Freedom Writers, White Teacher to the Rescue - Chela Delgado
In this chapter of Rethinking Popular Culture and Media (pg 198), Delgado delves into the typical Hollywood tropes of teacher movies. More specifically, Delgado analyzes the relationship between a white teacher and students of color.
In order to break down the teacher/student dynamic in these movies, Delgado spends the chapter breaking down scenes and components of the film Freedom Writers.
Delgado doesn't quite know what unsettles her about films like Freedom Writers. However, she does know what she wants in a film that explores the teacher/student relationship in films. Delgado states that these movies should not depict heroes or villains, rather, there should be a realistic take on how race and class plays out in schools.
According to Delgado, such a film does not yet exist. Instead, we have Freedom Writers, which begins depicting violent new captures follow the verdict of Rodney King in 1992.
The film really begins with the scene below:
In order to break down the teacher/student dynamic in these movies, Delgado spends the chapter breaking down scenes and components of the film Freedom Writers.
Delgado doesn't quite know what unsettles her about films like Freedom Writers. However, she does know what she wants in a film that explores the teacher/student relationship in films. Delgado states that these movies should not depict heroes or villains, rather, there should be a realistic take on how race and class plays out in schools.
According to Delgado, such a film does not yet exist. Instead, we have Freedom Writers, which begins depicting violent new captures follow the verdict of Rodney King in 1992.
The film really begins with the scene below:
What follows throughout the rest of the films run time are a series of tension filled exchanges
between two parties that don't understand one another. Overtime, however, they slowly begin to see
the differences between them and understand a new perspective outside of their own.
The students learn about the Holocaust, analyze rap for poetic devices, and Shakespeare. Beyond the
fact the students don't learn about things relevant to their own race - like slavery or violence in
colonization, Delgado finds issue with how the film offers solutions. She worries that people will
leave the theater thinking the system can be changed and that an inaccurate film like Freedom
Writers is a blueprint.
Delgado states that even if this were true, at the end of the day it is only once classroom and the issue
at hand is much greater than a classroom.
Delgado ends by stating that no film like Freedom Writers has the space for the bigger narratives
beyond a white savior. Students of color don't save themselves in film and neither do teachers of
color. As Delgado puts it, "...it's only exciting to watch white people suddenly become aware of race
and start a crusade."
Delgado ends the chapter with some advice to both readers and viewers: enjoy the film for what it is,
but don't think that the small triumphs of one savior is enough to fix the larger issues at hand.
I remember watching this movie years ago and not even think of the themes being presented in it. I can appreciate Delgado's advice at the end, but I still plan on going back and re watching this one.
ReplyDeleteHey Fin! (aka Vinny)
ReplyDeleteWell written post. This was an article I wanted to read but chose another one. I will definitely read this one now. You peeked my interest!
Hayley :)
It seems like when addressing the social issues that are so important we often unintentionally come up short or make new problems. I remember watching this movie, but like Ben, I need to re watch it through this new lens I've been introduced to. The message I original took away is that we, as teachers, really need to know our students on a deeper and more personal level.
ReplyDelete