The tragic events still unfolding will present valuable opportunities
for classroom instruction. Perhaps tipsters might explore possible
class activities. I mentioned earlier the "seeing of satan" in the
smoke as an opportunity to teach, discuss research on perceptual set,
expectation, the driving role of fear, etc. I am sure there are some
valuable activities that can be developed to discuss prejudices and
stereotype formation/maintenance, and the power of cultural
belief-systems. In this regard, I found it interesting that Osama Bin
Laden is revered as someone who is fighting against the secularization
and cultural intrusion brought by capitalistic cultures such as the U.S.
while our own Revs. Falwell and Robertson apparently see the evil as
also one of cultural threat from the secularization of society, and (an
openness to)those with different beliefs, values, cultural practices,
etc. I am sure we all can benefit from a better study of cultural
differences and the extremism possible from such ideologies. The
formation of attitudes, belief, and ideologies can be examined in social
psych and cultural psych classes. Some simple discussion of how
cultural experiences and conflicts might underly the formation of
implicit or explicit prejudices may prove valuable here. The role of
learning principles, and the role of both neurobiological and social
factors in the development of fears/phobias surrounding recent events
may stimulate other class activities and discussion of relevant
psychological research. At the same time, the continuing saga will
provide opportunities for interesting research and scholarly study, as
well as chances to promote respect for different peoples immersed in
different cultural frameworks. My point is simply to ask tipsters to
share activities that are found to serve the aims of teaching
psychology. Gary Peterson
