fandomhigh | Career Choices - Wednesday, November 27st

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career choices

Career Choices - Wednesday, November 27st - 4th Period

“Today we are covering a profession not on your original syllabus, but I hope you’ll forgive me the spontaneity,” Ghanima said as she leaned against the wall. “After speaking with some of my fellow teachers, and listening to some of the radio broadcasts, I think there’s a profession that possibly suits most of you. After all, you are teenagers."

Today we are discussing how to be a successful revolutionary, as well as how to keep and hold power. For those of you who favor the democratic methods, I’m going to ask you to set aside your personal feelings for the time being. Our focus today is on the various ways to overthrow a government, and how a leader can maintain power in the face of a revolution. I’m not interested in hearing about the right or wrong just yet, that’s up to each of you as private individuals.”

“We're going to discuss what revolutions can be used for, how they can be put together, and why a failed revolution can be just as effective."

“Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence.” Ghani turned to the wipe-board at the front of the room and began writing as she spoke. “These are some of the basic resources on both sides of the divide. However, these alone are not enough to overcome a government. It requires teamwork, coordination, a willingness to make hard choices, determination, and passion. Despite what romantics and poets may think,” she said, turning back to the class, “there is no such thing as a one man revolution. While one person can start the ball rolling, they most assuredly will not win without an organization backing them.”

“What is the difference between a revolution and a rebellion?” Setting down her marker, Ghanima grabbed some handouts from her desk and began distributing them. “Is it simply the matter of selecting an adjective, or is there a fundamental, underlying difference between the two? How do you decide if you are rebelling, or beginning a revolution? If you are an emperor, how would you portray such an insurgency? To the ruling faction, is there a difference, or is the only distinction in the eyes of the opposition?” She asked, smiling quietly at each of the students. “These are difficult questions, and I do not expect you to have conclusive answers already prepared.”

“Now, how is the battle fought?” More handouts were passed around the class. “Guerilla warfare, the army, irregular soldiers, special forces, spies, propagandists, strategists, tacticians, all of these people are employed by both sides of a revolt. You don’t just need to win a fight on a physical battlefield, half the battle in a revolution is spiritual. You need to win the hearts and minds of the people. No matter which side you’re on, if you do not gain the support of public, you will never win. Never. You might win a reprieve today, or tomorrow, or for a week or a year or ten years, or ten thousand years, but you. Will. Lose.”

“As the ruler of a country, what would you do when faced with a revolution? Don’t say ‘negotiate’, or ‘listen to their grievances,’ because realistically that is not what’s going to happen,” she said, stalking down the rows of desks. “You are the God King of the Universe, born, bred, and trained to the position, and you have some nobody telling you that you’re not doing your job properly? Are you actually going to listen to these people? No, you are not.”

“Remember – sometimes a failed revolution can do just as much good as a successful one, if you play your cards right. However, is a dead revolutionary really a successful one, even if his or her cause succeeds?” Ghanima leaned back against her desk, neon eyes swirling. “I will leave that up for you to decide.”

“Next week we will be covering the profession of the stunt performer, followed by social work. I have not yet decided upon your final test, but I promise to let you know as soon as it has been chosen.”

“Also, my office hours are on Mondays in number twenty-two, should any of you need me. Do I even have a TA?”

[~~Please to be waiting for the~~ OCD up! Hit it!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Name, Rank, and Serial Number!

River Tam, Secret weapon, no Serial number.

Cedric Diggory, Seventh Year, No Serial Number

Re: Collapse the Sign-In!

notthehulk.livejournal.com - 2007-11-28 16:18 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Collapse the Sign-In!

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Re: Collapse the Sign-In!

bigbluekitty.livejournal.com - 2007-11-28 23:31 (UTC) - Expand

Chatter, pass notes, etc. Undermine the teacher’s regime! If she catches you, it might be the gallows!

River did listen, quiet and thoughtfully. Occasionally she was distracted by Ghanima's hat though.

Cedric sat mostly quietly, occasionally tapping his pencil against his desk.

Time to have your all your opinions on revolution dissected in front of the entire class by LADY Ghanima Atreides, Princess Royal and the sister of the God Emperor of the Known Universe. C’mon! It’ll be fun!

What’s your favored tool of revolution? What would be your preferred way of holding power as a leader?

River looked uneasy. "Favourite tool. Perhaps the media? Reaches many, but is unpredictable. Set something in motion and you might lose control." She didn't look completely convinced. "Holding power. Trust. Loyalty. Respect. Perhaps a hint of fear."

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 15:52 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com - 2007-11-28 17:43 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 18:53 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

moonbrain-tam.livejournal.com - 2007-11-28 19:14 (UTC) - Expand

"Trust and loyalty?" Teddy asked warily. "I've never started a rebellion before though."

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 17:20 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

notthehulk.livejournal.com - 2007-11-28 17:23 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 17:38 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

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Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

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Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

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Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 18:43 (UTC) - Expand

Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

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Re: "Weapons. Organization. Tactics. Propaganda. Intelligence."

atreideslioness - 2007-11-28 19:22 (UTC) - Expand

"I've never really thought about it before. I guess a plucky band of rebels like in the movies would be the best way and then when you're in power, you could make those rebels your government guys and they'd look out for you."