The film Freedom
Writers starring Hilary Swank as Erin Gruwell is based on a novel “The Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin
Gruwell, who wrote the story based on her time in a high school in Long Beach,
California. Erin Gruwell played by Hilary Swank, is a new teacher, excited to
work however not knowing what she has got herself into. Her classroom instead of
being calm and collective are just the opposite; the students are “high risk”
and known as the “unteachables.” The social cliques in the high school are
taken to another level; students segregate themselves into racial groups
outside and even inside the classroom. Fights break out because of one ethnic
group is saying something to another group and all together lose control. Gradually,
through different methods Gruwell begins earning trust with the students and
bringing them together. She purchases composition notebooks as diaries for
students so they are able to express their inner most thoughts. The story
encompasses a teacher’s willingness to go above and beyond for her students, to
promote them to look past a doubtful situation and encourage them to succeed
when no one else would.
I found it interesting that the title “Freedom Writers” is on a play of the term “Freedom Riders.”
Referring to the multiracial civil rights activists who rode interstate buses
into segregated towns and denied moving for the “dominant race,” the Freedom
Riders challenged the status quo by riding public transportation in order to
challenge laws/customs that enforced segregation. Like in the film “Freedom
writers” the authors of the various stories challenged the status quo on racism.
Freedom writers exemplify CRT tenet number six; where everyone has a unique
story to tell and contribute to US history. Without freedom writers/riders,
segregation and racism would not be called to attention. With every individual’s
stories they ripple on those who have been oppressed and bullied who are willing
to take action and help fight for the cause.
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