Bryce Zabel: Those who can, teach
FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH | Bryce Zabel: Produce or Perish! | USC School of Cinema & Television CNTV589
Bryce Zabel is going to be a professor at USC. If his class is anywhere near as informative and entertaining as his blog, I think his students will be well served. He said a few things that disturbed me, though.
Like everybody who’s actually making a living at screenwriting in this town, my first response when asked was to be very leery about teaching a class because we all know that phrase: “Those that can’t do, teach.”
I really, seriously, have a problem with that phrase. It bothers me that he gives it any credence, and much of his post is spent convincing us (and himself) that it’s not a cop-out for him to teach. It’s even more depressing since, as he says, he “comes from a family of teachers” and should know better. If you can’t “do,” you sure as heck shouldn’t be teaching others how to “do.” That just leads to a whole new generation of people who can’t “do.” The whole success of the teaching profession is based on the premise that someone who knows what they’re talking about imparts that knowledge to others. And by that criteria, it would seem Bryce would be a great choice for a teacher. It’s disappointing that he doesn’t seem to see the honor in it.
Teaching is not a second-rate profession. It’s a privilege - and a challenging one, at that.
On the other hand, I come from a family of teachers and it’s in my blood. Besides, I’m secure about my credits, and if people with credits don’t give back, that’s a shame. Also, if you’re going to teach anywhere, doing it at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema and Television is the place to do it. Famous alumni, famous students, famous supporters — it’s got it all. So, those are my rationalizations, and I’m sticking with them.
It also bothers me that the connection with “the famous” is a motivating factor. Teach there because it’s a high quality school; “fame” as a criteria seems a bit superficial (though it could be argued that the fame comes as a result of the school’s quality, but even if that is the case, the emphasis is in the wrong place).
Bryce, if you’re reading, I give you serious congratulations on your choice to teach this class, and I’ll say I’m jealous of the students who will participate. It sounds like an excellent course. I just hope you understand the privilege you have in shaping these minds and I wish you wouldn’t perpetuate the misconception of teaching so sadly popularized in our nation.
Tags: Learning, teaching, tv
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July 22nd, 2006 at 12:34 am
Good, thoughtful response. I probably did spend too many pixels justifying the decision, but that says more about the industry probably than even me. But, like I say, I come from a family of teachers and I’ve always enjoyed interacting with students and I’ve done many, many college guest shots in classes. Thank you for all the other positive things you said and I’ll keep it all in mind.
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July 22nd, 2006 at 8:23 am
Yeah, I debated about going on about the industry’s role in that perception as well - there is certainly some blame to be had there. That seemed like it warranted a separate post (or posts), though — and in fact I already have at least one that is related from a few months back, though it’s not completely on point. It is a subject I will more than likely breach again.
Thanks for the comments.
[edit: hmm... the two posts I was thinking of were even farther off point than I remembered. I'll have to get to that side of the argument sooner than I expected.]
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