Teacher losing job for performing in "Full Monty"

I came across this news article yesterday and thought I would post it and see what people thought. I think it's a shame that in this day and age where it's difficult to come by decent teachers a school would fire someone based on something like this.


http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2007/03/fl_teacher_canned_for_full_mon.html

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I saw this on the news this morning, and was amazed. It's not as if the teacher is performing in a strip club---he's acting in a play, for Pete's sake.

A little perspective, people...

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Updated On: 3/14/07 at 12:35 PM

This is terrible...no one should lose their job because of something like that. I was a little upset while reading the article, but then reading some of those comments on it got me pretty mad, so I had to post something. He's ACTING. In a PLAY. I don't see why the school doesn't understand, or how they think they're protecting the kids.

I don't know, Cal. I think that posing for Playgirl when you are a school employee is crossing a line. Now, I have no basis for my thoughts on this, so anyone's welcome to call me out on that.

In terms of The Full Monty, that's just silly. I'm wondering if the teacher will be able to sue. Sometimes it just takes too long to wait for karmic retribution, so suing may be more satisfying.

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I see your point, kasim, but, to me, posing for Playgirl, but especially the more graphic mags, is about five steps from being in a porn. Again, I have nothing to support my opinion other than my own feelings. I just think it's kind of a cheap thing to do and I wouldn't my kids, if I ever had any, around that person if I could help it, at least in a school setting. Call me small-minded, if you will. I'm pretty liberal for most things, but that just seems too shady.

Now, in terms of the teacher in The Fully Monty, that's not himself he's putting out there. He's acting, pretending to be someone else. With a man posing for Playgirl, that is himself out there, spreading it. Of course, unless he uses a stage name and goes as Marco Dongo or something.




*edited to clarify my feelings somewhat*

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Updated On: 3/14/07 at 02:22 PM

Threadjack again.

But, as stated before, Playgirl is for adults only. I would understand your point of view if he was on the cover. Then he might be exposed to the children. But, if he's only inside, then they won't have access to it...in fact, they shouldn't even know about it. Who knows what other kinky things all other ADULT teachers do that you'll never know about - we would have no teachers left if we had to fire all of them.

Full Monty - ridiculous, especially on a show that is really not about nudity at all, but family ties and love for one another.

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I saw this production of The Full Monty last night- and he was definitely one of the highlights of the show.

Everyone I have talked to about this thinks the school board is being absolutely ridiculous. And, from the sound of the cheering and the standing ovation he was given, the audience seemed to think it was pretty stupid as well.

"SorryGrateful, why must be act as though our bodies don't exist underneath our clothing? Why should our bodies be something to feel shame over?

So what if a school Physical Therapist posed in Playgirl? Does this somehow impact how well he does his job at school?"

I completely agree that we shouldn't be ashamed of our bodies. I have absolutely no problem with what you're saying there. But I personally would feel uncomfortable if a person who had posed for what is primarily a wank mag was teaching my child. I'm not saying it makes sense, but I would be wary of that.

"But, as stated before, Playgirl is for adults only. I would understand your point of view if he was on the cover. Then he might be exposed to the children. But, if he's only inside, then they won't have access to it...in fact, they shouldn't even know about it."

And in terms of saying that only people who are 18 years or older will see the magazine, that's so untrue. I first got drunk when I was in 7th grade thanks to my brother who is eight years older than I am. We all have ways of getting forbidden stuff for which we're too young. I don't think I'd like my (imaginary) kid getting hold of that magazine, seeing his or her teacher in it, and going in to school to see that person again only to stare and wonder. What would the child think? How would I explain what Mr. Smith is doing naked and oiled up in the glossy pages? Again, I'm not saying that my thoughts are perfect or rational. But thoughts and feelings so often aren't.

Sorry for the threadjack, everybody!

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Updated On: 3/14/07 at 04:29 PM

"I completely agree that we shouldn't be ashamed of our bodies. I have absolutely no problem with what you're saying there. But I personally would feel uncomfortable if a person who had posed for what is primarily a wank mag was teaching my child. I'm not saying it makes sense, but I would be wary of that."

You're not lending your argument or opinion much validity here. You're right, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

"And in terms of saying that only people who are 18 years or older will see the magazine, that's so untrue. I first got drunk when I was in 7th grade thanks to my brother who is eight years older than I am. We all have ways of getting forbidden stuff for which we're too young."

In my experience most kids who get a hold of things they shouldn't have (alcohol, porno mags, etc...) get them/steal them from their parents or siblings, even if they in turn share with friends. Again, as someone else mentioned in this thread, it's all about parenting. Don't put your laws on other people's bodies, keep your kids in line. If you're so concerned about them seeing someone half naked, then warp them so they are scared of sex and would never look in a porno mag. Seems a good American way to do things.

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And this is also going to encourage others to become teachers how?

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and YAY in happened in florida, WHAT a shock , ugh i truely hate living here

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I have to agree with Sorry-Grateful here. Playgirl is a couple steps away from porn. So if the teacher made a hardcore porn video, that would be okay also?

Sure, there's a fine line between work and personal life. But posing for Playgirl is pushing it a bit, especially when you work for a school.

Well, I have to disagree again.

By saying that, then you're saying that an adult's actions should mirror their day job. If this is the case, then it is also wrong that any teachers buy pornography, what if a minor in their school happens to be by the porn shop or even inside and look at their teacher? Or have sex for that matter, what if they walk by their house and the blinds hapeen not to be closed? No female teachers should wear tanktops or mini skirts on their days off, what if a student looks at them? They might be getting the wrong idea.

And although my examples may seem extremist, the only reason why I would think it is wrong for him to pose on Playgirl is that if he came to school to flaunt it, or discussed it with his students. But that mentality is centuries old, and I don't think you're so naive to not think that every teacher in America gets involved in adult activities that one or more people are aware of, you just never hear about it...are they all acting inappropiately?

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