Fandom High School

Oppression, Resistance and Revolution

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:34:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

"You have been in this class for several weeks now," Magneto said as he sat behind his desk. "At this point you should be able to identify the cause, effects and results due to oppression, resistance and revolution. If you cannot then you have very little chances of surviving a revolution. Much less starting one."

A large screen and a projector floated into the room. Once they situated themselves to Magneto's liking a

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:43:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

"George Orwell is an author of the 20th century whose fictional books mark a certain political slant," Magneto began as he marched into the room. "One quote of his states that all revolutions are failures bu they are not all the same failure. Orwell thought that revolutions fail because the end result is a change of tyrants and not a change of the regime. In one book, a bunch of sentient farm animals overthrow their human master but fail in the revolution as the change in power failed to create a world in which all of the animials were equal. Instead one of the animals took the humans place in power and little changed on the farm afterwards."

"Allegories with farm animals aside, his point is well taken. How can revolutionaries ensure that the world they wish to change is the one they fight for? It's the solution to find the right person? If the tale is true and absolute power corrupts absolutely, how can that person be trusted? How can one establish a social climate which will make it profitable for even the wrong person to do the right thing?"

"You assignment is to come up with two ways to ensure the cause you fight for won't be undone by power hungry leader. Begin."

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:44:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

Magneto was back in the classroom, looking a bit more fatigued than usual. "My apologies for missing the last two weeks," he replied tersely. "Urgent matters required my absence. The details are not important." He stood up from his desk and began to walk around the room. "The American Revolution began in 1774 when citizens of this new country rejected the authority of Great Britain due to their governance overseas without representation. In 1789 the French revolution began, with the existing monarchy being overthrown by populace in order to replace the outdated feudal system with one based on principles of equality and citizenship." "In both cases, battle lines were drawn and live were lost on both sides," he continued. "But in both cases the former rulers of each country were rejected with a new form of government. And also in both cases, military action had to be taken." "Today those people who overthrew the government are often thought of as heroes. At the time they were thought of as radicals. They were dismissed, branded as traitors and often times they were even executed for their beliefs." Magneto returned to the front of the room where he leaned against the desk, giving his students a severe look. "Your assignment today is to tell me of a so-called radical in your own world or this one. Take a look at that person's actions and beliefs and explain why that particular radical may be more than just a nut with cause and could perhaps two hundred years from now be a hero. Begin."

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Oppression, Resistance & Revolution: Friday

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:51:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

Magneto was sitting behind the desk at the front of the classroom this morning as the students walked in. In his hands was a form of archaic media known as a newspaper. It was a couple days old and had the election results plastered across the front page.

"Unless you've been living under a stone, this particular universe just had an election this past Tuesday. In this election key people were elected or re-elected based on the candidates' platforms. Based upon the definitions I provided to you last week, I want you to answer the following question."

Magneto rose and tossed the newspaper onto the desk.

"Is an election a true form of revolution? Why?"

He then pointed at a random student. "You. Answer."

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Oppression, Resistance & Revolution: Friday

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:35:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

"Revolution," Magneto began solemnly. "The word has lost all meaning. Lost in a world of marketing and media. Today you are more likely to hear the term used when selling shoes or a mobile phone rather than world events. A pity."

Magneto began to circuit the room. "There are several types of revolution. Political. Cultural. Societial and technical. You'd be mistaken to think that a revolution is simply rapid change of government. That is more of a revolt. For our purposes a revolution is a fundmental change in power, culture or society. Most revolutions are violent though some... very rarely, have been peaceful. Keep in mind when these changes occur there is an external factor involved. Never confuse a coup with a revolution. A coup happens from the top down. A revolution occurs from outside the cultural or political power currently in place."

"We've already discussed some of the factors that could lead to a revolution," Magneto continued as he returned to the front of the classroom. "Today I would like you all to take a moment to discuss a revolution that has taken place in your world or timeline and the lasting effect it might have had on you or your family."

And with that he randomly pointed at a student. "You first."

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Oppression, Resistance & Revolution: Friday

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 10:54:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

"I'm sure most of you are keen on leaving this class early," Magneto announced as he walked into the danger shop precisely as the bell rang. "Rest assured your homecoming activities can wait. Fun and frivolity has it's place. So does knowledge."

"Before the fall break we watch a movie," he continued as he began his regular circuit around the room. "About a man and his desire for a free country for his people. You may ask: what made that man different from others? For that I can give you a simple answer: conviction. As I mentioned before, just because you may take the option of non-violence does not mean it's going to be easy."

He gave his students a sinister grin and snapped his fingers. The danger shop swift changed from blank walls to what appeared to be a modern day protest. The only switch to this that there were counter protesters on the other side.

"Today, we're going to test your conviction," Magneto said with a malevolent look of glee. "And just see how well you can do. If you wish to bow out... you may. However that may tell me more about you than any other class you have taken with me so far."

He pointed at the protest going on and gestured for the class to join in. "Begin."

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:53:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

"Last week we talked about nonviolent resistance," Magneto began as the bell rang. "There seems to be a misunderstanding about this particular practice. It's not just about sitting in a park imbibing hallucinogenic substances and singing folk songs. In some cases it's far from that."

Magneto snapped his fingers and the projector turned on displaying an image of a man with remarkable bravery.

"Often times it means risking your life and facing insurmountable odds."

Magneto snapped his fingers again displaying another image.

"Other times it means facing authority and getting detained for your beliefs. In some cases..."

Magneto snapped his fingers a final time and the projector turned off.

"It could mean physical harm. Or death. And through it all the non-violent protester must sit and offer passive resistance. Their weapons are words. But the essence of their actions is to let whatever harm or action fall upon them in the vain hope that someone will see that their actions are wrong."

"Today we are going to watch a historical film," Magneto continued as he walked around the room. "About the most famous practitioner of passive resistance. Please take notes. This will be on the final exam."

And with one dramatic gesture from Magneto, the lights turned off and the movie began.

Sorry. Magneto did not provide popcorn. Suffer.

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution: Friday

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:12:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

Today the blackboard had a new word written on it. In nice big bold letters:

RESISTANCE

Magneto sat at the desk quietly as the students marched in. As soon as the bell rang he stood up and began to expound his lecture.

"We've covered topics of oppression. We've discussed what motivates us in those situations. Today we shall talk of resistance and what means are available to fight various types of oppression. A resistance is defined as a group or collection of individual groups who are dedicated to opposing a governing force. It may be an invader in an occupied country. It may be a policy enforced by a body of government. It may be a cultural norm enforced by the majority of a narrow minded society. For our purposes today we shall talk about non-violent resistance or civil resistance."

By this time Magneto had circled the room and was now standing in front of the classroom, looking down at them with a baleful look.

"This type of resistance attempts to achieve it's goals via symbolic protests, economic or political noncooperation or civil disobedience," he continued. "In some cases it was successful. The civil rights movements in the United States were famous for such resistance. Those involved used picketing, vigils, leafletting, community education and information warfare in an effort to raise the consciousness around them in an effort to make social change. This method however can only work in a society that allows free speech. For the most part."

"Your assignment today is to write a 100 word essay on an example of how one of these resistant options can be used in the place of a problem in your own life or world. Begin."

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Oppression, Resistance & Revolution: Friday

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:15:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

Magneto wasted no time when the bell rang. "Sit," he ordered and began to pace up and down the rows of the classroom. "In our first class we discussed a cause that was important to you," he continued. "Some of your causes... were lacking."

After, giving a few students a dirty look, he continued. "In our last class we witnessed what can happen if oppression goes unchecked. If you look at the history of this planet you can find others as well. For many of these acts of oppression, there was also a movement to resist such actions. Some were more effective than others."

Returning to the front of the classroom. "Looking at history there were several tipping points which created resistance movements. Before the American revolution started there were Americans dropping cases of tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes. During the civil war, a group of Northerners established an underground railroad to help slaves make their way to freedom. During world war II, families found hiding spaces for Jews who were persecuted by the government."

He gave the students one more look. "Last week you saw a tragedy. My questions for discussion today is at what point would you have done something to prevent it?'

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Oppression, Resistance & Revolution: Friday

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:16:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

Today the class met in the Danger Room. When they entered they would see Magneto standing in the middle of what appeared to be a lush green suburban street.

“Last week we talked about a cause you would die for,” Magneto began as he motioned. “Some of you were able to find excellent examples drawing from your own life. Some of you had some difficulty thinking of a cause. That is why we are here today.”

( This is Genosha... )

[OOC: Please note that underneath the cut is a lot of information regarding mutant slavery and mistreatment. Granted it is all fictional but I want that up as an FYI

Additionally, Magneto's lecture on the events is HEAVILY misrepresented because of his own POV. I'll mention those facts in the OOC thread if your character would be aware of them.]

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution - Friday

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

When the students entered into class this week they would find their teacher sitting serenely behind his desk. Behind him on the blackboard was written a single word in large block letters.

“OPPRESSION”

“Last week we had discussed various causes you felt strong enough to die for,” Eric began as the students took their seats. “As in many cases all of these causes have a singular root.”

A classroom pointer floated up in the air and then with a loud THWACK hit the blackboard right underneath the aforementioned word.

“There are several sorts of oppression,” Eric continued as he stood up and began to walk around the room. “Cultural. Institutionalized. Systematic. Cultural oppression typically occurs through socially supported mistreatment and exploitation of a group or category of people by another group or category of people. Institutional oppression occurs when established laws, customs, and practices systematically reflect and produce inequities based on one’s membership in targeted social identity groups. And finally there is systematic oppression. Here the term oppression refer to the subordination of a given group or social category by unjust use of force, authority, or societal norms in order to achieve their desired effects.”

Erik paused to let out a dramatic sigh as he turned and faced his students.

“Human history is wrought with such examples. I’m sure those of you from other galaxies and dimensions can provide even more,” he continued. “Today’s assignment is a short essay of no more than 100 words giving an example of such oppression. You will then share them with the rest of the class.”

He paused again... Mostly for dramatic effect.

“Begin.”

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Oppression, Resistance and Revolution - Friday

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 23:39:00 GMT

Posted by: hisownagenda.livejournal.com

“Good morning, class,” Magneto said after everyone had taken their seats. “My name is Erik Lehnsherr. For the purpose of this class you may address me as... professor.”

He smirked a little at that before continuing.

“Now, I’m sure many of you know me by a very different name. That is a topic for a different day. For those of you who might be curious, feel free to ask Mr. Starsmore who is a teacher here or Miss Pryde at the local bar. I’m sure they have some delightful tales to tell you.”

Giving his class a smirk, he began to walk up and down the rows of desks and began to lecture.

“This class is entitled Oppression, Resistance and Revolution,” he continued. “Which will entail both lecture as well as practical labs. As part of this course we will be looking at the history of oppression, resistance and revolution throughout history. We will discuss its roots and its effect on society. I realize that many of you may not be from this planet or perhaps from an alternate line of history. For the purpose of this class, I shall be drawing examples from my own world. I expect all of you to provide your own examples as you see fit. Before we begin our class exercise today, Mr. Kaplan will be the TA for the course. Mr. Kaplan? Please see me after class for instructions. ~~If he's here.~~”

Coming full circle, Magneto took his place in front of the class. “Now, I understand it’s typically a tradition in this school to start class with introductions. I do not feel that is necessary. Instead I would like for you all to go around the room and tell me about a cause you feel is worth dying for.”

And then with a random point of his finger, Magneto selected his first student. “You. Begin.”

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 15, Period 3

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:40:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

This week being much more sane than the last, Aly was sitting on her desk, waiting for the everyone to arrive. "Morning all. Welcome to last class of the semester. I don't believe in final exams - if you live through it, you passed. And since I don't generally support overthrowing the school administration -" except in extreme cases, Dolores "- There's really not much of a scope for a practical examination."

"So I hope that you've all learned things. And I hope that you don't hesitate to put what you learned to use in defense of your people, your country, or anyone who needs it. I have the notes here from our first class. What I'd like you to do is look over your answer to the question 'when are revolutions appropriate, and what would it take for you to rebel against the current power structure.' Take a look and then discuss if your opinion has changed. Why or why not?"

Once the discussion was over, Aly nodded, glancing from student to student. "I hope you learned something from this class, and I hope if you ever need me, you'll let me know. We've been talking about revolution and war this term, so I'm leaving you with a quote I found a few years ago from a stateman of this country. It's something to think about. 'I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, [...] in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music...'"

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 14, Period 3

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 07:52:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

Aly was in her classroom but more than a little annoyed by the entire Labyrinth/bog/stench/...thing going on. Seriously...seriously? A Labyrinth and wee goblins that looked like the uglier cousins of those trolls a few years ago? Acted like them too with all the kidnappings radio was reporting.

An email was sent out to her class.

Revolutions class:

Class is very definitely canceled today. Stay safe, try to stay in the dorms if you can, don't do anything too stupid.

~Aly

She waited in the classroom in case anyone showed up without checking their email first.

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 13, Period 3

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:13:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

The class had been notified to meet in the Danger Shop, and that was where they found Aly who was looking slightly gleeful as she made sure the final settings were correct. Once everyone had come in, she turned to clasp her hands in front of her and greet the students.

"Good day, everyone. We're talking about explosions today. Mostly because I like them, but also because they an be a great strategic weapon in a street fight. We won't have time to cover all types of explosives - there's another class for that this term - but I very quickly want to mention pipe bombs and molotov cocktails - two types of improvised explosives that you can pretty much make anywhere. They are both nice bombs, but they're a bit sloppy. They're street weapons more than tactical weapons, and they can't necessarily be directed towards strategic goals."

"This isn't to say that there isn't a place for that type of weapon. In a revolution, you use any weapon you can get your hands upon. But unless you're planning on simply erecting barricades in the streets and never moving beyond that - and that rarely works as an overall strategy - you're going to have to move to a more strategic outlook."

"We did this twice while fighting in the Copper Isles. The first time," a shadow and then a look of triumph crossed Aly's face quickly, "we destroyed the Rajmuat slave docks. It was a message to the King and to his Spymaster - that they couldn't stop us and they couldn't continue to profit off the labour of slaves. The second time, the capital's armory was blown up to distract the soldiers for a bit while we set up for the endgame. Strategic use of explosives - they're a means to an end. Not the end itself."

"What I've done today is given each group a structure to decide how to destroy. We're not focusing on the actuality of the explosives this time. Let's assume that you have an co-conspirator who can handle the making of the bombs. What I want you to do is decide where to place them and discuss the possible problems with destroying these bridges and forts and the possible issues that may arise while attacking them."

"If you have someone in your group who has the magic to deal with the situation, that's fine. You can use that, but I'd like you also to look at the problem without magic."

"After you've made your plan, the Danger Shop has all these structures programmed in. You can choose where to want to place your devices and see how big an explosion you can make."

"Questions? Ideas? Worries?"

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 12, Period 3

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:14:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

When the students arrived in their classroom, they would each find a note on their desk. Each note read the same thing.

Dear Class,

By now you will have hopefully learned something that could be applicable to your home situation. Seeing as though many of you will be returning there this week due to the holiday weekend, discuss amongst your groups what you feel you could take from this class to use at home. Be prepared for your final non-exam class next week.

Love, Aly

Aly was no where to be immediately seen - though it was an interesting question if she were around and watching or not.

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 11, Period 3

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:46:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

This Wednesday much better than last Wednesday. Or at least the honesty spell had worn off and there wasn't going to be another fight in Aly's class so she was assuming this was a much better day. Also she had coffee, and no, she wasn't sharing.

"Morning, everyone," she said once the class was assembled. "I'm guessing you're probably all in better moods than last week? If not, sorry, we're not fighting anything today. Instead we're going to talk about conflict resolution."

( Cut the click we do... )

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 10, Period 3

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:20:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

There was way too much energy in the air, and after accidentally telling the girl at the Perk exactly how she was feeling this morning, Aly had decided to keep talking to a minimum.

When the class entered the Danger Room, they would see the scale model that had been there last week. And then behind it was the outer wall, the heads of guards visible as they walked their rounds.

"Remember last week?" Aly asked, mostly rhetorically. She gestured first to a stockpile of supplies from armor to bread to bomb-makings then back towards the castle. "Have fun stormin' the castle!"

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 9, Period 3

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:33:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

"Hope you all enjoyed your guest teacher last week," Aly said, looking tanned from a week in the Copper Isles. "The Doctor gave you all a good report -" she smirked, remembering the exact words "- except for something about not arguing about grammar? Good call, life's way too short."

She gestured to the class to gather around the cut open (think dollhouse) scale model of the school. A scale model in all aspects like only the Danger Shop could provide. The school was set up as a working castle with an outer wall, guards, an armory, and all sorts of little people wandering about to do their daily jobs, milking cows, making bread, patrolling the walls, sharpening their swords, etc. The Principal's Office had been transformed into the throne room of a tiny king. "You're working in your groups today, and what I'd like you all to do is come up with a plan to infiltrate - and hold - this castle. You're getting way more information than you'd normally have in a situation like this so make use of it. Also you can use any personal powers or skills you have in your group, but I'd rather that's not all you focus on. If someone can melt the stone of the outer wall, that's great, but you still might need someone to subdue the fighters inside or the talk the King into surrendering. Use all your resources including those listed on the board to make up your plan." She glanced around, looking for any questions. "And I can't promise that your class next week won't be actually carrying out these plans."

When she flipped around the white board, the board only read:

Use your imagination. No guns. Bombs are fine.

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 8, Period 3

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:41:00 GMT

Posted by: worsethanaunts.livejournal.com

Aly was not present when the class assembled in the classroom. Instead, the Doctor was there, dressed as he usually was in a tweed jacket, bow tie and assorted other pieces of perfectly normal clothing that weren't worth mentioning.

"Hello!" he greeted them all with enthusiasm. "I'm the Doctor and not Aly, your usual teacher. You can call me the Doctor. You can call me Aly if you want, but I can't guarantee I'll answer. Definitely don't call me Theta Sigma. It's a long story and we won't get into it.

So this is what you learn about? Revolutions?" the Doctor asked, but it was a rhetorical question as most of his were (since he talked too fast for anyone to butt in most of the time), so he kept going. "Revolutions are a lot of fun. I mean hard work. Hard work and sometimes fun, depending on who you're revolting against. Hard work and fun and and more hard work and quite a bit of luck. But you're halfway through the semester, so you'd know that already.

To lead a proper revolution, one that's not going to fall apart and rely on bluffing and hoping that the person in charge gives up and runs the other way, you need support from people. You need to make promises and plan and organise people and resources on a wide scale." And not just run in and make it up as you went along, unless you were the Doctor apparently. "You also need to do all of that without letting the wrong people get wind of what you're doing. All it takes is one mole in your ranks and you're done for. How do you know who to trust? Look around at your classmates. Do you see friends? Allies? Enemies? Do you even know each other? Would you trust them with your life?

One approach is to trust everyone until they give you reason not to, but then you have to deal with the consequences of trusting the wrong people. One approach is to trust no one, but then you make the road to your revolution harder than it needs to be, and it will be hard without you even trying." He rested his chin in his hand and looked at them. "Well?"

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 7, Period 3

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:18:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

Aly waited outside the door to the Danger Shop until the class was assembled. Once they were, she pushed open the door, revealing a room outfitted like a dance studio. Mirrors, barre, sprung floor, and all. Aly waited at the door to make sure every student got in, and none escaped once they saw what was in the room.

Shutting the door behind her, Aly made her way to the center of the room. "Right. This wasn't the original plan, but then I realised Homecoming was this weekend. And if there's anything I want to impart, it's the need to always, always be prepared for anything. When you're planning a revolution of any type, you have to pay attention to the basics before anything else. And today, we're going to start with the most basic of all. Movement."

"Controlled movement, complete control over each muscle is necessary to move silently, to climb well, to fight, to keep your hands steady," she grinned quickly. "You get my drift, right? It just so happens that one of the best way to work on movement control is through dancing." And now Aly looked even more amused. "So, that's what we're going to do today."

Aly raised an eyebrow at Nico. "Want to come up and help me?" It wasn't really a question and soon Aly was reminding Nico just to follow her lead. They demonstrated a trio of dances that, while simple, relying on paired movement and working with your partner, not against him or her.

After the demonstration, she turned back to the class. "There you are. Pair up, give it a try. If there are any questions, feel free to ask." Aly grinned. "And before anyone asks, yes, there are a number of other ways to train your muscles to control movement. Martial arts is one, tai chi is one, simple repetition of movement until it's in muscle memory is one. But I like dancing. And you all should know how to dance anyway," she teased. "Your homework this weekend? Dance with someone at Homecoming. And try to enjoy it."

[OOC: Seriously. It' the week before Homecoming. This had to happen. Nico modded with permission because obviously Hades' kid needs some embarrassment.]

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 6, Period 3

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:15:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

"Good to see you all survived the weekend and the, ah, parental invasion," Aly said with a bit of a grin as she surveyed the class. "I enjoyed speaking with your visitors and can promise I didn't give away too many of the school's secrets." She rolled her eyes a little at the idea of accidentally giving any secrets away at all.

"First up, let's have a chat about last week's topic - flirting and making friends. I asked you to try to use some of the techniques over the weekend as you met your friends' family and friends. If you did and you found them helpful, horrifically not, or something in the middle, let's hear how it worked out."
( We click the cut to continue! )

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 5, Period 3

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:13:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

"Three days until Parents' Weekend, and most of you are still here? I'm impressed," Aly said teasingly. "Those of you who are new, don't worry. No one's died as a result of parental or other visitors. Embarrassment, I can't help you with. What I can do is-"well, technically she was going to probably start the embarrassment early, but whatever "- possibly give you some pointers on handling not just this weekend, but every time you need to establish a quick rapport with another person whether you need them as a contact or ally for your movement or just because you want your girlfriend's mom to like you.

She flipped the whiteboard around to reveal the writing on it.

( Oh how I love the flirting classes )

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 4, Period 3

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:21:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

Aly had ~~handwavily~~ notified students that today's class was in the Danger Room and to wear clothes that could get dirty. She thought she was being awfully nice with that warning. When the students entered the room, they would see that it was set up with a series of obstacles and a high ropes course. There was a 50 foot high cliff set up with ropes and harnesses at one end of the room and ropes crisscrossed the ceiling, ending in a zip line back to the floor. On the floor there was a mud pit, cable walk, and other ~~moddable~~ obstacles.

Aly stood at the edge of the obstacles and waited for everyone to arrive. "Okay, guys, over the last few weeks, we've talked about how to recruit others to your side. This week, we're going to work with the people we already have - your group of classmates. This course-" she gestured across the room "-is full of obstacles that you'll need to work together to get over." She grinned a little. "Yeah, you're Fandom students so most of you probably can get over every single one on your own using sheer determination if not magic, but that's not the point."

"When you're fighting a revolution, your life is in the hands of the other people in your pack. They screw up? You'll probably end up hurt or imprisoned or dead with them. Today's stakes aren't nearly as high." She grinned. "So have some fun."

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 3, Period 3

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:03:00 GMT

Posted by: tricksy-spy.livejournal.com

Aly was finishing writing on the whiteboard as the students came in, but she turned with a smile once everyone was seated. "Morning to you. I hope you all came with your tongues well-exercised and ready to charm." She made a little face. "And pretend that didn't sound terribly dirty. What we're talking about today is persuasion. Nearly everyone needs to talk people into seeing things their way once in a while, but in a revolutionary situation, it becomes much, much more important. You don't only need to convince people to join the revolution, but you need to convince bakers to help feed your troops, talk guards into leaving a window unlocked, spin the issues for journalists to write about, and even persuade your own people to stay disciplined and wait for a plan instead of running in willy-nilly.

"It's a sad fact, but a good 70% of a rebellion is going to be planning, and you need to make sure you know how to use that time to talk your fellows into to your excellent ideas." Aly flashed a smile at that. "Because you'll all have them right?" She pointed to the whiteboard. "Two things are up there. First is a 8 point guide to persuasive arguments. The examples under the points are from a speech by French leader Charles de Gaulle. If you don't know about him, take some time this week to look him up. He was quite a character. But what he did in this speech is walk into a room full of French soldiers who were ready to fight to the death to keep Algeria a French territory. He walked into that room and gave a speech about the benefits of Algerian independence, and by the end of it, the entire room was on their feet cheering for something they'd have scorned an hour earlier. In this world, at least, it's considered one of the greatest examples of persuasive speaking ever, and a copy of it is on each of your desks to reference."

( Examples below! )

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