Kadmom, I just watched the NYU Dorm video and it brought me to tears. I would definitely have a conversation with the teacher about that video and its emotional impact on middle school students-- regardless of whether they're skipped. I wouldn't wait for another poorly-chosen video to discuss the matter.
My son also loves SS this year. It's a wonderfully intellectually challenging class, so I understand why you don't want to rock the boat.
But think even if your child wasn't exceptionally sensitive, that video is too disturbing for middle school children-- especially when the girl starts shrieking about the second attack. I'm going to be thinking about it for the rest of the day.
I agree that particular video was especially horrifying... the understandable reaction of the girl to what she had witnessed was incredibly disturbing. I agree with what someone said above about sanitizing the horror...I think that most Americans *should* see those videos to try to understand just what it was like for those who lived through it and to try to understand all that came after. Not sure what the right age is. I think a good teacher could underestimate the impact of the image of the video on children.
