Freedom Writers

This was the first time I had ever seen Freedom Writers. I was riveted in my seat the entire time. As an aspiring teacher, this film really hit home for me, and it showed the impact that a teacher can have in the lives of her students, and the effect that prejudice, stereotypes and jealousy can have on others.

For me, the most apparent CRT tenant in this film would be that certain groups in the US have no interest in eradicating racism. It was easier for some teachers like Mrs. Campbell to say that the kids simply had no interest in going to school, and it was good enough to keep them busy for an hour, reading condensed versions of the school issued text books. They didn't look past their hard outer shell, their appearances they worked so sculpt. Those teachers saw them as gang members, delinquents, and lost causes. They saw what the expected to see, not what was actually there to be seen.

However, there are people like Mrs. Gruwell who believe in CRT tenant 6, that every group has a unique story to tell that contributes to US history. She believed that each ethnic group in the class has a different story to tell, and each individual had a unique background within that as well. Because she believed in them, really saw them, and got to know them, her class started to learn and to respect her. She reached them because she took the time to know them, and to look past stereotypes.

I loved this film, I would watch it again and again. I love to see the difference a teacher can make in other people's lives, for it is really what is drives me to be a teacher as well.