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.

One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

I am asking people to reconnect to the movie and the book. The theme of the book is relevant today. We are creating segregated institutions that marginalize our problems in society we refuse to deal with. The consequences are dire, and power structures are fighting to create a reality that represents the interests of institutionalizing people instead of saving them.

Paul Mooney Showtime Special

This is still on Showtime Demand if you have a friend who can record it. I believe you can also order the video. Paul Mooney has a long career with comedy artists such as Richard Pryor. However, what Paul does best is provide insight into the perceptions of black America.
Because of the language, many schools will never show Paul's show. It is ironic because teachers, social workers, and human service workers that are white across the country repeat the following ideas about the word, "nigger".
"Why can rap songs and black people say nigger too each other. Yet if a white man says nigger, its a big deal."

First of all, I belong to an Italian-American club. We have the same rules. Italians call Italians Wop Diego, Greaseball etc. Yet if a non-Italian called an Italian that, watch out.
Its a cultural issue.

However, watch Paul's show and see how culture and bigotry meet. I included a youtube clip for your enjoyment.

The Running Man

The Running Man is movie made back in 1987 that predicts many of today's problems with stunning accuracy. The movie predicts of a world in 2017 in which global markets have been rocked by declining oil resources and our economies unwillingness to change to alternative resources. The government in return has decided to restrict art and culture.....hmmmmmmm and distract people with a reality TV show known as the Running Man. (I will stop here to prevent spoiling the plot)
The DVD (Five dollars at most stores) includes two excellent documentaries. One is on the Patriot Act and the other is on Reality TV. The documentary on the Patriot Act serves as a haunting reminder of how trampled on our civil liverties are without us realizing it.

I recommend the documentaries for secondary ed and college teachers.