PlasticPills Critical Theory & Philosophy Samantha: From Zero to American Hero // 233
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Dec 6, 2025 A student's controversial essay claiming belief in multiple genders is demonic ignites a fiery debate. Hosts discuss whether the grading of the paper, which earned a zero, was justified based on the assignment's rubric. The conversation touches on the role of ideology in grading and the backlash faced by the teaching assistant. Social media amplification and cultural reactions play a significant role, raising questions about academic integrity and the clarity of assignment instructions. The episode concludes with lessons for educators on rubric transparency.
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Culture War Amplified A Grade Dispute
- The Samantha Fulnecky case morphed from a grading dispute into a culture-war spectacle once conservatively-aligned outlets amplified it.
- The political context (Oklahoma, religious framing, trans TA) explains why a routine grade turned national news.
Make Reaction Prompts Explicit
- Do design reaction-paper prompts with explicit criteria to limit ambiguity and prevent subjective penalization.
- Specify how students should reference the article and what counts as a 'thoughtful reaction' to reduce appeals.
Zeros Signal More Than Numbers
- A zero grade functions less as arithmetic and more as a punitive signal that communicates strong disapproval.
- That symbolic message can fuel escalation, making grading choices politically consequential beyond pedagogy.