The Quad

Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News

Monday, April 2 in Sykes Union Theatre, at 7:30 p.m., a panel discussed the contemporary issues presented throughout "Freedom Writers," a film about a young teacher (Erin Gruwell) who inspired her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves and pursue education beyond high school.

The panel included Dr. Krista Malott, an assistant professor in counselor education at Villanova, Dr. Victoria Tischio, a professor of English at West Chester University and Dr. Mark Lamont-Hill, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and current professor at Temple University. The panel also included two fourth year secondary education majors, Emily Derek and Abby Weiss. Many different opinions offered during this one hour discussion preceding the viewing of the film. Each candidate, including the audience, was encouraged to participate actively.

Tischio said that she is a "sucker for an inspiration narrative." Tischio currently teaches film classes WCU. In her opinion, actress Hilary Swank effected amazing change; however, Tischio went on to say, she felt there was no structural change at the school because Gruwell moves on to a more profitable chapter in her life. Also, Tischio felt that Gruwell's classroom faced tremendous resistance.

Malott of Villanova University said, "There is no exact way to reproduce in the classroom." The culture of the classroom is the most influential factor for educating the children in it. Malott said that Gruwell's success spurred from getting to know the students as people and not just as students. Malott said that the diaries Gruwell uses throughout the film are the most relevant way to relate to her students.

On the far right of the panel sat Lamont-Hill. Dr. Lamont-Hill said that he takes interest in watching emotion-evoking narratives. He said, however, that although a person may assume he would be able to relate to the film-having a background in public city high school-he did not.

Lamont-Hill stressed the fact that he grew up on films with same basis as "Freedom Writers," but he felt no connection. In his opinion, Swank's character created a "safe-space" for her students, yet it was not entirely safe. Gruwell's character, according to Lamont-Hill, "crafted a community of care" by acknowledging racism.

Derek, the first student on the panel, said that Gruwell's character was depicted as overly na've. For example, there is a scene in the film where the fire alarm is pulled and Erin Gruwell stands idle, while everyone rushed around.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools