Psychology
What happened during the Modern Day Knights program in June 2020 and how was it resolved?
In June 2020, a tragic incident occurred when a participant died during a Modern Day Knights session. The family sued for wrongful death, alleging that the program failed to provide necessary medical care when needed. The parties eventually reached a settlement a few years after the incident. In a follow-up interview with NBC News, Eckert (presumably a program representative) declined to discuss details about the tragedy, citing privacy concerns and respect for the unfortunate situation. Despite acknowledging the settlement, Eckert maintained that there was no liability on the part of the program regarding the participant's death.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
NBC News
01:10 - 01:31
How does suffering impact men according to the Modern Day Knights program?
According to Program Instructor Steve Eckert, suffering is a transformative catalyst for men who have lost their edge and become stuck in life's routines. When men experience suffering, it unlocks what he describes as 'superpowers' - essential qualities and strengths that may have become dormant or underdeveloped. The program recognizes that many men have 'lost that fire' and need challenging experiences to rediscover their purpose and vitality. This philosophy forms the foundation of their approach, suggesting that controlled adversity is necessary for men to break free from stagnation and reclaim their sense of drive and power.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)NBC News
00:31 - 00:37
What is the Modern Day Knights project and what does it offer?
The Modern Day Knights project is a high-intensity boot camp for men seeking personal development, offered once or twice a year at a cost of $18,000 for a three-day program. The rigorous experience includes hand-to-hand combat, water hosing, and crawling across railroad tracks as part of its challenging physical regimen. The program promises transformational outcomes for participants, claiming they will become better friends, fathers, and leaders through this intensive experience. This boot camp represents a specialized approach to masculinity and personal growth through physical and mental challenges.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)NBC News
00:00 - 00:30
How does the Modern Day Knights (MDK) program compare to traditional therapy?
According to therapist Dr. George James, programs like MDK offer benefits for men's personal growth, but they should not be considered a replacement for actual therapeutic treatment. While the program creates challenging experiences similar to ultra marathons or tough mudder races that may promote personal transformation, these intense boot camp-style approaches have limitations. The program provides physical and emotional challenges that might help participants process trauma, but mental health professionals have mixed reviews on such extreme approaches to healing and redefining masculinity.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
NBC News
03:09 - 03:23
What is the current situation for children displaced by conflict in Gaza?
In Gaza, approximately one million people are displaced, with half being children who have been severely impacted by Israeli bombardments. During evacuations, many families became separated in the chaos, leaving children stranded or in damaged shelters without guardians. These children have become a traumatized generation, stripped of basic safety and security. The displaced children live in constant fear that their situation may worsen if the current fragile ceasefire collapses. They represent a particularly vulnerable population within the broader humanitarian crisis, facing not only the physical dangers of conflict but also profound psychological trauma from their experiences.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Al Jazeera English
02:25 - 02:46
What happened to nine-year-old Ramas during the Israeli airstrike in Gaza?
Nine-year-old Ramas lost her entire family—parents, sister, and two brothers—when an Israeli airstrike hit her grandfather's home in the Al Zaytun neighborhood of southern Gaza. The attack occurred in two phases: the first missile caused burns and injuries to Ramas, while the second claimed the lives of all her family members. Miraculously, Ramas survived after remaining unconscious under the debris for six days. She is now the sole survivor of her immediate family, with her aunt becoming her only remaining relative. This devastating experience reflects the broader crisis of orphaned children in Gaza who face immense trauma and loss due to ongoing violence.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Al Jazeera English
01:17 - 01:57