Well, I know it wasn't the most pleasant movie to watch. I do hope that you found Andersonville interesting and informative.
The Andersonville National Historic site is just a few hours north of us in Georgia. It's hard to imagine that such horrific war crimes took place so close by. Some of the scenes in the movie reminded me of scenes from the concentration camps of the Holocaust - albeit on a smaller scale. But nearly 14,000 dead in one prison over the course of about two years is still a staggering figure.
The movie raised several important questions. Is it possible for humans, when put into those kind of circumstances, to maintain the basic laws of human decency (not to mention actual laws)? Is it understandable that some would go into a "survival of the fittest" mode, like the raiders in the movie? Is that behavior excusable, at least at some level?
On a more general note, do you think that the History Film Festival (our after school movies) has been worthwhile? Have you enjoyed the films? Understanding that we have to keep the films related to our class, what would you change about the Festival? Were the movies too graphic (violent, harsh language, etc.)?
My goal with the History Film Festival has been to show you movies that you might not go out and rent on your own. I hope that you've enjoyed it.
Andersonville Links:
Andersonville National Historic Site
Andersonville on Wikipedia
From the Civil War Home website
Make sure you comment by Wednesday, May 27 for extra credit.
I think if it was me, I would be going into the survival of the fittest mode, without killing other people. I think not following the laws, in that situation is excusable, because your fighting for your life almost. I think the film festival has been very educational. Most of the movies have been good, language wise. But, I'm not a fan of gory movies, so the blood was not very pleasing for me. But, I dont even know if you could find movies without blood in them, with the things we are stodying about. Overall, I want to thank Mr. Veliz for giving us these extra credit oppurtunities, and being a very good History techer. (:
ReplyDeleteI think that it is understandable that the raiders went into a survival of the fittest mode. when you are in there for a long time, you start to change. I think that it is still possible to follow laws, but also excusable that they didnt. I think that the History Film Festival was very educational and funn, and im glad that we also got extra credit for it. the movies were great. (:
ReplyDeletei think hat "the basic laws of human decency" are unconditional. even if you are dying, you shouldn't kill other people to save yourself. i'm not saying all laws should still apply - it's not going to matter if someone has a dog without a leash and license - but murder is always wrong. it is understandable that they would go into that survival mode and have urges but that by no means justifies those vulgar actions.
ReplyDeletei was only able to attend one film after school and it was this one. the movies were fine, i think. some parts were rather intense but we are mature enough to remove ourselves if we get to uncomfortable. i also think that the movies were a great idea and i hope that we will have the same opportunity next year.
I am really sad that there were places like Andersonvile. No one should ever have to like like that. The Confederacy should of at leat feed them and gave them more room.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is possible to maintain the basic laws of human decency. It would be hard because if there was only a limmitted amount of stuff, everyone would fight over it. But you could come up with a plan of sharing space, food, clothing, ect. with everyone so that there would be peace.
I do think people would go into "survival of the fittest" mode. I mostlikly would not because I really don't like killing people and hurting them for things that we both need. The some people that d go into "survival of the fittest" mode are not very fair. They come from the same army as the rest of the people but yet they think they are the best. They take food, clothing, and items that other people might need more than them. I think tease people were not good at all.
I do think that at some level some behavior can be excusable. I think that it would ok if someone tried to steal somthing or argued. But I think that when someone kills another person, that is not excusble. That is when things go to far. There is no reason to kill soeone for a little pice of foog or a shirt when you have a better one on you right now. I think it is just not right.
I do think that the History Film Festival at school has been worth while. I have learned alot. The films were great. I liked the funny parts it them. That always makes educational movies better.Things that should be changed about the flims is that they were way to ling. They should be at the longest an hour or so because right after the two and a half hour movies, I have to go straight home and eat dinner. Sometimes I don't have time to do my homework and I have to do it in the morring. But over all the rest was just fine!!!
anderson vile was a terible place with some of the worst of circumstances, but that would never excuse someone for becoming uncivilized and atacking fellow prisoners. The raiders could have goten along just like all the other prisoners held at Andersonvile.
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed the film festivale and would not change any thing about it i dont think that they were to violent or grafic.
I think if you were put in there and you were there for a while that you would start to act like the raiders but not as wild as them. And I think there should be the same laws as usual in there because they all were northeners. I thought them killing and beating people was not acceptable though. And I was glad that the sweddish guy was tried for harshness in the civil war.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy all of the movies and i personally think that they were all exceptable and that the violence was at a reasonable level.
I agree with Kelly. I understand that those prisoners were under very terrible conditions, but does that mean you kill someone to make it all better? In the movie, when someone killed someone it didn't really seem to solve anything. I believe that no matter what the situation, humans should be able to maintain humanity. I understand if the prisoners go into, "survival of the fittest," mode but they should all work together in that mode. Their behavior is somewhat excusable, but once true caos starts that isn't exceptable.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the History Film Festival. That was very kind of you, Mr. Veliz, to use your time (after a crazy day of us students. Haha sorry students) and let us go deeper into history. The only thing I would change about the History Film Festival, would be that everyone gets a chair. Although I think we were all capable of handling it maturely.
Thank you Mr. Veliz, not only for these extra credit opportunities that bumped our grades up, but also for a great 7th grade year of American History. We all learned so much. Your dedication to the subject is what made learning it so much easier. Though it may have been hard at times, we all managed to pull through. Thanks again
Maria "Eugenia" Knight
A period
Kelly, you have been to more than that movie. I don't remember which one, but, "Terrance Washington," had to go to the front office. Remember?
ReplyDeleteSorry Mr. Veliz, that isn't a joke, it's all I remember from that movie.
Maria Knight
A period
Dylans right, if a bunch of people, cramped in a small place, lucky to eat or get water, would eventually have to adapt, like the raiders, only not nearly as harshly and extreme. I also think that there should be some general order there, in a situation like that, for instance, no killing or hurting someone else, and if they do they should come up with a punishment, like maybe a small jail.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all of the movies very much, and found them interesting and informative. A don’t think that the movies were too inappropriate not to be shown. And if some of us do think that, we are old enough to make our own decisions, and leave.
I believe that no one should ever have to undergo anything like Andersonville. What they did was wrong and the laws there were also wrong and like Kelly said, the laws were unconstitutional. I agree with Sierra that there bodies will eventually adapt and they will be able to survive with little food but until then they will be going through so much.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all of the movies, yes some of them were slightly violent but like Conner said, if it really did bother us we could just step out for a moment. I believe that they give us a better understanding of our country's history and I prefer them over leaning out of textbooks (just suggesting that). Anyway Mr. Veliz, you have been an AWESOME history teacher and I have learned so much! THANKS A MILLION!!
Honestly, I beleive that although survival of the fittest might of been the most tempting offer, but you have to remember that most basic reason you are stuck in a hell-hole like that... You were the Union. You were brothers (on rare occasion sisters). You signed up together, you trained together, you prayed together, and you fought the confederacy together. The Raiders behavior was unexcusable... they deserved their fate. I disagree with Sierra and Zaneta, it takes hundreds of years to adapt, and for one day to eat 3 or 4 servings of salt pork or hard tack.
ReplyDeleteBut could Emily really have the heart to kill a person? she can barely stand the sight of frozen chicken at publix with out screaming!
I highly enjoyed the movies. And when you got past the sight of Mena bawling on your shoulder it was quite enjoyable. Much preferred over book work and reading. Might I add the popcorn was a nice touch :~). Thank you for giving us these opportunities of redemption from failed tests and quizes. It has been a great year
Emma "MoMoMoMo" Shields
B Period
I think that a person who was locked up in those conditions for months and months would probably go mad. they would then probably start stealing things to sustain themselves just like the Raiders in "Andersonville". I really enjoyed the movie and i don't think it had too much foul language or too much violence.
ReplyDeleteIf i were to be put in a situation like that i would, be totally shocked and scared; my faith in God would be soo much stronger. To be forced in thaose conditions it would be hard not to go mad. The riaders on the other hand, to me were just selfish and foolish.They thought that by stealing and killing the "fresh fish" it would make them more superior and attempt to make their lives better.I enjoyed the movie, I didn't think it was too gory at all except for the people dying, that was horrible to watch.
ReplyDeleteI wish Noah wouldn't have died he was very nice!!!!!! Noah rocks!!! :)
I think it was unexusable what the raiders did I mean taking food if youre starving is one thing but they seemed like they where fine. They also should not have murdered. I think the film festival was really cool and you should do it next year.
ReplyDeleteI think it is understandable that the raiders went into survival mode but to me surviving is not murdering others. You should use the most important laws even in a situation like that. I liked the after school movies because they would help your grade and they would help in understanding some major points in history. The movies werent too bad. i agree with sierra.
ReplyDeleteI think people can keep the the law made. For everyones survival they must share and help each other. they should respect each other even more so since they were all fighting for the same cause. Every man should the same rights he would have in the north and no one could deny him otherwise. It is unexusable that the raider would do those unspeakable things just to make their life easier. No matter what that level of inhumanity is unforgivable.
ReplyDeletePlaces like Andersonville really touched a spot in my heart. It was an awful site to see and its ashamed it was ever created. I think the Raiders were wrong and shouldnt have done what they did but imagine beinig stuck in those conditions. I enjoyed the afterschool movies because they taught me a lot and brung up my grade when i needed it to.
ReplyDeleteI think that Andersonville, of course, was a horrible place to be in. It was a place of horror because people were killed for "fun." But if they weren't killed, they died from starvation, dehydration, and disease. This movie showed how determined and how confident the people were to get out of this Andersonville while still living.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy the movies you have for us to watch. They are usually movies I would never watch or ever heard of but that means I get to have an opputunity to watch good historical movies that maybe could help me in someways or somehow.The movies are somewhat violent but we can handle them.
Well I have to disagree with some of yall on excusing the servival of the fitest. I think that would get you know where. Keeping order in a small area like that with a ton of people would be hard, but worth it. Wouldnt you think trading what you dont need for something you do need with out hurting anyone or anything is better than going around stealing. I think keeping laws would help keep everyone in order.
ReplyDeleteI think these Videos have been fun. Yeah they havent been the most entertaining but I learned things I wouldnt have. I enjoyed doing it.
This is Kira Sullivan from A Period
ReplyDeleteThe people did what ever they could to stay alive. Although i think that is was wrong to kill people to stay alive i can understand why they did that. I think that it would have worked better though if they established a system and helped out other people. Ex: they shared everything. This would have helped more people to stay alive. I mean they are all on the same side and they want to be able to help the North as much as possible. They could have made it work if they shared and traded. They did not need to resort to killing.
I thought that most of the movies were pretty fun. I enjoyed going to them after school and i learned a ton.
i think that if a human was put into those circumstances, it would be close to impossible to maintain actual laws. but for human decency laws it would be somewhat tough, but do able. I would understand if some people went into a survival of the fittest mode like the raiders because they would be scared to die, they would steal and kill just to keep themselves alive. i think that this behavior is excusable at some level, the level of stealing food i would accept.
ReplyDeleteI do think that the history film festival has been worthwhile. yes i have enjoyed the movies but not the documentaries that we had before. I would change nothing. i was completely satisfied with the movie choices. But i would have the people that signed the list get automatic extra credit instead of doing a blog. I thought the movies were real good.
Good job so far.
ReplyDeleteThis is Taylor Codrick from A period. I think that the men in the movie could have built their own society. Even though it was pretty much every man for himself, they could have helped eachother to survive. I thought the movie was very educational. I defenetly have an idea of what war camps were like back during the Civil War. The blood and filthy living made me sick but it helped me understand war caps alot better.
ReplyDeleteTHis is SArah Verges E period. MAn, if i was in that kind of situation, it would be my living heck. I mean, im not all that strong but im not weak. i would make friends who i could depend on. id do this just in case i or they ge sick and need someone to care for them. I would share with my friends because it makes you a better person. I believe that survival of the fittest should be replaced with survival of the wise.
ReplyDeleteEven though this was not the most appealing movie ever, i liked the historical accuracy and the trial that showed that law CAN be used in even the worst situations
I think that all of the soldiers that found themselves in the vile contain ments of andersonville all start out in the same situation. Therefore they aren't just going to wake up one day and think "okay so whos going to be the last one standing, im going to make sure its me" no, after time builds and builds on their minds they start to wonder if they are even going to find themselves every leaving the place. Leading to them in most cases going mad. I think that since they are all having to go and live through the same conditions that is not excusably for them going and killing each other off one by one. It is possible for those men to maintain their human decency and see where the line and boundaries need to be met. although it is natural they need to learn how to control that. If they do start to go into their barbaric survival of the fittest mode, i would think that no one would be left on that battlefield.
ReplyDeletei disagree with kelly with the part about not killing people to save ur self, because if u r dying because of someone u would want to kill those people before they kill u and other people. I think after the few weeks someone is in there it would defenently be survival for the fittist. I dont think it should be but its different were your at some camp where they r trying to basically kill u.
ReplyDeletei thought the film festivals were great, it makes us go deeper into the material, if i could change anything, it would be to have class discussions for like 10-15 min the nxt day talking about the movie, if alot of people came.
ok, well i agree with most of the other people. It is understandable to go intp the survival of the fittest mode. Even so the raiders went too far. The people they killed didn't even have a chance. there truly wasn't a good enough reason to kill those people either. I think the History Film Festival has been worth while (all except this last one was kind of too gorry and violent) I think if you had to change anything, it would be that they all should be like this time and have drinks to go around. They were very helpful. other than that, it's been awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteoh, I realized that I put 'intp' in the 2nd sentence. Just in case your wondering, that was supposed to be an 'into' so ya.
ReplyDeletethis is katy kuhlmeier from b period. my computer is being weird.
ReplyDeletei agree with amanda. Everybody would go into survival of the fittest mode. I think that it would be pretty hard for everybody to follow laws in this kind of situation. I also think that the raiders killing people or the fresh fish was not acceptable, just because you are starving and dehydrated doesnt mean you go around killing people.
I think that the history film festival should maybe have another name, but im glad we had it so we could get extra credit. I think that the movies werent too violent or gorry. Its what really happened and we sort of need to know that. thanks mr.veliz for letting us get extra credit!
Well in their case, the situation was very severe but when you think about it, it seems like everyone else seemed to do ok. They should not have done what they did. I'm sure they could have survived withour doing what they did. I don't think it could have been excusible.
ReplyDeleteHey! Sorry I'm late on the blogging. I'm meant to do it awhile ago. Anyways I don't believe the behavior of the raiders was appropriate at all. I'm mean times weren't that bad...well kinda. But what they did was horrible. I mean some of those soldiers probably would have mad it out alive and gone home to see family and friends. But they couldn't because they were killed unexpectedly. I mean i remembered a part in the movie where they showed the raiders' living quarters and they so much stuff that had stolen from new prisoners. They had more food and collectibles and other stuff like that. It was crazy. I mean if they absolutely had to murder innocent people, they could have least shared some with other soldiers. I bet they had more food...because their leader guy was kinda fat. hahahteeheeehaha. i got so mad when that guy was fighting the raider's giant dude, they him the guy winning in the back of the head with big stick. That was extremely unfair and uncalled for. I was so mad. I'm not usually violent but I'm glad the raiders were hanged. They deserved it. All in all I thought the movie was really good. It told me how much better off we are that we have no wars going on here. I was really mad toward the Swedish camp guy in charge. He starved the prisoners. Man..he was all out crazy. A mental institutional would be good for him. If i was in that situation( Andersonville) I would try to help out the others around me because if you work together you have a better chance of survival. I would go into survival of the fittest.. but only if I was alone in the woods or something..killing a cougar to eat. Now that's a different story....I hated how all my favorite people in the movie die.
ReplyDeleteWhen your put in a situation like that for so long sometimes your brain takes over your heart and you do things that you sometimes regret. But,sometimes with the Raiders things did get out of hand because they were goin against there own fellow Union soldiers, which i didn't think was fair. The movie after school have been very helpful emotionaly and physicaly to understand the war and how it effected people. But when I watched Andersonville I wasn't very excited. I knew the whole story i was telling everybody around me what was going to happen next because I have been to Andersonville and I have seen it in person what there living conditions were. I am interested in finding out where they shot that movie though because they got all of the surroudings right. And during the movie they put the wrong info at the end it was 13,000 soldiers that died not 12,912. And about the movie improving i would bring in more chaires and not BURN popcorn (cough, cough) but otherwise the movie were fantastic and I would change it back to the boring documentary/reactment videos.
ReplyDeleteI dont think a good excuse is being stuck in that situation. Sorry but i believe you should know limits. Acting like a maniac isnt knowing your limits...
ReplyDeleteFirst i would like to say it was a really good movie. For me its hard to say because you may react differently then you say you would act if atually put into that position. What the raiders did was unexceptable. Treating people the way the did was horrible and then taking their stuff. I think that if they hadnt killed the other soldiers they could have had a good chance getting out of there. I wouldn't wish dealth upon anyone but i think that their punishment was right because they did take the life of many soldiers. When you are in a situation like that it would be to your best advantage to follow the rules, think smart, and atleast try not to tick anyone off because you never know when that person could help you. The thing that cracks me up the most is that they were all from the same army thing, way to turn on your own men. I love Opehelia's comment about the fat dude, (:. Anyway i think the after school videos is a really good idea because most of them are interesting and they kinda help you with what is going on in class. The only thing i would change is to get different seats, i mean they can take a toll on your butt. haha. Again, Andersonville was very good.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so, I thought the movie was good. I got pretty into it.
ReplyDeleteAnd, anyways. I thought Andersonville, the camp, was disgusting. Sick and wrong. Who could put human beings in that situation? Did they ever stop and realize that what they were doing was a disgrace? Did they think it was okay? Ugh, it just sickens me. They had old men, little kids, and wounded men. Infections and diseases were probably crawling in and out of every man there. Then there were the Raiders, oh LAWD. I wanted to punch every single one of them right in the face. It was just wrong, to raid new comers of everything. Some, even their lives. I hated how every one I liked in the movie died, and how they got SO close to escaping.. And, I thought the whole jury thing to hang the raiders was fascinating. I would have done everything in my power to kill them, because they killed my friends or something. This reminded me of the Holocaust on insane amounts, it was just a horrible condition for the men. And, I feel sorry for every single one of them. They could've atleast had clean water and atleast some rations of food.
I also think the movies after school is a good idea, because the movies are usually pretty good. And, it gives us more time to bring up our grade. But, Mr. Veliz, you need to learn how to pop popcorn soft and buttery like me. Not gonna lie (:
I think that their must be laws and rules like a normal societyyy and that if everybody works as a super spectacular teamm, things will work out. They shouldve tried to kill somebody at least. I mean they would kill each other but not the general when he was right next to them on his little white horse deal. Aaand i enjoyed the movies, it gave me extra credit that i needed. I appreciate appriceate? Anyways thank you.
ReplyDeleteI thought the movie was very good. I thought it showed just how hard it was during the Civil War and what the soldiers had to go through in order to stay alive and stand up for their country. I thought the Andersonville camp was horrible and just wrong for what they did to all those people. I mean what if it was the other way around to where the raiders were left with no water or food and were brutally abused sometimes for no reason, i know the raiders wouln't like it either and would fight back. I thought the raiders got the punishment they deserved, because think about all the peole they killed who had family and friends. I agree with Jentry with how the Andersonville camp was alot like the Holocaust camps in which the conditions were very much alike. Over all i thought the movie was good and showed me alot.
ReplyDeleteI think the History film festival was great, and a fun way to get extra credit. I really enjoyed the movies and they showed me alot of interesting things.
I definitly enjoed the Film Festival. You shared lot of great movies and they all pertained to what we talked about in class. Some of them were graphic, but had they not been, we wouldnt get the wole understanding of what you were talking about in class. I enjoyed having u as a teacher this year, and keep the Extra Credit going next year.
ReplyDeleteIf i was in this camp, i would at first try to be friends with everyone! We are all on the same side. i would also have a tight group of friends so that we can share stuff, keep secrets... ext. But, if all fails the nice and easy way, totally make an army, get the toughest men to be with me and kill everyone in the way. You will excape like that, maybe..... I HATED this movie. i dont like gross dark themed movies!!! its disgusting and i dont understand why anyone would wanna see it(exept for extra credit) Mr.Veliz~i need extra credit for history fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
ReplyDeleteEveryone, Have a wonderfull summer, and i hope we will have a lot of fun next year together again! :)