Film Application Paper - Freedom Writers

Seminar 2 Film Application Paper - Freedom Writers

Baker College

November 16, 2010

Seminar 2 Film Application Paper - Freedom Writers

A large problem facing Erin Gurwell in Freedom Writers (2007) is an integrated school system was considered a good thing at this point in history. Society was not looking at the individuals in each school and examining how this sudden integration of different cultures would affect the individuals involved. By suddenly uprooting so many individuals, developing teens and drastically changing their environment it affected many teens in an adverse manner and they had no desire to participate in school to continue their education. Erin Gurwell became the sole pathfinder practitioner for these troubled teens (Brown, 2011, p. 91). She challenged authority within the school system and fought to create a better teaching environment.

Another large problem that faced these students was school administrators “white” view of teaching. The other teachers did not take the time or care enough to make the curriculum something the students could relate to. These inner city kids were surrounded by violence, racism, abuse and no home life or positive influences in their lives. Each student felt alone and that no one understood their life or story, they took some refuge and made friends with in their own cultures and gangs that were separated by race. The school administrators were more concerned with getting students through the school system then truly educating them or inspiring them to improve their lives. Since there was not trust between the students and teachers there was little cooperation (Brown, 2011, p. 99).

Some of the smaller problems that Erin Gurwell faces are having books to supply to each student and a manner to reach the students. Since these kids were viewed as degenerates and misfits the principal and department director did not want to provide the students with full versions of the books to read and study with....