1- Choose your forum.
2- Write and post ONE authentic response
3- Read others'
4- Respond (bounce) to others' and be clear as to whom you are responding to. (you may even quote some of his or her words)
Monday, February 7, 2011
American Dream in the Media
Can you think of any American Dream- themed books or movies that presented a character who achieved, and therefore struggled to achieve his or her American Dream.
The Movie “On the Waterfront” is a great example of how an American dream can develop, and change based upon the times and the events surrounding the individuals who are doing the dreaming. The main character, in the beginning lost his dream due to a mob that runs the cities docks. He was forced to work for the waterfront crime Commission. This leads him to un-wittingly assist in the murder of a man. He then through a series of complicated events falls in love with the sister of the man he helped kill. His American dream is shown changing most prominently when he stands up against the waterfront crime commission in court. By doing so he risks his life for his new dream. The fight wasn’t over yet though. He ended up fist fighting with all of the crime commission. At the end he was so beat up that he could hardly stand, but he managed to walk all the way to the dock house under the sheer will-power to achieve his personal American dream.
The movie "Freedom Writers" is a good example of the American Dream of trying to pursue kids to achieve a goal in life. Erin Gruwell wanted to help out a bunch of students that slack in class and doing gang violence. She saw some potential in those kids and she didn't want to give up on trying to help them. Gruwell had the students write in a journal to express their feelings, emotions, memories and problems they're going through. By having them do that she'll read their journals and try to help them get through whatever it is that bothers them. The best thing she ever did was have them write their journal entries into a book form. People didn't want her to teach the kids anymore but she fought her way to try & still teach them in their Junior & Senior years, she was successful & her students graduated & went to college. Erin Gruwell achieved her American Dream proudly.
I never heard of "On the Waterfront" before and as for Freedom Writers, i never thought of that as an American Dream one, but both are entirely relevant! Impressive correlations!!
The Movie “On the Waterfront” is a great example of how an American dream can develop, and change based upon the times and the events surrounding the individuals who are doing the dreaming. The main character, in the beginning lost his dream due to a mob that runs the cities docks. He was forced to work for the waterfront crime Commission. This leads him to un-wittingly assist in the murder of a man. He then through a series of complicated events falls in love with the sister of the man he helped kill. His American dream is shown changing most prominently when he stands up against the waterfront crime commission in court. By doing so he risks his life for his new dream. The fight wasn’t over yet though. He ended up fist fighting with all of the crime commission. At the end he was so beat up that he could hardly stand, but he managed to walk all the way to the dock house under the sheer will-power to achieve his personal American dream.
ReplyDeleteThe movie "Freedom Writers" is a good example of the American Dream of trying to pursue kids to achieve a goal in life. Erin Gruwell wanted to help out a bunch of students that slack in class and doing gang violence. She saw some potential in those kids and she didn't want to give up on trying to help them. Gruwell had the students write in a journal to express their feelings, emotions, memories and problems they're going through. By having them do that she'll read their journals and try to help them get through whatever it is that bothers them. The best thing she ever did was have them write their journal entries into a book form. People didn't want her to teach the kids anymore but she fought her way to try & still teach them in their Junior & Senior years, she was successful & her students graduated & went to college. Erin Gruwell achieved her American Dream proudly.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of "On the Waterfront" before and as for Freedom Writers, i never thought of that as an American Dream one, but both are entirely relevant! Impressive correlations!!
ReplyDelete