Who Do You Think You Are?

NBC has a new show that provides valuable insight into American History. The show is titled, "Who Do You Think You Are?" At first look, this seems like a celebrity reality show. However, the show is a lesson in the value of primary sources when studying our nation's history. Every 5th and 7th grader in New York State will connect with the show's use of primary sources to tell a story. (Primary and secondary sources are part of the NYS curriculum for both grade levels.)

The first episode researches the history of Sarah Jessica Parker. Her family comes over on the Mayflower, and one of her family members barely escapes the Salem Witch trials. She is amazed at each story she uncovers about her family history. Each turn is gut wrenching, because each generation has a story that will be an example of cause and effect into who she is today.

The second episode researches football star Emit Smith's family. This was a very telling, emotional tale of the ugly sides of segregation and slavery. It is quite moving to see how he reacts to each discovery of the dark side of American History. Classrooms across our state should show this episode to help students connect to our history as a nation.

I found a video stream that can be used in the classroom for teachers that is free. The link is: http://www.hulu.com/watch/134657/who-do-you-think-you-are-emmitt-smith. Or feel free to watch it here.

Body of War

Phil Donahue narrates this very early accounting of how misguided the Iraq War was for our soldiers. This is an exploration of the mind body and spirit, and how they are impacted by politicians actions and words.

The main character in the movie is Thomas Young. Thomas is  an Iraq War veteran who is tragically paralyzed from a bullet to the spine during a battle in in Iraq. What happens next is the emotional journey a paralyzed war veteran must endure in order to regain their life. We watch Thomas as he goes on a physical and emotional journey.  He has to learn to adapt to his new body. Along the way,  he begins to question his decision to go to war in Iraq.

The transformation we witness is how a soldier becomes an anti-war activist. Thomas is a hero. Not the Hollywood hero we so often see in films. Thomas is an activist, question why we went to war unequipped to handle the conflict in Iraq. Political infighting would impact many lives over in Iraq. The film essentially has two story lines. It allows us to see Thomas evolving into a powerful anti-war activist. His passions happen as he struggles adapting to his new body. It allows us insight into what we can not see or feel because of our disconnect to the war.

The second background of the war is the infighting that went on in Congress. Legislators were struggling with the war. Demonstrating the complexities of our going over there that is lost in translation. Overall, Body of War came out during a time when our country began to question the complexities of he response to 9-11. Did we have to go into Iraq? What was the human cost of this foreign policy decision? One that we will regret for a generation.

I am not a Nugget

Need a DVD that alerts students to the modern day dangers of Capitalism and Mass Production. The good folks at PETA offer a DVD that investigates the world of KFC and animal production plants. You do not have to be a vegetarian to understand the dangers of mass producing food for a society. You can log on to the PETA website at http://www.peta2.com/livevegpak.asp to get a free DVD.

Iraq for Sale

When I watched this movie, I think of the political phrase, "Experience" and how misaligned politicians are who use this to gain favor with the electorate. I will take judgment over experience anyday. This is why Barack Obama is correct regarding his refusal to appear on FOX NEWS. When you watch this video, you can certainly understand why our system is so corrupt, yet it is difficult to understand why people would not ask more questions of our news and government.

United 93

I recommend this movie because it genuinely tries to tell the story of Flight 93 without the stereotypes associated with most 9/11 movies. Another reason why I like this movie is that it makes the viewer feel uncomfortable by giving you the feeling you are on the flight. As a personal note, I want to add that my hometown is in the movie and it shows the human side of 9/11. The feeling of inadequacy because we were not prepared for such an event.

The Apartment

Historically speaking, as a teacher I found it was a responsibility to introduce students to black and white film from our past. So many keys to our past are left out of the classroom. Many films have layers to them that help us understand the roots of racism, sexism, and class struggles. The movie, The Apartment was made in 1960. The movie was written and directed by Billy Wilder. Similar to Rod Serling's struggles against censorship, Billy Wilder had a way of discussing social issues under the ruse of comedy. The roots of the male crisis can be found in this very provocative movie. I highly recommend this classic. If you have cable, you can sometimes see this movie on TMC.

Glen Garry Glen Ross

In my book, I discuss the male crisis. This week, I recommend two movies that impacted my thinking regarding the male crisis. The first time I saw Glen Garry Glen Ross, I was stunned by the dialog. The screenplay is simply amazing. When you watch it again and again, you realize the insecurities of men in general. The movie in my opinion was meant to make men feel insecure themselves. Superb cast, amazing script. Anyone faint at heart with language, you may want to pass on this one.