In the beginning of the film you saw Ms. Gruwell's department head suggest that she not to wear her pearls to class. The English teacher commented on them as well. Later we notice that she wore them to class on the first day of school. Why do you think she was given the advice and why do you think she ignored it? Also, you heard Ms. Gruwell ask her students if they were aware of the Holocaust after she saw an ugly picture being passed around the class. Why do you think almost none of the students had ever heard of the Holocaust? At one point she is having a conversation with her department chair about giving her students new books. What was the importance of that discussion? Finally, what do you think is the most important message of the film?
29 comments:
I think Ms. Gruwell was given the advice not to wear her pearls because the other teachers and the department head do not have a positive opinion on her students. These teachers do not understand or care what these students have to deal with and made assumptions that the pearls could get stolen. I believe these students were not aware of the Holocaust primarily because they have so much on their minds. These students had to struggle almost every day just to get by, they were not exactly thinking about learning. Also, these students are looked down upon by the others and they did not get the same respect and treatment as some of the other students and their previous teachers may have assumed they just didn’t care. The importance of the discussion Ms. Gruwell had with the department chair was significant because it clearly portrays the doubt these adults have in these students, to the point where these students aren’t even trusted with new books. The most important message in this film to me was that although someone may seem to be one way, it isn’t right to judge them and doubt them when you don’t know anything about someone. Sometimes one just needs to be reached out to before one can begin to meet their true potential.
She was told not to wear the pearls because the students all have bad reputations, therefore the department head and the other english teacher dont trust them, they thought that the pearls may be stolen. these pearls were kind representing how she never really did what she was told, she always went against what everyone told her she should do and did what she wanted and thought was right. i think that the kids werent aware of the holocaust because they were never taught. they just brezed through school because teachers didnt think they were worth teaching and that they would never learn anything. i think the book discussion was important because it shows how the school looks at the kids and how ms. Gruell believes in them and since the school wont give them books she has to finance the books she wants the kids to read on her own. i think that the message was not to trust in judgements but to give everyone a chance because everyone is capable of learning and reaching a high potential all you have to do in believe in them
Ms. Gruwell clearly chose to ignore the recommendation that she not wear her pearls because she has faith in humanity- in all seriousness she at least felt that the classroom was the best place to target for change, and therefore thought it would be unwise to continuously shield the students from the real world. Well that was a run-on sentence. Anyway, her students probably had never heard of the Holocaust because they were not given the chance to learn, since they were largely ignored after showing no motivation to learn anything before Ms. Gruwell's class. Therefore, given a little motivation and a stable, confident in changing the lives of the students for the better teacher, the students were willing to learn more about something they may have been blind to before in order to avoid making the same mistakes in their so called "war" that they went through in their daily lives. Books are the key to learning and being able to relate to what you are learning. Anyone can read any level of book, so long as they are given the chance to read it along with a chance to digest and understand it. The most important message of the film is that society needs to be more tolerant of one another and less judgmental. The easiest way of doing so is by sharing your story, whatever it is. Someone is likely to be going through a similar thing, regardless of ethnicity, class, et cetra, and therefore by feeling as though one is not alone in the universe, acceptance of one another becomes an easier thing to do since we can all relate to one another based on simple human emotion- natural human relations.
Abby makes an interesting point in saying all that she expressed. I think it was well put and concise. I might have rambled on and on (in plain old comparison).
Although i hadn't been present to finish the movie i have watched it prior to date....
i think Ms. Gruwell had been advised not to wear the pearls to class because they had felt the kids were a bunch of hoodlums who would jump her and steal her pearls. i also believe the students had no idea of the holocaust because the prior teachers never had interest in teaching them about it because they jumped to conclusion on there physical appearance and didn't care to educate them on anything relevant in society that is worth knowing and rather felt to discriminate on knowledge The importance of the discussion Ms.Gruwell had with the dept. head was of significance because it pointed out how much the teachers hadn't had faith in the students they are suppose to teach and inspire them positively rather then killing there vibe as they did..this movie just makes the saying Dont judge a book by its cover to be even more realistic because these kids had wonderful potential which they couldnt make use of cause of there troubled lives which people are quick to judge them for
Ms. Gruwell was given the advice not to wear the pearls to class because of the reputation of the students. Knowing how the students act and what they are capable of, both the department head and English teacher told her to take the pearls off before class. She did not listen to their advice because she did not feel that she should have to do what they say and I don't think she believed the students would actually steal them. I think the students were not aware of the Holocaust because they were not educated well and many of the students chose not to go to class anyway. The significance of the discussion Ms. Gruwell had about getting new books is that it shows how much the school looks down upon its students and has no hope in the students. I think that the most important theme in this movie is about judgement and giving people a chance. No matter what people's appearance may be or how they act, they should not be judged for that but rather what is on the inside because they may have great potential.
I was absent today, but I believe Ms. Gruwell was told not to wear her pearls because the dept. head believed that the pearls would be at great risk of being stolen. The fact that Ms. Gruwell wore the pearls to her class anyways highlighted how she never entirely believed the words of the dept. head concerning her students. Ms. Gruwell didn't see the "bad" in the students that the dept. head saw. Instead, Ms. Gruwell saw the good in them. I think it is most likely that the students had never heard of the holocaust because either they had been too ignorant to learn about the topic or the school had completely given up on teaching the topic to them. The important part of Ms. Gruwell’s conversation with the dept. head was the showcasing of Ms. Gruwell’s faith in her students despite the school’s complete lack of faith in the students’ drive and learning ability. I believe that the most important message of the film was that anyone can do well if they have the right mentor and that anyone can do well if they find the motivation.
Ms gruwell was given the advice not to wear her pearls by the department head and the english teacher because of the reputation that many of the kids in her class had. They didn't know the students personally, nor care to learn about them at all. They just thought those students were only bad news. I think that the students in her class weren't aware of the holocaust because of the poor education they recieve, and that most of them don't have parents that made it past high school education, so they couldn't teach them about things like the holocaust. Most of the teachers could care less about teaching the holocaust to students that they think have no potential. I think the most important message about the film is to give everyone a chance, and not judge them based on their reputation and where they come from. i agree with Kendal on the message of the film.
Mrs. Gruwell was given advice not to wear her pearls because pearls are expensive. The department head, Margaret Campbell and the English teacher felt that her students would try to steal her necklace. Her students are portrayed to be involved in crimes and gang like activities. I think she ignored the advice due to the fact that her father was a civil rights activist in the U.S. They would talk about equality and fighting for everyone’s rights. She didn't want to be just another teacher that judges her students; she could tell enough teachers did that already. I also think she trusts everyone she meets unless proved otherwise. I think most of the kids have never heard of the holocaust because their previous teachers did not bother to teach them. Mrs. Gruwell went to Campbell to discuss what books she wanted her students to read. Campbell did not approve them because she thought that the students would just destroy the books, also because she felt that Mrs. Gruewell’s students would not be about to read them. I feel the students did not know much about the holocaust because no one was ever willing enough to teach them about it. Possibly because they felt that these students would not care about it because it was not one of “their own”. The importance of Mrs. Gruewell's conversation with the department head demonstrated her extreme dedication and strong feelings about providing the proper materials to her students. Mrs. Gruwell goes above and beyond for her students; gaining their respect and truest. She helped them succeed. This film teaches a beautiful lesson showing that all it takes is yourself to make a change in your life and others. It shows how you can make a difference, even if no one else thinks you can succeed. I felt that in the end of this movie Mrs. Gruwell and her students were able to give everyone who doubted them the middle finger, because in the end they were all truly able to make a toast for their successful change.
I agree with Kendall that the teachers and department head did not have a positive opinion of Ms. Gruwell’s students. She was given the advice not to wear her pearls because the department head sincerely believed that something would happen to them if she wore them to class. By defying the department head’s advice, I think it shows that Ms. Gruwell was not going to judge her students when she did not even know them. I think that she wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. I also think that she did not realize what she was getting into at the beginning and probably thought that the department head was exaggerating by telling her not to wear her pearls. I think that most of the students did not know about the holocaust because none of their previous teachers had taken the time to teach them about this historical event. Other than Ms. Gruwell, every member of the faculty at this school had no faith in these students ability to learn. They thought that they were incapable of paying attention and actually retaining information so most teachers did not even bother trying. This is why the department head did not want to provide the students with books. She immediately thought that they would destroy the books and did not even want to take the risk of letting them read them. I think that the most important message of the film is to always try something before giving up on it. If Ms. Gruwell had gone into the classroom with a bad attitude and expecting her students to fail, then that probably would have happened. She walked into the classroom believing in her students and was not going to let the other faculty members with negative attitudes stand in her way.
The environment of the school was interesting in that the teachers of the school rejected the minority students of learning.
This factor along with another, the fact a majority of the minorities have below average lifestyles, puts these students in a struggling situation.
I agree with Kendal. The fact that the other teachers did not think that the students could be trusted with the pearls represents how, in general, they did not think that they should be allowed nice things. By continuing to wear her pearls to class, Mrs. G shows that she has more respect for the students than the other teachers.
I think the students had never heard of the holocaust because they had such a poor quality of education. Most of their teachers are jaded and do not bother try to teach those they deem unteachable.
The discussion over the books really showed how the students were viewed by those in charge. They were treated like criminals , and nobody even bothered with them anymore.
This movie did a great job expressing how society simply throws out those who cause trouble. In the movie, Ms. G says that inner-city schools simply try to contain the kids until they can "disappear." That is a very powerful statement.
I think she was given the advise not to wear the pearls to class was because the other teachers lack of respect and even possible fear of the children, but she wears them anyway thinking that she has faith in the children. I think that many of the kids hadn't heard of the holocaust because they hadn't had the education on it, and at first it may appear so foreign to them that it wouldn't be interesting to them.
I think the reason that none of the children had ever heard of the Holocaust was that none of their teachers ever took the time to teach them such an important event in history because they didn't think the students would understand simply because of their minority status. However when Mrs. G talked to them about the Holocaust and took them to that museum, it meant a lot for the students because it showed them that Mrs. G actually cared about them learning. I agree with Shanman in that these minorities had rough lives outside of school ,so it was hard for them to adjust once they were in school.
I have to agree with Kendal on the first question and then agree with Pham on the others.
I think she was given the advice to not wear pearls to class because the teachers and faculty of the school have no trust in the students. They believe their students are delinquents and will steal the pearls from her and possibly even hurt her in the process. I think she ignored it because she knew that she had to put more trust in her students if they were going to succeed, she had to be just as comfortable with them as she was with the principle of the school. I believe that none of the students had ever heard of the holocaust because no one had taken the time or the effort to teach them about it. No teacher had ever invested the time to better the students with knowledge, but instead worked only to instill discipline in them. When Ms. G talks to her department chair about giving her students new books, she is immediately shut down. This conversation shows that the school cares more about keeping their resources "in tact" than actually giving their students an education. Lastly, I think the most important message of the film is that no one deserves to be judged or abandoned because of the situation they are in. Sometimes all a person needs is to be cared for and they can grow into a successful human being.
I believe that she decided to wear the pearls to class and for every day for the remaindered of the movie because she had faith in the students. She had a faith in them and believed in them in a way no one in their lives had seemed to before. She was given the advice because the faculty saw them all as threats before even giving them a chance. They lived off assumptions of what students were like. Ms. Gruwell ignored their warnings because she wanted to give the students a chance and not judge them before they were even given a shot. I think almost none of her students knew what the Holocaust was due to the fact that none of their teachers had tried to teach them anything, even events as great as the holocaust because they "didn't see a point". Also, the importance of the discussion over new books is important because it shows two things. First, that Ms. Gruwell cared enough in her students future to spend the money to purchase books with her own money in order to further her students education. Secondly, it shows how bias the teachers were to non-white students. They refused to share books with them, simply because they assumed they would not return them or damage them, it clearly shows how little faith they had in them. Lastly, I believe that the most important message of the film is give everyone a chance because just one act of support and attention can help shape a persons life significantly and cause them to grow into a successful person.
I agree with Nick, it is very important that she did not listen to what the dept. had to say and instead listened to herself and decided for herself what was right.
The reason Ms. Gruwell was told not to wear her pearls to school was because the other teachers didn't trust the students in the lower level classes. These other teachers genuinely believe the students are bad and if given the chance, will steal the pearls. Regardless of what the department head and other teachers said, Ms. G wore the pearls. This represented how she has faith in her teaching and wasn't influenced by others. She never let others in the way of her goal; teaching these students the importance of education. I think the book discussion was an example of that. Ms. G wouldn't let the department stop her from giving the best to her students; even if that meant that she had to work another job to pay for the books. The message of this film is that you should never underestimate someone's potential. You have the chance of achieving your goals, all you need is someone to believe in you.
Ms. Gruwell received the message not to wear her pearls so she wouldn't stand out in class with the students. She ignored it because she knows better than to do what everyone else does and follow a trend, which is a metaphor for later in the film where she rises against the school system to get the kids the education they deserve. The children most likely didn't know of the Holocaust because they hadn't been taught world history yet, and their parents weren't either so they couldn't educate them. The discussion with the faculty is important because she needs to handle the problem at its source, so that the education system will hopefully actually teach the kids in the coming years. The most important message of the film is to be true to yourself, and never drop the ideals that you hold close. Fight for what is right, and you may very well earn it.
I think that Ms. Gruwell was given that advice because the department head, and the English teacher thought that given the history of the kids, they would more than likely steal it from her. I think that she ignored their advice because she thought more of the students, than the department head and English teacher did. I think that none of them had heard of the holocaust because they did not grow up with a household that really taught them about discrimination towards a certain race in that degree. I think that the importance of her asking for new books for her students shows how much she cares for them. That the students really do deserve new books, and that they have earned it. I think that the most important message of this film is not to judge someone right away, as everyone has something they are hiding.
I agree with Melissa in that people should be given a chance. They could end up being a lot different than would have initially been expected.
I agree with Dana that Mrs. Gruwell was told not to wear the pearls because the teachers thought they did not deserve nice things. She continued to wear them to prove a point to both the students and teachers that she believes in them and she thinks they deserve the same responsibilities and opportunities as everybody else.
Ms. Gruwell didn't heed the advice of the department head because she felt that not wearing her pearls was admitting that her students weren't trustworthy. Her commitment to wearing them was symbolic of her commitment to being her regular self around the students, not treating them of lesser beings.
I believe that both not getting new books and not hearing about the holocaust was a failure in the public education system. Ms. Gruwell talks about how the integration program is a bit of a joke because it just forces students into school and then treats them like they don't belong there. She is firm in taking a stand to treat them as equal to other students, like those in the distinguished scholars class.
Lastly, I think the important message of this film is that education is vitally important to improving gang-violence, racial tensions, and crime. She shows love to her students, treats them as they deserve to be treated, and in the process teaches them morals and ethics to live by. This results in a multiethnic yet united class...a model of what our society could look like under a well-oiled education machine.
I thought it was strange how quickly the children connected with their teacher, she had not one though what they had as a class but they accepted her anyways. This seemed unrealistic to me
I thought the movie was amazing. The movie showed that you can reach your goals. You can make a diffrence in people lives. This movie showed that kids have alot of hardships in the ghetto.
The department head did not trust the students and believed that they would either mock or jest Mrs. Gruwell for being of a different class or simply steal them. Personally, I believe she ignored the advice on the first day simply because she was naive, not because she truly believed in the inherent goodness of her students. Having never met them before, she was unprepared for their distance from the culture she had lived in. However, as time passed and her respect and confidence grew, she continued to wear the necklace because she trusted her students enough to maintain some level of self responsibility. In the same vein, giving her students new books proved to the students that they were respected and trusted; this plot worked since the kids responded by reading diligently and taking care of the books.
These students were sheltered in a different way from us sheltered westboroughians. We are sheltered from their life of violence and gangs; they are sheltered from the intellectual elitist white world. THe whole "never forget the Holocaust" movement is centralized around white, wealthy communities in which these lessons can be actually taught within a budget. These kids never would have heard of it for lack of standard education and for the turmoil of their personal lives. They are occupied by more immediate problems.
As opposed to the typical "don't judge a book by its cover" crap, I think this movie proves that there is hope for the broken and desolate. The world can be fixed, if it does in fact need fixing, but the struggle will be hard.
I thought the director did a good job by connecting the idea behind the pearls and the overall message of the movie. Mrs.Gruwell is constantly told "Dont wear those nice pearls, dont you know what kind of students we have here." Other teachers try to "warn" her but she pushes all their advice and cautions away, she wants to form her own opinion about these kids and keep her optimistic mind. In the end Mrs. Gruwell not only proves the teachers wrong about wearing her pearls but also about her students. In a way the pearls could be representative of her students.
When Mrs. Gruwell asked about the holocaust and no one knew what it was i wondered if there are high school students who dont know what it is. I think the reason the kids in this film dont know what it is because they are so busy and concerned with there own survival and life that first of all school doesnt matter to them and second of all no one has taken the time to put effort into teaching these kids.
It is an important scene when Mrs. Gruwell tries to get new books for the kids because she is so dedicated to helping these kids. The department head says no way and shows her the books her kids get (the ones that are drawn on and old). Mrs. Gruwell mentions that that might be the cause the kids don't want to read the books, they know they have no one who actually thinks they are good enough. This theory comes true when Mrs. Gruwell buys her kids new books and they are so surprised.
i agree with abby, the pearls were a symbol and metaphor of how mrs. g would not give up and give up in to the society that these kids have been put into. the courage and confidence it took for her to keep going shows how much one person can do in the lives of even the most damaged people.
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