Parallels in Psychological Horror
Based on a recent post I, akin to Carrie Bradshaw, ‘got to wondering’ whether the video game series, Silent Hill is an accurate analogy for working as a teacher. It’s tongue in cheek, it’s a little fun but it’s not without significance. Dare you enter the fog?
“This… this is where it all began. And this is where it will end.”
**Note – this is a lengthy post meant to be sampled rather than consumed in one, think JG Ballard-‘The Atrocity Exhibition’ (future post idea). It’s not written as a continuous piece but rather in fragments (no pun intended) to be picked through in no particular order. Perhaps like the amazing ‘Unfortunates’ by BS Johnson, I’ll write a definitive start and end, maybe I won’t but the rest is for you to navigate.
Lost in the Fog: Silent Hill, is a fog-shrouded town veiled in mystery which serves as a chilling allegory for the complexities and challenges within education. Much like the mysterious streets of Silent Hill, education is often riddled with uncertainty, with teachers and students wandering through a dense fog, representing the ambiguity and lack of clarity in educational objectives and outcomes. “‘What is this place?’, what the fuck am I doing here?” “why have we got yet another head teacher?” represents thoughts I have most days!
Encounters with the Otherworldly: Ok, within Silent Hill, protagonists encounter a myriad of otherworldly creatures and psychological horrors, this is undoubtedly an accurate portrayal of SLT, but could also be a synonym for the diverse range of obstacles and challenges faced by teachers in the pursuit of demonic target grades. These challenges can manifest in the form of disruptive classroom behaviours, academic struggles, socio-economic disparities, and academy/Ofsted implemented barriers, among others.
Constant flux: The constantly shifting reality of Silent Hill mirrors the unpredictable nature of schools, characterised by the continual evolution of often-imposed methodologies, policies, and pedagogical approaches. Often, these changes are influenced by the latest bullshit trends, perhaps even sparked by an idea a deputy head (d-head) excitedly came across on Facefuck. Just as protagonists must adapt to the unpredictable, nightmarish transformations of Silent Hill, teachers must equally remain agile and responsive to the continual transitioning of their environment, the demands of their students and the educational landscape…”let it be decreed that from now on, it’s green pens only”.
NPC-like students: The wandering, zombie-like abominations, that are the NPCs in Silent Hill parallel students in their manifestation of apathy and malaise within their respective environments. Both groups exhibit aimless wandering and a sense of being disconnected “what? ugh? why?”, with behaviours that seem repetitive and zombie-like. However, as home time approaches, there’s a transition: just as the NPCs may suddenly become more active and feral as they sense a presence, students often shed their passive demeanour, becoming more sentient and animated as they leave the confines of the school environment. This transition highlights the contrast between the subdued nature of the classroom and the unleashed energy that emerges once they are free from the boredom of the curriculum.
The Siren: In Silent Hill, the piercing wail of the siren signals the transition to a nightmarish reality, where the boundaries between the mundane and the morbid blur. Similarly, the resounding roar of the school bell marks the transition from the fun of creative subjects such as Art/Dance/Technology to the nightmarish dullness of Maths (sorry maths teahcers). Both signals evoke a sense of foreboding, signalling the onset of uncertainty and the need to confront the unknown. Moreover, just as the siren serves as a catalyst for the manifestation of inner fears and external threats, the school bell heralds the emergence of academic pressures and social dynamics that shape the student experience. In this way, both the siren and the school bell serve as precursors of transformation, ushering individuals into realms where they must navigate adversity and confront their deepest fears… “no, not Pythagoras, wait, no… NOOOOOOO!”
Discovery Amidst Chaos: Despite the foreboding atmosphere and daunting challenges, Silent Hill also offers moments of introspection, self-discovery, and resilience. In the face of adversity, protagonists demonstrate courage, resourcefulness, and determination, embodying the invincible spirit of teachers who persevere in their quest to develop and empower students in the face of SLT micromanagement. Micromanagement in itself is akin to running away from pyramid-head through tight corridors, in the sense that we are being constrained and pursued simultaneously by some sort of bastardisation of humanity (lol-wink), evoking feelings of confinement and relentless pursuit.
The Journey of Self-Discovery: Much like the protagonists of Silent Hill who undertake a journey of self-discovery, educators are tasked with navigating their own personal and professional growth. Through reflection, inquiry, and continuous learning, we uncover our strengths and confront our limitations, grabbing any medical kits or ampoules along the way. This journey allows us to evolve as practitioners dedicated to student success, while eagerly anticipating the moment we can get the fuck out of there!
The Power of Community: In Silent Hill, protagonists often find solace and support in the companionship of others facing similar difficulties. Similarly, educators rely upon a community of colleagues, mentors, and allies who offer guidance, collaboration, and solidarity. Together, we share insights, exchange best practices, and cultivate a CULTure of collective responsibility and shared success. Most importantly, we share the best places to hide from SLT abominations and how to create filters for the Vice Prinicpal’s narcissistic emails.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: ok, a tenuous one but Silent Hill’s diverse array of characters and experiences mirror the diversity within educational settings. Educators recognise the value of inclusivity and try to create learning environments that honor and celebrate students’ different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and equity, educators empower all learners to thrive and reach their full potential.
The Quest for Meaningful Connections: Amidst the darkness and despair of Silent Hill, protagonists develop meaningful connections with other characters as we learn their stories, finding strength and purpose in their relationships. Similarly, educators cultivate authentic connections with their students, building trust, rapport, and empathy. By nurturing supportive relationships grounded in mutual respect and understanding, educators can create a sense of belonging and promote a conducive environment for learning and growth.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Choices: In Silent Hill, protagonists grapple with moral dilemmas and ethical choices that shape their journey and define their character. Likewise, educators confront ethical dilemmas in their practice, navigating complex situations with compassion and ethical perspective. By upholding ethical standards and prioritising the well-being of students, educators serve as moral compasses, the much-valued town map, guiding students towards ethical decision-making.
The Manifestation of Pyramid Head: Much like the menacing presence of Pyramid Head in Silent Hill, school CEOs may embody a similar sense of foreboding and oppression within educational institutions. Like pyramid-head, they are often perceived as imposing figures of authority, these leaders may instil fear and apprehension among educators, symbolizing the challenges and struggles they face in navigating bureaucratic structures and power dynamics. Just as protagonists must confront Pyramid Head to progress in Silent Hill, educators may need to confront the influence of school CEOs to enact meaningful change and advocate for the well-being of students and staff. And… with regards to that scene in the second game, that initial encounter with Pyramid Head. For those familiar, I can only equate Pyramid Head’s actions with the academisation of schools, the introduction of CEOs and the subsequent fucking of the entire culture of education.
Cosplay as Corruption: In Silent Hill, characters confront manifestations of their deepest fears. Similarly, in schools, educators cosplaying as CEOs and donning business attire represent a dark transformation. This act perpetuates a culture valuing profit over pedagogy, and competition over collaboration. Like how the fog in Silent Hill distorts reality, the corporate cosplay obscures the true purpose of education, eroding equity and inclusivity. This cosplay reinforces hierarchy, dividing administrators from teachers and students and upholds a narrow definition of success. Educators must reject this perversion and embrace their role as guides, not corporate avatars, in encouraging student growth.
Ok fine, the nurses: In Silent Hill, the nurses initially appear as caretakers, yet their deformed nature shows a darker reality, symbolising the deceptive nature of appearances. Similarly, within education, SLT may present themselves as supportive figures, but their actions may reflect a different reality. Just as the nurses mask their true intentions, some educational leaders prioritise bureaucratic concerns oevr staff well-being. This discrepancy between appearance and reality emphasises the importance of discernment. Educators must remain vigilant, advocating for transparency to ensure an authentic learning environment. Additionally, the nurses in Silent Hill are blind, some SLTs are willfully ignorant to reality but this also reflects the challenge of determining who to trust amidst obscured vision. Similarly, teachers may encounter situations where trust is essential but difficult to discern, necessitating careful observation and evaluation of leadership actions and motives.
The Parallels of Decay: The obvious comparison is the crumbling buildings in Silent Hill and our crumbling schools however, within Silent Hill the deterioration fo the buildings mirrors the desolation and decay of the town itself, creating a haunting atmosphere of neglect and despair. Similarly, within education, the deteriorating morale among teachers and staff reflects a sense of disillusionment and neglect. Just as the buildings in Silent Hill evoke a feeling of abandonment, the declining morale in schools can stem from a lack of support, resources, and recognition. Both situations contribute to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, eroding the sense of community and collective purpose. Just as protagonists in Silent Hill must confront the physical decay of their environment, educators must address the erosion of morale within their schools, advocating for support, appreciation, and revitalisation to restore a sense of purpose and belonging.
Lisa Garland and Teacher Burnout: Lisa Garland, a character struggling with addiction and despair in the first game, reflects the problem of teacher burnout in education. Like Lisa, teachers experience emotional exhaustion, disillusionment, and a sense of hopelessness due to overwhelming workloads, challenging student behaviour, and lack of support. Both Lisa and burned-out educators yearn for redemption and relief from their suffering, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and well-being within the educational community.
Navigating Interference: In Silent Hill, radio static warns of lurking dangers. Similarly, interference from senior leadership should be seen as a warning of approaching challenges. Just as the static signals danger, interference from SLT may introduce new policies, strategies, or approaches that ‘must be adhered to’. Teachers must determine the underlying intentions behind the interference. Addressing SLT interference requires proactive efforts to promote clarity, empowering staff to navigate challenges effectively. However, while radio static in Silent Hill proves useful, interference from SLT often does not, and yet both trigger immediate anxiety.
Cut Off and Connected: Like Silent Hill’s isolation from reality, educational institutions can become cut off from their communities, enabling a narrow worldview and allowing harmful attitudes like misogyny to flourish unchallenged. This disconnect inhibits students’ ability to navigate the challenges of the real world. To counter this, schools must bridge the gap by integrating real-world experiences and promoting empathy and inclusivity, akin to the protagonists in Silent Hill navigating the horrors of isolation to find connection and understanding.
Alone amongst monsters: As a teacher, standing alone in a classroom among students can evoke a sense of isolation akin to the solitude experienced in Silent Hill. Like the protagonists navigating through a desolate town overrun by monsters, teachers confront challenges and decisions without immediate support. This isolation intensifies amidst the relentless demands of the profession. Like the protagonists, teachers must summon resilience to navigate through the darkness, finding moments of clarity and connection amidst the isolation.
Uncovering the truth: In Silent Hill, uncovering the truth is essential for the protagonist’s journey, similar to educators uncovering the realities of teaching and learning. Much like how the player pieces together clues to reveal the town’s dark history, educators gather data to understand student needs and improve outcomes. However, just as Silent Hill hides its secrets, schools may manipulate data to suit their needs, obscuring the true picture of student performance and school success. This manipulation can mask systemic barriers and perpetuate inequities, highlighting the importance of transparency and critical inquiry.
Confronting the final boss: Confronting the final boss battle in Silent Hill and getting apathetic kids through exams share similarities. Both represent a culmination of effort and challenge. Teachers prepare students like players prepare for battle, equipping them with knowledge and skills. Just as the protagonist adapts to eg. Pyramid head’s attacks, teachers must remain flexible in motivating students. Unlike Silent Hill, where success depends on player effort and dedication, student effort is not always controllable.
Fear and Anxiety: Just as players experience fear and anxiety in Silent Hill, teachers may experience similar emotions when facing challenging situations in the classroom or in interactions with leadership. The fear and anxiety may intensify when teachers encounter high-pressure situations involving leadership, such as performance evaluations, policy changes, or confrontations with administrators. Navigating through these situations requires teachers to manage their emotions effectively (future post idea: ‘I choose not to respond’) while still fulfilling their responsibilities in the best interest of their students.
Symbolism and Metaphor: Similar to how Silent Hill uses symbolism and metaphor to convey psychological themes, teaching often involves metaphorical representations of concepts and ideas to facilitate learning. Teachers use metaphors, analogies, and visual aids to help students grasp abstract or complex concepts, hopefully fostering deeper understanding and engagement, but not always.
Reality Distortion: While Silent Hill blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, teaching can involve navigating through the different perceptions and bat-shit interpretations of reality among students. Teachers must address diverse perspectives, beliefs, and experiences in the classroom, creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and heard.
Guilt and Trauma: This is a big one. Teachers may find themselves haunted by feelings of guilt or trauma stemming from their roles, much like the lingering aberrations in the streets of Silent Hill. Just as Silent Hill’s main character grapples with guilt over past actions, teachers may struggle with the weight of feeling responsible for their own well-being, or tormented by haunting memories. Additionally, teacher guilt may also arise from leadership policies that force educators to work long hours or sacrifice personal time, leading to a constant sense of obligation and self-doubt. Confronting these emotions is vital for preserving teacher well-being and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and , let’s face it, retaining a workforce.
Conclusion: I may add to this over time. The hilarity is that I am not that well-versed with Silent Hill and yet there is evidently an endless seam to be mined… This overview underscores the parallels between the world of Silent Hill and the landscape of education, emphasising themes of personal growth, community, diversity, meaningful connections, ethical responsibility, and the daunting presence of Pyramid Head as a symbol of authority and challenge within educational institutions. Just as protagonists navigate the darkness of Silent Hill to find meaning and purpose, educators navigate the complexities of education to empower and inspire the next generation.
