Communists and labor unions rallied against capitalists and the federal government April 22 near the Flathead County courthouse. But those carrying signs and yelling in loudspeakers weren’t disgruntled workers or captains of enterprise — they were FHS students. In an activity in Kristyn Morin’s and Tari Johnson’s English/history block class, FHS juniors became angry mobs representing Depression-era factions. Morin said the project was a good experience. “I liked when the kids argue,” said Morin. “The discussion got to communism and the students have an idea that it’s not a bad ideology but (that it) had bad leaders.” The project was staged at the courthouse because, according to junior Justin Brakefield, the courthouse setting added realism to the project. “It made it feel a little bit more like a rally,” said Brakefield. “I felt like I was in the ‘60s or something.” A touch of realism was added to the project when a police car drove by the scene of the “rally” thinking an actual political demonstration was taking place. “I was kind of scared,” said junior Tom Kelly. “One of my classmates was taunting (the police officer) and all I could think of was Rodney King.” Some students became very focused on their respective “causes.” Kelly drew a fake union tattoo on his arm and became engaged in a mock fist-fight with junior Matt Regier. Junior Nate Sloan — a member of the Capitalist party — gave a spirited speech. Sloan’s speech was a takeoff from the movie “Black Sheep,” where actor Chris Farley rips off Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream.” “You had to be there,” said junior Eric Stricker of the speeck. “It wasn’t really historically correct or educational but it was a rather entertaining number.” “I think it went well,” said Sloan. “We learned about the poor people during the Depression and the powerful people who laughed at them, including myself.” Students involved with the project believed that the two weeks of class time was worth it to have a chance to participate in an “angry mob.” “It allowed the class to experience the Depression first-hand,” said junior Jessica Loutherback. “It was worthwhile.” |
