After playing the interactive game to find out what it was like to be accused of witchcraft in Salem, please answer the following questions with thoughtful responses:
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
31 comments:
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
The trial question that stuck the most in my head was, "Why do you laugh at it? Is this foly to see these folks so hurt?" This one stuck in my head so much because, how could you not laugh at how ridiculous this situation was. It went from an idea to a mob mentality. I mean yes it is sad that that was happening to the people but it was funny at the same time.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
Honestly, no, I didn't confess. I wanted to know what happened in the story if you didn't confess. I was glad that at the end you have the choice to go back and see if it was any different. And the outcome was still the same for me. I still ended up dead.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
This could relate to a modern situation in that people still get a mob mentality. When people start thinking of the unknown and what they don't know is true or not they can get thoughts stuck in their head and it can take a lot to change it. People can become really mean. Such as in school, if one person is known as that outcast or is hated by only a few people wait a little and see if the word is spread and becomes something everyone does. Even if the reason people hate them is because of a rumor. This can still happen today and it still happens.
The trial questions that struck me the most was, why won't you confess? This is ridiculous because if people knew me and have had previous interactions with me, they wouldn't have doubted whether I was a witch, they would have known for themselves. I didn't confess in this activity, for the reason that I had nothing to hide I knew I was innocent and if I where to die, I would know that I was honest. Anyone could relate this to modern day situation, because many times we find ourselves being badgered by others, about a situation or moral that you didn't participate in; consequently being falsely accused. It's just a matter of are you the kind of person to give in to others, or do you hold to your integrity and conviction. I would much rather have difficulties then loose my self- respect.
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
The Trail question that struck me as the most ridiculous was the question “how do you know you are not a witch?”. I found this ridiculous because that question is seemed to be designed for someone to just pause and think, and any weakness is thought to show signs of a witch. A common answer to that would probably be, “because I’m not!”. You can not explain yourself therefore you are digging your own grave with this question. I know I’m not a witch, but how can I prove this? You can’t.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
I actually did confess, just to see what would happen to me if I did. I thought that if I would have said no, more of the questions and accusations would have been said. I am not a witch but there is nothing I could have said to prove that to these crazy people, so I said yes. I ended up living and when I went back, after the game was over, and said no, I was hung.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
I think that this could relate the situation of how if your friends don’t like someone you’re sort of forced into not liking them either. Rumors and hate spread fast in a school of a couple hundred kids and this is not fair, just like accusing someone of being a witch, to those kids. Also this relates to the stereotyping that people create. Stereotypes, whether true or not, are an un-fair way to think about people if you don’t know them. If your stereotyped it is like you are starting out already with a bad reputation. These witch trials were stupid and un-just to the many people who died because of the stereotype.
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
The question that struck me as the most ridiculous would be, “how do you know you are not a witch?”. I agree with Patrick, this particular question would cause anyone being accused to pause and think about how to answer a ridiculous question with a strong, confident response. The question is structured to make the person answering it seem to lack honesty, the brief pause usually insinuates that the accused is elaborating an answer, however in this case, the accused has no choice. Even if the witnesses managed to maneuver their way around this absurd question, they would have no proof.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
I did not confess, I didn’t think I should have to lie in order to be spared. Unfortunately, I was hung for my honesty. I assumed I would be hung for my “non-confession” but I wanted to play the game as I would if I were in the real life situation, and although death is a cruel punishment, I lived honestly and stood up for myself. I also considered the fact that if I did in fact confess, I would be forced to live in exile and probably have great difficulty finding jobs. I also expect that I would live my life out in paranoia.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
I also agree with Rachel when she stated people get a mob mentality. An example of this could be seen even in schools, teens as a group form unwritten rules for what’s acceptable, those who don’t comply sometimes become “losers” or less acceptable.
a.) The question that struck me the most ridiculous was, “We KNOW you are a witch. Why don’t you confess?” First of all, how does one KNOW for certain that you are a witch? That seems a little ridiculous because you can’t prove that by any means and I’m the one that knows myself and what I’m about, not a judge listening to the crowd. Second, it’s the persons choice whether or not to confess so why would you need to ask them? This question is intimidating to me and could cause one to second-guess their position or response.
b.) No I did not confess in this game because I knew that I wasn’t a witch and even if I died (which I did), I would have kept my integrity. I agree with Maryanne, I wasn’t going to lie just to be spared. I and only I knew the truth…I wasn’t a witch, so why confess?
c.) I think the whole Salem Witch Trail situation could be related to everyday high school life. The town of Salem was constantly searching for drama just like high school kids and the afflicted ones would find someone to blame as a scapegoat just like teenagers do to get out of what they got themselves into. Also, it’s like high school because of the stereotypes we give certain people and the stereotypes that were given to the “witches” of Salem.
The most ridiculous trial question to me was, “why wont you confess?” I thought this was just straight up stupid because it’s a very obvious reason, I’m not guilty! I did confess because I knew that, because the people back then were so narrow minded, there was no way I was going to get myself out of being hung. This could relate to a high school situation where, because of rumors, Susie gets so stuck on believing Sarah did something to her that she gets mad at Sarah. Then when Susie finally confronts Sarah about the situation Susie is so stuck on believing that Sarah did it, when Sarah says she didn’t do it Susie will not believe her. This is very stupid and un-just, and so were the witch trials.
1. The questions that struck me as the most ridiculous were rhetorical ones such as “We know you are a witch, why won’t you confess?” The loaded questions are placing an immense amount of pressure on the way you answer. If you do not choose your words wisely, it is probable that you will come off as unable to dispute the question thus proving you are a witch.
2. I did not confess because I held strong to my integrity in that I did not do it. However, since the outcome of the simulated trial has little literal effect on me, it reasonable to see how a person could easily begin to question what the right thing to do would be. The accused person is aware that by confessing, there stands a chance that their life could be saved. This temptation alone could cause a person to question their integrity due to human nature. While many of us would blatantly conclude that they would not confess under any measures, can we fairly state that when our lives have not been put directly at stake?
3. The Salem Witch Trials could be related to the modern situation of peer pressure. Both situations have the basic set-up of a surrounding majority imposing a mentality upon a person. However the severity of the person’s decisions as a result of peer pressure may not be as extreme as those of the Salem Witch Trials.
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
Of the trail questions, the question that struck me as the most ridiculous wa when they kept asking me why i wont just confess. It's like they were trying what ever they could to break me down and just lie to prove that they were right. In the end, that might have been the reason why i confessed.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?Yes, i did comfess. I chose to do what ever i could to survie. However, for me to be released, i had to lie and tell them that another person was the witch and testify against her. That was wrong and i should have just not confessed and gotten hwat ever punishment they delt me.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
This could relate to modern life because situations lke this happens all the time. Something will happen and someone will blame someone and everyone will belive that person and start to target the person being blamed. People shouldn't alway belive what they hear.
a. The question that seemed ridiculous to me was "Why won't you confess?" There are only two reasons why a person wouldn't confess. The first option: If you honestly are a witch and don't want to be found out you aren't going to answer this. "Oh, yea, I don't really feel like confessing because you might kill me," isn't about to slip out because that would be confessing! The second option: You're not a witch, you are being unreasonably accused, and you believe you will be eternally damned if you claim to be a witch.
However, the people accusing were in a scared frenzy to find witches to kill, so they probably weren’t thinking to hard about what they were going to say. Therefore, all the questions ultimately make sense to me.
b. I did confess, as it is only a game and I knew from history that you are more likely to live. I wanted to see what happened when you actually claimed to be a witch, and in the end I testified against someone else and than lived.
c. This situation could relate to our current hunt for terrorists. Although we have a more rationalized incentive to search thoroughly, we can also relate as our hunt gets a little bit more crazy and frantic. While this is only a single example, America has a consistent history of finding scapegoats and pointing the finger.
The trial question that struck me the most was “how do you know you are not a witch?”. This certain question gave me reason to believe that certian people in this situation would ponder over that question and begin to second quess themselves. I personally think that their is no explination for this question. Either you were or were not a witch.
I did not confess to being a witch beacause i diddnt belive I was a witch. I also figured that their would be more questions and that concluded for more information about the witches. But i got hung anyways.
I think that this relates to drama in everyday highschool relationships. Rumors spread easily and no matter who tells you, you want to believe it. Rummors get started and you never know what could happen! Cliques fall in this same category. If someone is left out, they are shunned or looked down upon, just like the witches were.
The trail question that I thought was ridiculous was "How do you know you are not a witch?" I thought this question was ridiculous because it would be a hard question to give a reasonable answer that they would believe. I did confess because I thought that either way if you did or didn't confess that you would be killed. You could relate this situation to a murder case. If the prosecutor does not have evidence it is your word against someone else’s. They can choose to believe you or not.
a. It is hard for me to remember exact questions but there were some situations that they put me in during the trial that were very ridiculous. Questions like: Are you a witch? You know you are a witch just confess. They were forcing you to confess and it made me feel very frustrated.
b. No, I did not confess because I was trying to pretend it was real. Also I was curious as to if they would believe me and what would happen to me. I ended up dying because they didn’t believe me.
c. This could relate to a modern situation because it can and has easily happened in our society. All the people get an idea about something and they get a hold of everyone else and begin to influence them. Pretty soon the idea has grown more things have been added and everybody believe it.
A. The trial question that stuck me as most ridiculous was, "How long have you been in the snare of the devil?". First of all, how could you ask someone that while keeping a straight face? Second of all, they really wanted an answer to that. I mean how exactly do answer that... seven days?
B. I didn't confess to being a witch because I don't believe in taking the fall for something you didn't do. I would've died, knowing that i wasn't lying. Also, knowone else would've suffered on my behalf because I wouldn't have been forced to call other members of the community "witches".
C. This could be related to confessing for murder in modern times. If you plead non guilty, you might pay the price, which could mean your life. If you plead guilty, there's a chance for plea bargins. Just like in the Salem Witch Trials.
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
"How do you know you're not a which?"
was the questions that struck me as the most ridiculous. Since the question was asked, the accuser is already on the offensive even though the accused had answered every previous question to the contrary. Plus, the any answer given could be refuted since it would be subjective and not definitive.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
Out of curiosity, I opened the confession and non-confession windows at the same time. I probably would not have confessed if I only had one option because I knew that I was not a witch.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
This could relate to the modern situation in places like Guantanamo Bay. According to leaked reports, inmates are tortured until they give the answer that condemns them. They aren't given an option, just like in the Salem Witch Trials.
The question that struck me the most was, "why won't you confess"? because they assume that you are a witch when they really don't even know you. I did confess because i wanted to see what would happen if i did. Even if I didn't confess i probably would of have been hanged or killed. I think that this could be related to a murder case because the judge gets to choose weather to execute you or let you live.
a. The question that said, “how do you know you’re not a witch?” really struck me as the most ridiculous because I for sure don’t believe in witches and I don’t see why anybody else would either. Even if witches did exist I still think that somebody would know weather he or she is a witch or not.
b. I did not confess because I think that too many people were accused of possessing the young women and I also know I am not a witch and therefore, why would I confess of being a witch? I wouldn’t.
c. This could relate to a modern situation, for example, if a power plant or factory starts to poison are like a neighborhood or business area, the whole factory gets blames including all the employees and the business owners and anybody who has some sort of business connection with the company. Then everybody has to take the blame for something that more than likely was out of the factories control and didn’t do it with the intentions of harming anyone.
The question that struck me as most ridiculous was, How long have you been a witch? This one struck me as most ridiculous because whoever is asking the question is basically saying that they don't care what you answer because they already know you are a witch.
I didn't confess because I knew I wasn't a witch and that was all that mattered.
This can relate to a modern situation because in our day and age criminals have adapted to modern law. Innocent people can be framed for crimes that they didn't commit and go to jail for things that they didn't do.
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
The question i found to be the most ridicoulous was "did you make a deal with the devil". I found this question really obsurd because personally i dont really believe in the devil so it pops out to me.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
I did not confess because i wouldnt give up my beliefs to skip out on a little pain.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
Still today people look for the easy way out. When some one is confronted with something unknown they will get scared. So they will look for something to blame it on or something that they can relate to. They look for facts, data, something visual.
1. The trial question that stuck out in my mind the most was "Why wont you confess". This is nonsense of course you wouldn't confess they would kill you. I can't belive they would even think to ask this question.
2. I didn't confess because I didn't do anything wrong and I refuse to plead guilty to a crime that I didn't do.
3. This doesn't relate to a single situation, it relates to many situations. People tend to want to place the blame somewhere. It is easy to go with the flow. Take what happened after 9/11. People found it easy to jump on the band wagon to go to war without thinking through the consequences. ( I'm not taking sides on that. )
a. Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
I thought it was ridiculous when they asked if the reason i wasn't confessing was because i had made a deal with the devil.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
Yes, i confessed because there was so much pressure and confusion in the courtroom i almost said it accidently facing no other choice.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
Any modern courtroom could have some traits the witch trial had but probably not as ridiculous.
a.)I thought that the most ridiculous trial question was "Are you a witch." I thought it was because no witch is going to confess to that specially after she just commited a crime.
b.) I did confess only because the way i looked at it was that they were eventually going to get it out of you so why not just confess to it and get it over with.
c.)This situations is related to the modern day with the whole terrorist thing. They dont know exactly who did it but they have people that are accused for it.
check 123
The question that stuck to me as the most ridiculous was "We know your a witch, so why don't you just admitt to it?".This question seems to be a question that they already know the answer to so it seems stupid to answer it with "no I'm not a witch." because they already have it in there minds that you are.
No because I knew either way I would be convicted of something I'm not so I would rather go out with a good word.
Many people in our world that we live in today may be judged by the way they look or the way the live there lifes and if it is different from the way the jury lives than the jury already has it in there head that the person is leaning toward bad and not good. They start the race already ten feet behind, in a way.
a.Which of the trial questions struck you as the most ridiculous? Explain.
I think that the most ridiculous question asked was “how do you know you are not a witch?” It seems to me that the real question there would be how do you know you are a witch. There is nothing to prove how you aren’t a witch besides plainly saying that you’re not. But, unfortunately, nothing that they hear will change what they think.
b. Did you confess? Why or why not?
Yes, I confessed. From the stories and experiences I have read from this time, it seems to me that no matter what you say or don’t say, the fact that they think you are a witch will never change. I believe the result would have been the same no matter what so I though I might as well have accepted the outcome.
c. How could this relate to a modern situation?
I think that the Salem Witch Trials relate to modern day stereotyping. To be more specific, after Pearl Harbor, the United States government transported all of the Japanese Americans into internment camps. This was because the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. They thought that just because the innocent people had an ethnic tie to the enemies, they were against the United States too.
The trail question that struck me as the most ridiculous was "We know you are a witch. Why won't you confess?" because it basically shows that there really was no trial for the accused they just assumed they had you. All the evidence they had was the "afflicted" girls whose acting apparently won everyone.
Yes, I did confess because I figured if I didn't they would hang me anyway and I had also thought that they might not hang me. They didn't hang me but they did basically make me testify against someone that my character believed to be innocent, which in my opinion would be worse then death.
I agree with Rachel on how this would relate to a modern situation. When people are presented with something they are unsure of or don't quite understand I think they tend to take the first answers they receive and run with them.
1. The question that was most ridiculous to me was, "How long have you been a witch?" If you say that you aren't a witch then you wouldn't answer that question. It is as if they are trying to trick you into answering.
2.I did confess because I thought that my punishment would be less cruel, and I was right. SOmetimes you have to lie for your own well-being
3. Through out my life I have been accused of stuff that I didn't do or say. At times it is just easier to say that you did it than to have to go through all of the problems and accusations to follow.
a. The trail question that struck me as the most ridiculous was, “How do you know you’re not a witch?” I thought it was ridiculous because there is no possible answer that can prove innocence. This question was just designed to trap someone into confusion and lead to saying something that is not true.
b. I did confess. After reading that confessing would most likely save my life I thought it would be a wise choice. I went back though, to see what would happen if I did not confess and I was hanged.
c. This relates to modern situation because many times when people look at someone different then themselves or hear a rumor they automatically start to make judgments that in most cases are not true. Like if you have heard rumors about someone and you believe it right away without question, that is basically what happened in Salem a rumor started and it lead to the deaths of 25 people.
Post a Comment