Here are some potential discussion questions about the Black Mirror episode "White Bear" that relate to ethics, social justice, and fair punishment:
1. Do you think the main character's punishment fits her alleged crime? Why or why not?
2. Is vigilantism like what is depicted in the episode ever justified?
3. How does the episode portray the relationship between crime, punishment, and rehabilitation?
4. What does the episode say about society's desire for revenge versus justice?
5. Does prolonged, inhumane punishment undermine principles of ethics and fairness even for heinous crimes?
6. At what point does punishment cross the line into being itself unethical or a form of social
2. Different Types of Questions
Type Explanation
Knowledge Simple, test for content
Comprehension Explain, interpret, summarize
Application Use of knowledge (rules, facts, and principles)
Analysis Use of principles in a new setting (compare/contrast)
Synthesis Combine/create ideas
Evaluation Make a judgement, express an opinion
3. What is the Question Type?
1. Do you think our court system is flawed?
2. When people commit crimes, who decides their punishment?
3. In my Law 101 course, we learned about the penalty for
stealing. Does this law apply to kidnapping too?
4. What are some problems with our current laws in Canada?
5. Can you see any possible solutions for the high cost of prisons?
6. Could you please explain to me the process in which trials are
conducted?
4. Common Non-Questions to Avoid
Non Question Example
Overly general opening question So, what do you guys think about cell phones?
Filler-questions Is it even possible to survive without a phone
nowadays?
Unanswerable questions How long are you planning to keep your landline?
Fuzzy questions Whatโs the deal with Blackberries?
Asking & answering questions Who invented the iPhone? It was Steve Jobs, right?
Yes/no questions or one-word answers Was the iPhone produced by Apple?
What is the name of the other phone brand again?
Run-on questions Who is the best provider, do they have better rates,
do you know anyone whoโs with them currently?
5. Good Question or Bad Question?
Option A Option B
What was the plot of the Black Mirror episode? Do you like to watch TV?
Violent TV is scary for kids, right? In your opinion, can violent television have a
negative impact on children?
I understand that TV isnโt always beneficial,
but could some shows be considered
educational?
Are some shows better for kids, do they have
more applicable knowledge, and are they
actually beneficial?
What is the most successful TV show of all
time?
Have you seen the Oscars?
Is Game of Thrones a show about dragons? Orange is the New Black taught me a bit about
female prisons. Is prison violence as common in
real life as portrayed on the show?
Is it possible that someday movies will become
obsolete and TV will take over?
Do most people prefer TV shows to movies? I
think so, because TV can provide so much more
detail than movies.
8. Make your own discussion questions!
Larry Nassar apologizes, gets 40 to 125 years for decades of sexual abuse
Larry Nassar was sentenced Monday to 40 to 125 years in prison, ending a remarkable three
weeks of court hearings that dramatically personalized the pain and suffering the former doctor
caused for years.
At his sentencing hearing in Eaton County, Michigan, Nassar apologized for his years of sexual
abuse, saying victim statements had "impacted me to my innermost core."
"With that being said, I understand and acknowledge that it pales in comparison to the pain,
trauma and emotions that you all are feeling," he said. "It's impossible to convey the depth and
breadth of how sorry I am to each and everyone involved. The visions of your testimonies will
forever be present in my thoughts."
But Judge Janice Cunningham, citing Nassar's earlier claims of no wrongdoing, sentenced him
to a lengthy stay in prison and said that he was in "denial.โ
"I am not convinced that you truly understand that what you did was wrong and the
devastating impact you've had on the victims, family and friends," Cunningham said. โฆ
Levenson, Eric. CNN Feb. 5, 2018
9. Black Mirror - White Bear
As you watch the episode,
think about some discussion
questions and write them
down.
Consider the topics of ethics,
social justice, and fair
punishment
