This has been on my mind for a long time, so now I have to ask everyone: Why aren’t Black female teachers honored in movies?
I watched Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers recenlty (yes, I am a little behind). While both pretty much shared the same theme about White female school teachers that changed the lives of their inner city students, it was a little disheartening to know that there are Black teachers that change the lives of students every day that are not honored on the big screen. For many of these women, being in the throes of young people is also a challenge, yet they are overlooked.
Well, I would like to give much love to all Black school teachers who geninuely care about their students, and do all they can to educate in spite of their challenges. This is only for the teachers that care. Even though you are not honored on the big screens like other people, you are truly appreciated!
July 5, 2009 at 12:30 pm
That is sooo true. While I loved Dangerous Minds when it came out 15 years ago, I slightly resented Freedom Writers. Although they have similar plots, I feel a difference in them that makes one less co-dependent than the other. Coach Carter was a GREAT movie but once again, you are faced with the Black woman evil or jaded principle, like Lean On Me’s Black female mother who gave the principle a hard time.
You might like the new movie set to come out in November, Precious (trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx-3jYJkUWQ) featuring a mostly Black female cast, although I am sure we can have a conversation about skin politics here as well.
July 5, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hi there. This link didn’t work for me. If you could re-send it, I would love to see it.
July 7, 2009 at 2:52 am
http://www.oprah.com/media/20090506-tows-precious-trailer
I just checked this link out so it should be fine. Hope you enjoy and have some feedback about it
July 7, 2009 at 10:13 am
I will check it out. Thanks.
July 7, 2009 at 11:33 am
I saw the trailer. This is great! Are you involved in this project? If so, let me know.
July 8, 2009 at 2:50 pm
No I am not involved in the project but from what you wrote, I thought you might just be interested in a movie that actually portrays Black women professional teachers as those committed to their community. I am glad you enjoyed it
July 8, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Thanks for looking out. I’m going to check this out.