Since this weeks topic has seemed to create quite a bit of discussion I'd like to recommend a movie that released just over a month ago.
The IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1682181/
The movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhVdc7aQv8
As a small independent documentary, I believe that it's already out of theaters, but I recommend looking for it when it comes to DVD. It's incredibly heart-wrenching and reminds you how serious bullying can be.
There was initially given an R rating in a controversial decision by the MPAA, it is now rated PG-13 allowing for it to be accessed by the kids who will probably benefit and relate to it most. Hopefully some schools will be able to show it and use it as a resource.
From the comments on the trailer:
"I remember not wanting to go to school. Throwing up in the bathroom because they were waiting outside for me. Just because I was held back a grade that made stupid. I will never forget the girls names who hit me, who called me names. Even some teachers said I would make nothing of myself."
Wow, I hadn't heard of that movie before, but it looks really intense.
ReplyDeleteNew technology, while making a lot of things easier and more convenient, can also perpetuate bad in addition to good. I remember when I was an RA in undergrad, one of the girls in my building started getting hundreds of text messages from unknown numbers calling her names. I came to realize the messages were coming from guys on my hall, but I didn't know exactly who. I ended up having to call a late-night full floor meeting to get it to stop.
Bullying today can come in so many different forms, and it's hard to identify when it's happening and from where it's originating. The best we can do as teachers is make students aware of the seriousness of these issues, and create an environment in which our students know it's okay to talk to us if they are being victimized.
This is such a good news for teachers. Finally there came the first documentary of peer bullying. By showing students this real story movie, can they learn to better do perspective taking, so that they will understand how these underrepresented bullied students feel. Real stories are always powerful and effective lessons without complicated preach or rules. Best way to speak for the bullied!
ReplyDeleteThis documentary was a tear-jerker for me. I bet it would be a really powerful asset in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have not seen this movie myself, I have read the many reviews that are out. Most often the word "heart wrenching" is used to describe the situations brought to light by the documentary. If only we could have all educators and students and their families view this movie, then the epidemic of bullying could be addressed.
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