INSOMNIA STREAM： THE WAVE EDITION
Stream Summary
This stream provides a deep dive into the history, context, and legacy of the classroom experiment known as "The Third Wave," conducted by Ron Jones in Palo Alto, California in 1967. The host closely analyzes the 1981 television film "The Wave," breaking down its scenes and comparing them to real-life events and later documentaries. The stream covers the mechanics of group psychology, the role of discipline, community, and action in shaping student behavior, and the ways these concepts were dramatized and mythologized in media. The host also critiques the educational intent and propaganda aspects of Holocaust-related content, discusses the required reading status of "The Wave" book in Germany and Israel, and examines the German film remake "Die Welle." Throughout, the stream references interviews with original participants, explores the exaggerations and realities of the experiment, and reflects on the broader implications for education, media, and collective behavior.
- Scene-by-scene analysis of "The Wave" (1981 TV film) and its depiction of classroom conformity
- Historical recounting of Ron Jones’ original Third Wave experiment and its five-day progression
- Discussion of discipline, posture, and group exercises as tools for social engineering
- Comparison with other social experiments, such as Jane Elliott’s brown eye/blue eye exercise
- Critique of Holocaust education, propaganda, and its psychological impact on students
- Examination of the documentary "Lesson Plan: The Story of the Third Wave" and interviews with former students
- Overview and analysis of the German film remake "Die Welle" (2008) and its reception
- Debate over the authenticity and exaggeration of the Third Wave experiment’s legacy
- Reflection on the use of "The Wave" book as required reading in Germany, Israel, and the US
- Audience engagement with questions about historical events, educational practices, and personal experiences
Sources
Key Points of Wisdom
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[00:19:15] “It all started when we were studying Nazi Germany.”
Context: The teacher introduces the experiment as a way to understand how ordinary people could participate in atrocities.
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[01:19:02] “You must question what you do rather than blindly follow a leader.”
Context: The lesson revealed at the end of the experiment.
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[01:22:22] “In five days, he was able to replicate that effect in white middle class Palo Alto, America.”
Context: On the speed and ease of group conformity.
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[02:25:12] “None of the kids actually thought it was real. They thought they were role-playing for a grade.”
Context: A former student reflects on the experiment’s reality versus its later mythologizing.
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[02:31:03] “It was Holocaust propaganda from the very beginning.”
Context: Host’s critique of the film’s intent and educational purpose.
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[02:32:41] “It’s all of you. You’re all capable of that. It just takes 5 days.”
Context: Reflection on the universality of group behavior and susceptibility.
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[03:00:20] “Great show tonight job. Well done.”
Context: Audience appreciation for the stream’s analysis.
Hyperchat Summary
- Audience asked about the likelihood of secessionist movements in America.
- Discussion of Telegram channels and media showing conflict in the Middle East.
- Questions about forgiveness in high-profile crime cases.
- Reflections on Art Bell radio episodes and paranormal topics.
- Advice and experiences about quitting weed and withdrawal symptoms.
- Suggestions for future stream topics, including historical rebellions and political groups.
- Comments on the impact of movies and media on public perception and subversion.
- Audience shared personal stories about family, history, and cultural experiences.
- General appreciation and thanks for the stream and its content.
Hyperchat Contributors
- Mr. Skywalker
- Gorilla hands
- Money Clip
- Christer
- Bessemer
- Man of low moral fiber
- Goku
- Pragmatic GX
- Blue cord
- Macy
- Some guy
- Adam
- Bessemer
- Goku
- Life sentence 2278
- Gravy Bear
- Dee Mitch
- Mandy Marie
- Rupert V21
- Jet Wire
- Volga German
- Anti soap soap kitch
- Sharpshooter
- No, curtain
- Tactical GNOME
- EP
- Social Engineer
- Ole Christiansen
- Jo Ann Wood
- Rick Schloss
- Alyssa Hess
- David Rose
- Ron Jones