Freedom Writers: Proof that the Pen is Mightier than the Sword

I watched this movie this morning due to earning some extra credit in class and I have been welling with tears ever since. I'd like to share some thoughts about the movie(contains a few spoilers).
Teachers have their own problems to deal with and can sometimes bring them to class. However, some of them choose to sacrifice their issues so they can listen attentively and act on the behalf of their pupils. They realize that it is not always about the academic subject at hand. To say that 23 year old Erin Gruwell, who taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, went above and beyond the call of duty in her profession is an understatement. She never gave up and is admired and inspired by many as a result of her perseverance. 

           Teacher compliments aside, Freedom Writers is a very frightening yet inspiring movie. Although the movie sometimes seems to be overly dramatic in contrast to real life, actual issues were scripted into the movie based on the student's journals. Her students maintained the ideology that they were living in a war zone and had to protect their rights through violent tactics. For example, one teenage boy told his teacher, "We ain't afraid to die, protecting our own. At least when you die for your own, you die with respect."

            There is a moment in the movie where fights break out all over the school so Gruwell runs out to see what is happening. The peace sign mural behind her symbolized that peace was much needed in the lives of those students. Again, she had to come up with a way to reach her students. English alone could not open their eyes, so she incorporated lessons that the teenagers might appreciate and understand within the English lessons. Unfortunately, she tried on several occasions only to be branded, "you don't know what you're doing". Still not giving up, she moved on to different methods until she eventually changed the lives of her students one by one.

            One of the most important ways she reached the students was when she recounted Hilter's regime. She compared his violence to that of the gangs in the very classroom she stood in and proved that violence is very real and nothing to be proud of. The pictures shown from that era was enough to drive the toughest of students to tears. And to think that that particular lesson was started from a racist drawing being passed around the classroom. It was the epitome of history repeating itself, which was something that needed to be stopped.

            Everyone knows that it's not recent news when one hears that teachers do not get paid enough for what they have to put up with. It is a wonder that this brave woman never left her career due to stress as others would be fleeing out the door with their last paycheck. It takes great dedication to the job and a world of patience to prevail as a successful instructor, something  Gruwell is blessed with. It is enlightening to know that teachers such as she are deservingly displayed in their profession. If most college graduates go into the realm of teaching and become just half the teacher she is, then America's children would be willing to learn more¾without violence.