What Movies Should be Required Viewing in Public Schools?
Yesterday’s post about the film Schindler’s List triggered many interesting comments on Facebook. Discussion is still going. I also learned a few things. Any day we learn something new is a good day.
Speaking of learning, this caused me to think about movies that are important as tools in education. Let’s face it, reading about history doesn’t always convey reality, nor compel students to take an active interest in the subject matter. Movies –especially movies that are done well– do convey important lessons. They can be used as education tools.
Which now brings me to today’s topic:
Name FIVE movies that should be a part of every educational curriculum.
If you want to name just 3, or 1 — that’s fine, also. But 5 movies should be easy to come up with.
Also note that movies are not for all ages: Younger children (grades 1-6) may be sensitive to movies like Schindler’s List. I’m not arguing against it here, only using the film (which depicts executions and horrors) might be age-inappropriate. So, perhaps other films are better for younger children. Finally, let me note that not all the movies must be heavy or contain shocking subject matter. Children can also learn from movies that are much lighter in tone, and even mostly for entertainment. This should broaden our lists widely. The point is — movies can teach us things. Indeed, movies can teach us things when we’re 6 or 16…..or 60.
Note: Let’s agree that many conservative-Christian-dominated school boards and idiot parents won’t approve of our choices–which is another subject for discussion entirely.
I’ll have to ponder this for a while to come up with my list of five. Schindler’s List is definitely one of them, and I’ll add To Kill a Mockingbird, and probably 12 Angry Men. But I’ll have to contemplate some others. See footnote below.
This is the TWO-HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINTH edition of A.U.C., which has lasted more than three years only because of participation from people like you. Thanks to all who post.
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Footnote: For me, I’m having trouble coming up with the ideal movie that promotes better gender understanding, namely teaches boys about girls (not just sex, and jokes aside). We have many excellent movies about race and history, but those are largely male-driven casts and even “White savior” films, and it seems that depicting women and a women’s points of view is critically important in education. I’m trying to think of that perfect film, assuming there is one.
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