that we know both because knowledge is power. When we make assumptions we close ourselves off to people and what they can teach us." And what others could teach you could prove to be valuable, something he was learning more and more.
He took a brief pause before offering an answer to the second question as well. "I think... in terms of moving forward, one of the most important things is remembering. We have to remember it happened so that we know warning signs for the future, and prevent ourselves from joining in mass assumptions, like against an entire group like the muggles, or even to stop ourselves from making assumptions about individuals."
Finneas offered Mr. Nam a small smile for his thoughtful contribution. "The learning opportunities are ample, aren't they?" They could learn plenty in a classroom, but even that was limited. To experience it was something else entirely.
As for the second part of his answer, Finneas simply offered a strong nod in agreement. There wasn't much else to add, but he did linger for a moment longer, in hopes that the sentiment would truly sink in for everyone in class.
SPOILER!!: Misa
Quote:
Originally Posted by LilFox06
"I would think nobody would have to." Misa said shifting uncomfortably. "People should know enough of a variety of people where they know that any judgments and predispositions are wrong."
"Even so, a reminder can never hurt," he offered, not unkindly.
SPOILER!!: Violet
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadAlice
Violet listened to the replies of her fellow students, thinking about what they all said. Of course, the main emphasis was on negative assumptions, but you could make wrong assumptions the other way, too.
"You can make false positive assumptions as well, and those can be equally dangerous. When I was growing up, my family would never talk about or have anything to do with anything Muggle, and that made me develop a kind of fascination with them. I thought my family was just prejudiced and that Muggles were all wonderful.
Then I met some...rather unpleasant Muggles, which got me in a lot of trouble. And for a while I thought that my family was right and I didn't want anything to do with Muggles. But now I realize--Muggles are just people, like Wizards. They can be good, or bad, or anywhere in between. You just have to judge everyone by what they say and, most importantly, what they do, and make your own evaluations."
Violet sat back, a little startled at herself for uncharacteristically revealing so much personal information.
Finneas looked Violet's way with thoughtful curiosity. He remembered when she had come to his office to speak to him on this very subject. It was, in part, what had kept him so worried about her this previous term.
He nodded simply, "making our own evaluations rather than relying upon what is said by the masses can do us a world of good." Yes, he very much agreed. Especially in the notion of action over words. People showed you who they were if you paid attention.
SPOILER!!: Phoebe
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cassirin
Phoebe really wished they were spending time learning about the many crazy ways that Muggles used spoons. Or maybe how Muggle bathrooms worked. That seemed like a super fun and harmless way to spend the term, rather than this emotional trauma. Schmoe obviously meant well, but Phoebe wasn't sure why he felt like he had to absolve their misdeeds singlehandedly. Wait, not their misdeeds. The students hadn't done anything wrong.
"Uh... professor? Maybe it's bad to go in with assumptions because it keeps you from really understanding Muggles or getting to know them. And then all that exists between us and them is misunderstanding and distrust, and then people do things that are crazy."
Maybe they'd speak of spoons next time! Who knows? Not Schmoe. Jk. He knew. There was a curriculum for the year, heh. They weren't going to spend the whole time on this. Schmoe could not handle that, probably.
Uh.
AnYwAy. He hummed in agreement, wiggling a finger. "Misunderstanding and distrust are never good precursors to any relationship." He offered her a small smile.
SPOILER!!: Nemesis
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
"So dangerous," Nem agreed in a flat voice, and left it at that.
As the answers came in, they were about as oblivious to the few eyes that darted their way as they were bothered about the fact. Nem was more interested in watching for reactions to the board and answers in general, scrutinising each unhappy expression, bowed head, slumped set of shoulders, and everything else there was to see, filing it away to be picked apart later.
Nem had an inkling that this lesson was about to start moving into the realm of muggles, and they were soon proved right. That was when Schmoe lost them. Nem didn't care, they didn't care about muggles, never had, never would. No big deal; it was hardly as though that consideration was directed anywhere else, and it was not their disregard for muggles that had drawn them into the Neo-Alliance, though having an outlook that coincided with their tenets had only helped in earning Rosier's favour.
Fact of the matter was, Nem made the effort to learn about muggles for the very same reason they studied people in general. To play the game better than anyone, it was necessary to know what and who they were dealing with. They knew it was still a good idea to pay attention to this new question and the answers provided, but redoubled apathy hit them all at once like a curse to the face, and Nem drifted. They glanced down at Cambridge, then the unlit fire, before settling on fixing an empty stare somewhere off on the horizon.
........
Finneas looked in Nem's general vicinity, pausing a beat or two. Never knowing when there would be an answer coming, never knowing what to expect. Er. AnYwAy. Maybe next round.
SPOILER!!: Lisa
Quote:
Originally Posted by Watson
Seeing Evan’s thumbs up and smile acknowledgement of her answer made Lisa puff her chest a little bit and wiggle in her seat. Good. She had gotten it right and done him proud
Professor Schmoe spoke again and Lisa nodded as she listened to him. She then jotted down a few things in her notebook to brush up on. His next question stumped her and gave her pause. She didn’t know how to entirely answer it so she opted to listen to the others responses. She liked the notion that Claudine brought up which was all centered around getting to know muggles and not assuming or basing things off rumours. She was such a big fan that she could have turned into an air conditioner ... I’ll see myself out.
She shot her hand up in the air to offer HER perspective. “I agree with Claudine about getting to know muggles instead of relying on rumors or hearsay...” she began. “I think how you move forward is you acknowledge said unconscious bias...” ohohoho she felt quite amused using such big words. Heh. “And we strive to understand their viewpoint. People may not agree with it. That’s fine... I guess not cool but fine.... but there needs to be an understanding at least”.
“Buuuut easier said than done I’m sure...” And she bit her lip from refraining to relate the situation to V and Daniel’s earlier outburst. She was so so tempted but she saw what happened to Atlas....
Finneas offered the young ravenclaw what was meant to be an encouraging smile. "Well said, Ms. Nam." Finneas really had nothing to add. But he did appreciate her engagement. He also noticed the exchange between the siblings and it did warm his heart.
SPOILER!!: Mamie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Waddles
Mamie had to squint to see the writing on the board. Was that everything everyone had put as things people assumed about them? All she could really make out were the ones in big block letters, like "traitor", "not potty trained", "evil spawn", "arrogant", and "condescending."
None of those seemed like very good things to think about people.
She fidgeted on her log, trying to bunch her robes underneath to make it a bit more cushioned. She knew people assumed she was stupid, because her brothers told her. She wondered how other people knew. Did people tell them, too? Or were they just basing it off how people treated them? She didn't think she'd be able to tell if people were treating her like she was stupid. She didn't really have anything to compare to, like how they'd treat her if they thought she was smart. Was she smart? Mamie didn't really know.
And then Schmoe was indeed getting to the meat and potatoes of the class. And talking all about last term. She fidgeted even more. Did they have to talk about this? Could they just...not? She realized she'd been nibbling on her fingernails, chipping the nail polish, and shoved her hands under her legs.
Wait.
No, she couldn't raise her hand if she was sitting on it. Ummm. She sat on her hands for a few more moments, sort of listening to the others' replies. Then she pulled her left hand free and raised it in the air. "We can learn things from Muggles, but not if we assume they're stupid," she said. "And we can be friends and have fun with Muggles, but not if we assume they're dangerous."
"Like some others said, getting to know someone can help overcome your first impressions or assumptions."
Finneas offered Mamie a small smile. "Right on the nose, Ms. Turov." She really was. Right on the monaaaaay. First impressions could be overcome by overriding them with other impressions. Hm?
SPOILER!!: Victoria
Quote:
Originally Posted by kayquilz
She was glad Alfie had moved. LOVELY. GOODBYE, TRAITOR. Hmph. She still had Serena. And she quickly opened her notebook to scribble a note under the one about getting revenge on Daniel. Thank you for being a good and loyal friend.
HA!
She supposed Professor Schmoe had a point. You didn't want to box yourself in and stuff by only allowing yourself to BE what others thought you were. V just thought sometimes...embracing your bad stuff was a way to STICK IT TO THE MAN! However, HER assumption, the crybaby thing, wasn't really something she wanted to embrace. She reaaaally needed to get a handle on that. Her mother, for sure, would probably be writing her soon about how disappointing it was that she was just crying all the time. Sigh.
SO THIS WAS THE CONNECTION! To the muggles! Ahhh! It all made SENSE. V thought for a moment and listened to some of the other people answer first.
"I think it's important becaaaaaause muggles are people, too, and if you hate an entire group of people you're POTENTIALLY missing out on POTENTIAL HUSBANDS. Or wives." Victoria nodded, knowing in her heart that this was the TRUEST answer of them all. She was like, twelve and all. So she knew things, all right? And one day she would grow up, find a handsome bloke and mARRY HIM unlike what her parents had done - which was have other kids first then sort of live together until accidentally having THREE MORE kids and never actually getting married.
Her family was great! But like...Victoria wanted to be NORMAL when she was an adult. Normal. Married. Kids. Happiness. LIFE. Death.
..........................
Well.
That was. Er. One way to think about it.
.............. He supposed.
"Er.... Yes, you could, perhaps, miss out on meeting new ..... friends." He would leave it at friends. But. Er. Husbands and wives too. Though this wasn't entirely the point.
SPOILER!!: Ivy
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl
Ivy shifted a little uncomfortably in her seat now the topic finally connected to Muggle Studies and what had happened last term. It had seemed likely that this was where it was going, but at least it was there now, and it made some sense.
She raised her hand. "It's already harmful enough to be stuck on an assumption you've made about an individual person," she said. "But then to expand it to cover an entire group of people it becomes even worse. Because if you think they're all the same, then it's easier to think they're less human than you are. And that obviously leads to bad things." As they had all witnessed... "And one of the ways to prevent that is to find common ground with other people, like Muggles. To be open to other perspectives and understanding how they view the world and why."
Finneas offered a prideful sort of smile to Ms. Grimm. This was the big answer for the day. "Yes, by stereotyping an entire group, we are indeed taking away an element of humanity." Though he hoped people were paying attention in general, this one was something he hoped people heard.
SPOILER!!: Valentina
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady of Light
Valentina shifted slightly in her seat. Talking about the previous term was going to be uncomfortable, to say the least. She looked down at her feet for a few moments as a few of her classmates gave their answers. The gryffindor tucked her blonde hair behind her ears before raising a hand.
"Becaaaause making stupid assumptions about people you don't know or don't bother to get to know is just.. pointless!! We can move forward by just talking to them?? By being friends with them!" if that made sense. Because they were people too!
Finneas smiled at this one's passionate answer. His eyes might've even twinkled a little bit. "Pointless, indeed!" He bobbed his head.
SPOILER!!: Noah
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefan
Noah grinned back at the professor, noting his empathy towards him. To be honest, it felt wonderful to be understood and just... be heard for once and not question further. Just then he'd caught the look of a first year Slytherin, and then looked at the board. Noah had a brow raised at her, questioning her subtlety and judgment. Did he care? Not really. She's just a kid, and most of them are annoying anyway.
The Gryffindor took a moment to hear what the others felt when people made assumptions about them, and he did agree with Upstead's answer. The question was, did they want to be understood? Because there were people who are actually detached and don't care at all, which makes the problem even harder.
"Assumptions are harmful because it can cause that person unnecessary anxiety, and it can be deeply ingrained in their mind, and eventually make it their reality. It's like you're purposefully making a good apple into a bad one, because words-- bad ones, are powerful and is a potent source of brainwashing someone, especially if they aren't even sure of themselves." Noah sat back on his hands, stretching one leg out in front of him. "I mean, look, we all have instincts, right? It's not perfect, that's for sure, but if you don't think you can vibe with somebody after talking to them, then just... leave them be and move along. Most of the time they'd share the same sentiment, anyway. Mind your own business, and keep the peace." Was it really so hard to do?
And this is the very reason why he thinks it's hurtful to be called detached when all he was trying to do was to be respectful.
Finneas appreciated the answer Noah offered up and once again found himself nodding along as the Gryffindor explained. "It isn't likely that we will get along with everyone we meet, but you're quite right, Mr. Mordaunt. We can make the responsible choice, rather than inflicting harm."
SPOILER!!: Pax
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tegz
Could Schmoe be any more long-winded? He was slowly getting to a point, but that point could easily be covered in less than a half page of reading any first year muggle studies text book and not involve sitting out here in yet another attempt at a group kumbaya moment. If she were engaging she would speak on fear and the unknown being contributors towards some assumptions that people often had about other groups, but it felt like a waste of time even if she had been inclined to speak up, which she wasn't even at the best of times. Instead, Pax didn't even look up from the book on her knee. At least she could get some studying done.
Finneas wasn't sure what to do about Ms. Upstead, to be quite honest. The only Upstead that did not unnerve him was Ezra. Er. He paused when his gaze fell upon Pax, as if silently deciding whether or not to ask her to put the book away. But. Er. He figured she would hopefully tuck it away for their final activity. Maybe then he would say something.
SPOILER!!: Dahlia
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyander
Dahlia nodded. That was it. Perspectives. It was a better way of putting it than she had. She might be an avid reader and a wonderful listener but words weren't her thing. Putting them together in a way that always made the best sense, that is. Sometimes when she talked the words tended to get all jumbled up on the way out and made no sense. It always sounded so much better in her own head.
As Professor Schmoe cleared all the assumptions off the board, Lia felt a little bit better not having to see them anymore. Kinda like, out of sight, out of mind. Only not really as they were still discussing the same topic. Except muggles were being added into it. She should've known. Somehow, she should've known.
Shifting uncomfortably, the second year chewed at her bottom lip as she tried not to think about everything that had been taught last year in their classes. She knew it wasn't true, the things they had been taught. None of it had been fair. Lia raised her hand when it was her turn. "Assumptions just aren't fair. No one likes when they are made about them so why should we make them about anyone else? Everyone deserves to be met with a clean sleet, exactly like how you wiped all of the assumptions off of the board. A fresh start. A do over. Call it whatever you like." she paused for a breath. "All anyone wants is to be treated the same. With respect and like an equal."
With her little rant finished she slumped down on the log staring off into the fire less fire pit. It was a new term for them. A chance for them all to try to move forward as difficult as they may be.
Finneas wasn't entirely aware of the discomfort, but he knew it would be present in some capacity. He had anticipated there would be discomfort and even resistance. "Well said, Ms. Donovan." He agreed with a knowing smile. Though, he wouldn't say much more because this led them into their next activity quite well.
SPOILER!!: Heath
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadMadamMalfoy
Heath was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the nod from Schmoe or really anything else until the professor spoke again. Wasn't it obvious what the dangers of assumptions were? all assumptions did was breed division and oppression. Every person who'd been here last term had seen it firsthand! Visceral anger roiled within him, not at anyone here, but at all they'd endured last term because of one man's assumptions.
Normally Heath was cautious about answering in class, but this time his hand shot up. "Once one starts down that path of making assumptions, it's easy to build on it," he said. "Maybe it starts with stereotyping a specific group of people, such as muggles. Then those assumptions get applied to people descended from said group, then eventually to anyone associated with that group, no matter how tangentially until… it never ends!" His voice trailed off and he blinked, shocked at the impassioned speech he just gave.*
Taking a deep breath, he returned to his usual quiet, matter-of-fact tone as he answered the other part of the question, "I think the best way to move beyond it is to educate yourself and others. Instead of relying on assumptions about people, learn from them, and share what you know with others so that those stereotypes can die."
Finneas was surprised to see Heath offering up an answer and made sure to offer him enough space to do so. "Education is the strongest weapon we can weild." That's why he had started teaching, though lately... He was battling with his own doubt.
SPOILER!!: Alfred
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dumblydor
Alfred sat in silence and simply took notes with an ambiguous expression on his face. He was too angry to speak. Reading over the other assumptions on the board, he fought a laugh when he reached the crybaby one. That was so obviously V. That seemed to cheer him up a bit. Despite that, listening to Schmoe talk about the last term solemnised him slightly. He was glad he didn't attend Hogwarts then; it sounded terrible. He raised his hand before offering his answer.
"It may lead us to behave irrationally." Just like Lisa, he fought the urge to bring Daniel and V into this. It made so much sense, but he didn't particularly want to join them in the office.
Finneas bobbed his head and offered a simple nod. "It often times does, yes," he agreed wholeheartedly.
Finneas waited to make sure there weren't any others who wanted to speak on the subject and once he confirmed as much, he slipped a hand into his pocket. "For the rest of class, I will splitting you up into pairs. I'd like you and your partner to come up with a list of assumptions or stereotypes that wizards attribute to muggles." He took a deeeeep breath before continuing. His bones still ached. "Write each of these assumptions down on slips of paper," he raised a bucket off the table, in it were special slips of parchment. "And then ball them up and toss them into the fire."
What fire? Oh, yes, this fire.
He pointed his wand to the firepit and set it alight. "As we watch our assumptions burn away, try envisioning the same thing happening within ourselves. And, er, once you've done that, I have supplies for s'mores on the table. Make yourselves some delicious graham cracker, chocolate, marshmallow nibbles, if you'd like." He wouldn't force them to eat the snacks, that would be silly. Schmoe was anything but silly, of course. Of CoUrSe.
OOC: Hihi, thanks for sticking with us, friends! This is our LAST bit of class. You'll have until the end of the lesson to do this activity aka until May 16 2PM EST (or maybe a little later).
For the sake of ease (and to switch things up for some variety, please partner up with whoever has posted before you! (Unless they have already been claimed, of course) - Schmoe has likely counted off, so partners would be pretty random anyway. If you won't have the time to partner up with someone, you can go the npc route, ofc.
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Lemon!
~ Mrs. Steve Harrington ~ It be like that sometimes.
Interesting ideas by her classmates, some of them. Claudine supposed she could use some of those suggestions to better herself. For that reason, a few of them remained tucked safely in her brain.
And they were moving on!
To partnering up…
This sixth year was not impressed by that, Schmoe. The activity in general, however, was one that she could get behind. Even the part with the snack as she’d be making herself some s'mores later over the fire that her awkward professor had created magically.
“Partner?’’ Claudine asked at random, her attention mainly focused on retrieving paper from one of her books.
partner anybody? you'll need to lightly tap his head to reboot.
Who Am I? Ern's 2460FUN
Look, Schmoe. My man. Kale really appreciated the spirit of what the man was trying to achieve, and the fact that somehow he'd folded snacks into the lesson, but man this topic was a bummer. It felt like the school existing, being the vessel for all of their trauma, was bad enough. Teachers driving home the horror of last term was tough, too.
And it made him sad.
And thinking about Muggles made him think about that one particular Muggle. The green light.
Kale felt his insides wilt. His eyes lowered and he sorta drifted...
Ash thought for a second. "Some people haven't ever met a muggle. Any assumptions formed on a group you have never interacted with are likely to be wrong. And even if you met a few, that doesn't mean much about the whole group. You should just think of every muggle as a separate person, just like not all of us are the same. And um... recognize what they have that we don't, like technology and stuff like that. And that they are people just like us." She liked her answer. Muggles were just as special and individual and smart as wizards were. Just as human. "Anybody wanna partner up?"
YesJess! | Captain Goggles | Mama Badger | Eva's Soul Sister | An OG™ | It's all in the Numbers
Apollo looked over the list of assumptions on the board and just stared quietly at them. Some seemed more serious than others but as a whole, there was a certain feeling that swept over the second year. Because they were judgments and this class was just a hard class, okay. Especially after the term they all endured last year. Could they just get to the s'mores please? "People just like to ... assume things without actually getting to know someone. Perhaps because it's the easier route to make snap judgments, but it's also hurtful." He was too young to have to face all this, really.
Especially moving on to the next question about assumptions and stereotypes about muggles. "Maybe trying to actually be engaged in muggle activities and speaking with muggles to listen, really listen to them for what they want."
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrocat
Ash thought for a second. "Some people haven't ever met a muggle. Any assumptions formed on a group you have never interacted with are likely to be wrong. And even if you met a few, that doesn't mean much about the whole group. You should just think of every muggle as a separate person, just like not all of us are the same. And um... recognize what they have that we don't, like technology and stuff like that. And that they are people just like us." She liked her answer. Muggles were just as special and individual and smart as wizards were. Just as human. "Anybody wanna partner up?"
List of assumptions that wizards attributed to muggles. That was easy. It was basically everything they learned last year. Apollo looked to his assigned partner from the counting off and smiled in recognition. "Hey Ashley. Feeling better?" It was in response to their few encounters last term when she'd been cowering, of course, but looking back it was all quite reasonable behavior. Taking some of the parchment, he considered some of what they learned last year. "I guess one of the assumptions is that muggles are stupid and don't deserve to exist because they can't do magic."
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___________________You should take your littlefinger and just point it in the mirror. ________________________________________Baby, maybe you're the problem✯
Finneas waited to make sure there weren't any others who wanted to speak on the subject and once he confirmed as much, he slipped a hand into his pocket. "For the rest of class, I will splitting you up into pairs. I'd like you and your partner to come up with a list of assumptions or stereotypes that wizards attribute to muggles." He took a deeeeep breath before continuing. His bones still ached. "Write each of these assumptions down on slips of paper," he raised a bucket off the table, in it were special slips of parchment. "And then ball them up and toss them into the fire."
...
He pointed his wand to the firepit and set it alight. "As we watch our assumptions burn away, try envisioning the same thing happening within ourselves. And, er, once you've done that, I have supplies for s'mores on the table. Make yourselves some delicious graham cracker, chocolate, marshmallow nibbles, if you'd like."
Violet looked over at the girl she was supposed to pair with, Misa Courant--a fellow fourth year, for a change. Violet felt like she was always being paired with a younger or an older student. Of course, since she'd missed that year, she was older than a fourth year ought to be.
"Well," Violet said, picking up a fistful of papers to write on, "shall we do this?"
Sardine VIP || Shark Attack! || D A R T E R || Captain Oblivious
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadAlice
Violet looked over at the girl she was supposed to pair with, Misa Courant--a fellow fourth year, for a change. Violet felt like she was always being paired with a younger or an older student. Of course, since she'd missed that year, she was older than a fourth year ought to be.
"Well," Violet said, picking up a fistful of papers to write on, "shall we do this?"
Misa nodded at her partner. "Are these lessons usually this sad?" she asked. Or was it the fact that this was muggle studies after a year all of Europe was... muggle cleansing.
"Magical people tend to assume the muggle way of doing things is wrong." She tried not to make a face but knew it was impossible. Anyone that had had a freshly baked muggle French bread knew that that was not at all true.
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I'll Spend Forever Wondering If You Knew__________________________________ _____________________________________________I Was Enchanted To Meet You
Apollo looked over the list of assumptions on the board and just stared quietly at them. Some seemed more serious than others but as a whole, there was a certain feeling that swept over the second year. Because they were judgments and this class was just a hard class, okay. Especially after the term they all endured last year. Could they just get to the s'mores please? "People just like to ... assume things without actually getting to know someone. Perhaps because it's the easier route to make snap judgments, but it's also hurtful." He was too young to have to face all this, really.
Especially moving on to the next question about assumptions and stereotypes about muggles. "Maybe trying to actually be engaged in muggle activities and speaking with muggles to listen, really listen to them for what they want."
List of assumptions that wizards attributed to muggles. That was easy. It was basically everything they learned last year. Apollo looked to his assigned partner from the counting off and smiled in recognition. "Hey Ashley. Feeling better?" It was in response to their few encounters last term when she'd been cowering, of course, but looking back it was all quite reasonable behavior. Taking some of the parchment, he considered some of what they learned last year. "I guess one of the assumptions is that muggles are stupid and don't deserve to exist because they can't do magic."
Ash smiled at Apollo. It was good that she had a partner, and easier because this lesson did not involve risk-taking or exploding anything without permission. "Feeling better." Truth. It was a low, low bar. So not feeling good. Never feeling good. But not feeling like she had to hide if she wanted to live. "I would also put down that technology is inferior to magic and that it's okay to hate muggles because some of them are against us. Also that they have nothing to contribute to society." Ridiculous. Muggles contributed so much. Especially in terms of fashion. "ummm... what else... that people related to muggles aren't real witches or wizards, and squibs are less-than as well. If you can think of anything else, let me know." This was a very productive activity. And it involved s'mores. Yay.
Misa nodded at her partner. [b]"Are these lessons usually this sad?"
"No, actually Professor Schmoe's classes are usually kind of...goofy fun," Violet replied. "It's just that after that battle here at school at the end of the last term...people got hurt, and some even died."
Quote:
Originally Posted by LilFox06
"Magical people tend to assume the muggle way of doing things is wrong."
Violet nodded her head. "Yes, that's good. Write that down," she said. Then she thought of one of her own. "People assume that just because Muggles don't have magic that they can't be a threat." Violet remembered those newscasts of Muggle warfare, the computerized missiles and robot planes, and the bombs. If a group of Muggles wanted to take out a Wizarding stronghold with one of those, Violet wasn't sure any magic could stop it.
How come no one has claimed this little potato/Kale?
Made of Awesome | Ern-la the Best-wa | TZ's Apogee
Quote:
Originally Posted by pundantic
Look, Schmoe. My man. Kale really appreciated the spirit of what the man was trying to achieve, and the fact that somehow he'd folded snacks into the lesson, but man this topic was a bummer. It felt like the school existing, being the vessel for all of their trauma, was bad enough. Teachers driving home the horror of last term was tough, too.
And it made him sad.
And thinking about Muggles made him think about that one particular Muggle. The green light.
Kale felt his insides wilt. His eyes lowered and he sorta drifted...
Phoebe was honestly pleased that she was randomly partnered with Kale, but when she turned to him with expressive eyebrows, he'd gone to some dark internal place where he'd be hard to reach. Not to make an ASSUMPTION, but she sort of felt like this was a topic and class that would sit heavily on him.
"Kaaaaaaaaaley," she slipped her hand over his and gave it a squeeze. "Let's figure this out quick so we can stick marshmallow in someone's hair. I'll even let you choose, but make sure you pick someone with a sense of humor about pranks." Another squeeze and then she picked up her quill. "Tell me some words to write down. Anything you want."
YesJess! | Captain Goggles | Mama Badger | Eva's Soul Sister | An OG™ | It's all in the Numbers
Quote:
Originally Posted by astrocat
Ash smiled at Apollo. It was good that she had a partner, and easier because this lesson did not involve risk-taking or exploding anything without permission. "Feeling better." Truth. It was a low, low bar. So not feeling good. Never feeling good. But not feeling like she had to hide if she wanted to live. "I would also put down that technology is inferior to magic and that it's okay to hate muggles because some of them are against us. Also that they have nothing to contribute to society." Ridiculous. Muggles contributed so much. Especially in terms of fashion. "ummm... what else... that people related to muggles aren't real witches or wizards, and squibs are less-than as well. If you can think of anything else, let me know." This was a very productive activity. And it involved s'mores. Yay.
It was convincing enough for Apollo to believe it and mostly cause she said feeling better as opposed to using the dreaded 'feeling fine'. The fact that they got to burn these assumptions seemed rather ironic since muggles used to burn witches and wizards. Huh. Weird thought. "Good. I guess things will get better as time goes on."
He contemplated some more things from last year, trying to think of more stereotypes. "is it redundant to say muggles are useless?" useless is different from stupid, technically speaking. "think we can start burning the papers now and maybe we'll think of more after we have some snacks?" He was a growing preteen; someone said snacks and of course he was going to take them up on the offer.
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___________________You should take your littlefinger and just point it in the mirror. ________________________________________Baby, maybe you're the problem✯
It was convincing enough for Apollo to believe it and mostly cause she said feeling better as opposed to using the dreaded 'feeling fine'. The fact that they got to burn these assumptions seemed rather ironic since muggles used to burn witches and wizards. Huh. Weird thought. "Good. I guess things will get better as time goes on."
He contemplated some more things from last year, trying to think of more stereotypes. "is it redundant to say muggles are useless?" useless is different from stupid, technically speaking. "think we can start burning the papers now and maybe we'll think of more after we have some snacks?" He was a growing preteen; someone said snacks and of course he was going to take them up on the offer.
"Yeah." Wounds only healed with time. Lots of time. Until-I-Die kind of time. "Eh. We've kinda implied useless, but might as well specifically say it. Maybe helpless too- only doing well with help from wizards. And completely unaware of anything magical, maybe." Gotta get out all the bias, right? "Sure, let's have snacks. Did I ever mention that I like fire? Lets go burn these assumptions. I don't like s'mores tho. Might just eat the chocolate plain." Ash laughed and walked toward the fire pit. This class was alright.
Interesting ideas by her classmates, some of them. Claudine supposed she could use some of those suggestions to better herself. For that reason, a few of them remained tucked safely in her brain.
And they were moving on!
To partnering up…
This sixth year was not impressed by that, Schmoe. The activity in general, however, was one that she could get behind. Even the part with the snack as she’d be making herself some s'mores later over the fire that her awkward professor had created magically.
“Partner?’’ Claudine asked at random, her attention mainly focused on retrieving paper from one of her books.
...Partners? Partners was something Evan dreaded. He always felt awkward and uncomfortable with knowing how to approach people, and he figured he shouldn't always beeline for his siblings. Lisa was already spreading her wings and making friends. And maybe while he wasn't on path to friends...
The least he could do was try talking to new people. Right? Right.
So hearing an older student asking for a partner, and having noted she usually had interesting points in class, he pushed down his anxiety and made his way her direction. "Do you mind if I partner with you?" He had his book and quill out already and in hand, but he was polite enough to wait until some type of confirmation or rejection.
Hopefully not the latter.
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Let them point and laugh at who we are, it's you and me here dancing from the start
Slytherindor ♛ The Crazytastic Besties ♛ Shan Watson ♛
Lisa simply smiled back at Schmoe when he responded to her answer. He didn’t seem like a dark wizard. He actually seemed kinda nice! But maybe that’s what the dark wizard wanted them to think?!? *le gasp*
She did write Schmoe’s response to Heath down. It was simple. Knowledge = power.
But anyway it was time to learn and partner up. Lisa scanned the crowd, watching some students partner up. Her brother was partnering up with Claudine. Okay cool. She’d find someone else. “Anyone want to partner up?”
She bounced in her seat as she glanced around. Excited, she was. The activity sounded LIT.
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Muggle Studies Lesson 1: Assumptions 
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