FILMclips for Character Education EPISODE 8 FREEDOM DEMOCRACY PATRIOTISM DIVERSITY EQUALITY INTEGRITY Teacher Study Guide by American School Counselors Association v2.11.0801
Table of Contents (CLICK A THEME OR CLIP BELOW TO JUMP TO PAGE) (FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CLICK HERE) INTRODUCTION Who Are We? The Spirit of America SOLIDARITY Glory INTEGRITY It s a Wonderful Life DEFIANCE Born on the Fourth of July RESPONSIBLITY Saving Private Ryan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS All clips are under copyright and are used with permission from copyright holders. None of the movies represented in the Film Clips Series is rated higher than PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America, except for three of the movies in Episode Eight ( Glory, Born on the Fourth of July, and Saving Private Ryan ). No inappropriate material is included in any of the individual film clips. Educational Standards Page 5 The film clips in this series meet the performance standards. Spanish/English Options Options for audio and subtitles in English or Spanish are available in Settings on the main menu of the DVD. Spanish audio is available for most, but not all film clips.
3 The Spirit of America is presented by the men and women of the entertainment community with grateful appreciation to the many organizations and individuals who helped make this tribute possible. Film Clips Spirit of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of meaningful synergies between education and entertainment. About Film Clips Founded by producer Michael R. Rhodes, Film Clips collaborates with educators and the Entertainment Community to create collections of movie scenes selected for their ability to inform, enlighten and inspire. The nonprofit company packages these scenes with topic-specific study guides to provide a powerful, accessible educational tool for schools across the nation. For more information visit www.filmclipsonline.com
4 What is The Spirit of America? This collection of scenes from major films is an opportunity to look at recurring themes as showcased in our most popular form of entertainment. Movies such as the ones showcased here are an opportunity to glimpse history, to get a look at other people s lives that you otherwise would not get a chance to see. They can comfort you, prompt you to think, and provide topics for discussion outside the traditional parameters of textbooks and the classrooms. A chance for discussion This is what The Spirit of America represents a chance for school counselors, teachers and students to use clips from major films to discuss major themes in today s society. In the wake of the horrific tragedy of 9/11, schools across the country have been discussing patriotism and civics, both themes that this videotape addresses. Please take the time to view this video and discuss these themes with your students. The discussions these clips will prompt may surprise you. They surely will enlighten your students experience both in school and at home. Sincerely, Kwok-Sze Richard Wong Executive Director American School Counselor Association
5 ASCA s National Standards for School Counseling Programs The National Standards for School Counseling Programs facilitate student development in three areas: academic development, career development and personal/social development. The Spirit of America addresses themes raised in the personal/social development standards, which are: Standard A: Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others. Standard B: Students will make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals. Standard C: Students will understand safety and survival skills. For more information about the National Standards for School Counseling programs visit ASCA s website at: http://www.schoolcounselor.org
6 The Spirit of America Theatrical Montage Films represented in the montage are listed under Featured Films on our web site: www.filmclipsonline.com Created by Chuck Workman Produced by Michael Rhodes In response to September 11th, Film Clips commissioned Academy Award winning filmmaker Chuck Workman to create a 3-minute montage from the history of movies celebrating the spirit of America. Presented as a gift from the entertainment community to America, it played on more than 10,000 screens throughout the United States. Theme: Who Are We? Many virtues define the Spirit of America. Especially during these challenging times, it is important to explore, discuss and evaluate our past, present, and future commitment to the Spirit and Character of America. Focus Questions: What is the Spirit of America? The themes identified in the opening montage are: Diversity, Defiance, Work, Family, Home, Heroism, Patriotism, Style, Character, Pride and Courage. 1. What do these 11 words mean to you?
7 2. How do these 11 characteristics contribute to the spirit of America? 3. Create your own list of qualities that you feel reflect the American Spirit. A. Is your list different or similar to the themes chosen by the filmmaker? B. Why? Who are America s Heroes? A culture s heroes are often celebrated in its movies, music, books, and news media. 1. Why does our culture celebrate heroes? 2. Make a list of your favorite heroes. Heroes in History Heroes in Popular Entertainment Everyday Heroes Personal Heroes 3. What makes these heroes special to you? 4. What values do they represent? 5. How are America s heroes different or similar to the heroes of other cultures? Why? What are America s Virtues? 1. Make a list of America s Virtues. 2. Which of these virtues are unique to democratic countries? 3. How do our Constitution and Bill of reflect these virtues?
8 4. Which of these virtues are held in common by most countries? 5. Which of these virtues are most at risk in America? 6. How does our system of government preserve and protect these virtues 7. What can you do to preserve and protect these virtues? Activities 1. Write a letter to an everyday hero, expressing thanks for his or her contribution to your community. 2. Write a letter to your local newspaper or news station describing what America means to you and/or your class. 3. Create a play or make a movie reflecting your vision for America. 4. Request your city council representative to visit your school and present his or her vision for America. 5. Attend a meeting of your City s council and present your vision for America. Glory Based on the letters of Colonel Robert G. Shaw. Shaw was an officer in the Federal Army during the American Civil War who volunteered to lead the first
9 company of black soldiers. Shaw was forced to deal with the prejudices of both the enemy (who had orders to kill commanding officers of blacks), and of his own fellow officers. (Courtesy www.imdb.com ) Scene: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Mathew Broderick) informs the troops of his all-black company that they are to be paid less than white troops. Theme: Solidarity United we stand is a popular phrase describing one of America s character strengths. Yet, America s history is filled with experiences of division and conflict. Consideration of the values we share in common, even as we celebrate our freedom and diversity, is a valuable lesson for understanding America s character and spirit. Focus Questions: What is going on in this scene? 1. What unfair situation were the soldiers taking a stand against? 2. What did the soldiers risk in standing together against this unfairness? What would you have done? 1. As a soldier in this company? 2. As the commander?
Solidarity and Diversity 1. What values unite us as a nation? A. Make a list of these values B. Why is solidarity important? 2. What values divide us? A. Make a list of these values B. Why is dissent important? 3. Place these lists side by side and compare them A. What does this say about America s Character and Spirit? Application 1. What unfair situation have you seen in your school, community and the world? A. Make a list 2. How can you take a stand against it? A. List your suggestions 3. How can you encourage others to do the same? A. How important is it to have allies in your cause? B. What if you have an opinion that is not popular? 4. Are there those in your school/community/world that others consider less worthy or second class citizens? A. Make a list 5. How can you help to bring together your school/community/ world to make a stand for justice and fairness? A. Pick one or two issues and brainstorm ways to champion the solution. B. Is there one issue you can do something about right now? C. What will you do? 10
11 It s a Wonderful Life The hero, of course, is George Bailey (James Stewart), a man who never quite makes it out of his quiet birthplace of Bedford Falls. As a young man he dreams of shaking the dust from his shoes and traveling to far-off lands, but one thing and then another keeps him at home, especially his responsibility to the family savings and loan association, which is the only thing standing between Bedford Falls and the greed of Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore), the avaricious local banker. George marries his high school sweetheart (Donna Reed, in her first starring role), settles down to raise a family, and helps half the poor folks in town buy homes where they can raise their own. Then, when George s absent-minded uncle (Thomas Mitchell) misplaces some bank funds during the Christmas season, it looks as if the evil Potter will have his way after all. George loses hope and turns mean (even his face seems to darken, although it s still nice and pink in the colorized version). He despairs, and is standing on a bridge contemplating suicide when an Angel 2nd Class named Clarence (Henry Travers) saves him and shows him what life in Bedford Falls would have been like without him. (Roger Ebert) Scene: George Bailey (James Stewart) and his wife, Mary, (Donna Reed) are about to embark on their honeymoon when they discover there is a run on Bailey s small savings and loan. Bailey tries to convince the depositors that their money is safe. George and Mary make good on the depositors claims with all the money they have saved for their honeymoon.
Theme: Integrity Integrity has three meanings: 1) being complete and unbroken, of wholeness and entirety; 2) the quality of being unimpaired; and, 3) being of sound moral principle. Honesty, accountability, and responsibility are among our county s most valued civic virtues. Our adherence to moral principles, our willingness to seek and express the truth as a nation, and our steadfast and unwavering commitment to the founding ideals on which our nation was founded unify us in times of conflict and unrest. Focus Questions: What s going on in this scene? 1. What is at stake? 2. Why did George and his wife give up their honeymoon plans? 3. What caused George s customers to trust him? 4. Mr. Potter was the town s bully. How did George stand up to him? Many schools have a bully as well. How does a person of integrity stand up to bullying? 5. What did Ms. Davis do that caused George to say Bless you and kiss her on the cheek? Why is it important to acknowledge people who act with integrity? What is integrity? 1. What are some traits of integrity? 2. Describe a time you saw someone who acted with integrity? 3. What defined his or her actions as having integrity? a. Was this person truthful? b. Was this person consistent to his or her moral 12
13 Trust me principles no matter what? c. Was this person accountable for his or her actions? d. Accountable to what or whom? e. Did this person act responsibly toward others? f. What does it mean to be responsible? g. Does this person put the common good above his or her own interests? 1. Can you bank on the integrity of others? a. How can you tell if someone has integrity? b. If you are disappointed after placing trust in another, what should you do? 2. How can you earn the trust of others? How important is integrity? 1. In personal relationships? 2. In business relationships? 3. In government and politics? If the value of integrity is important then 1. How can we promote, preserve and protect this value now and in the future? Write Write a letter to someone in your life who has integrity and explain to them what you see in them that shows integrity.
14 Born on the Fourth of July The biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam War, he becomes an anti-war and prohuman rights activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for (Courtesy www.imdb.com) Scene: Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) protests U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War at the 1972 Republican Party convention. Theme: Defiance Defiance has been an important part of America s character and spirit evident from the beginning of our history. An American s right to question authority, protest against injustice and challenge popular beliefs is guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Tolerance, reasoned argument and the rule of law are also critically important American values. The dynamic tension between these values is one of the great strengths of our Constitutional democracy. Focus Questions: What happened in this scene? How did it make you feel? Did these war veterans speak with authority? 1. Do you think all, most, or some people agreed with the veterans portrayed in this scene in 1972? Why? Why not? 2. Has popular opinion changed since 1972? Why?
15 3. Did protest and dissent have anything to do with this change? Why? Why not? What is a just war? 1. Invite some veterans and some people currently in the military to talk with you about war. a. How would you define a just war? b. What principles do you feel should determine whether our country should wage war? c. Can you think of some principles for which you would pay the Ultimate Sacrifice? Why? What causes someone to go into a situation to protest the popular opinion in that group? When is it right to defy the crowd? 1. Is it okay to defy authority for something in which you believe? a. Martin Luther King said, I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjustified, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the community over its injustice is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law. b. Do you agree or disagree? Why? c. What are some other ways to change unjust laws? What are the risks and benefits of protest to you and to your community? Is the right to protest guaranteed by our laws? How?
16 1. The Constitution and bill of rights allow freedom of speech and expression, but they also provide a framework of law and governance which place limits on our freedoms. a. What is the difference between a democracy (one man, one vote) and a constitutional democracy? (our system of checks and balances) b. What protections do the Constitution and the Bill of Rights provide for citizens whose preferences are in the minority? c. How important is a free press to a constitutional democracy? Should the press have the right to say anything they want to? Should there be limits imposed on the freedom of the press? Can you think of an example? If solidarity and the right to dissent are both important American values, how can the tension between these values be reconciled? Write Write down a time when your opinion was unpopular with the crowd, and yet you stood up for it. Write about something you would like to see changed to make your school better, even if it is not the popular opinion. What plan would you make to successfully achieve this change?
17 Saving Private Ryan In World War II, it is found that 3 soldiers who have been killed are brothers. The mother will be receiving three death notices on the same day. The army discovers that there were actually four brothers. A mission is deployed to find Private James Ryan and send him home. (Courtesy www.imdb.com) Scene: Several soldiers have sacrificed their lives to save the life of Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) whispers to Ryan with his dying breath, Earn this. Many years later, as James Ryan kneels before the grave of John Miller, Ryan quietly says, I ve tried to live my life the best I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that at least in your eyes, I ve earned what all of you have done for me. Theme: Responsibility As Americans, we are indebted to those who have sacrificed greatly that we might live in freedom. We can repay this debt by living a worthwhile life in service to others and in defense of the rights of all. Focus Questions: Why did Captain John Miller say earn this to Private Ryan? What did he need to earn? 1. What was Private Ryan s responsibility in this situation? 2. How did Private Ryan earn what was done for him?
18 The United States Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I pledge allegiance...i promise to be true to the flag...to the symbol of our country of the United States of America...each state that has joined to make our country and to the Republic...a republic is a country where the people choose others to make laws for them. The government is for the people for which it stands,...the flag means the country one Nation...a single united country under God,...responsible to a Supreme Being indivisible,...the country cannot be split into parts with liberty and justice...with freedom and fairness for all....for each person in the country...you and me
19 What are the moral principles embodied in this pledge? 1. Is there anything you think should be added or subtracted from this pledge? Why? Why not? What is your responsibility to yourself, your community, your country, and the world? 1. Do you have a responsibility to earn the gifts that have been given to you by others at great sacrifice? Why? Why not? 2. How can you earn what others have done for you by serving others? 3. How could this be done for your family? 4. Your school? 5. Your community? 6. Your country 7. The world at large? Write Write about a time when someone made a sacrifice for you at a cost to themselves. Write about what you think makes a worthwhile life. Write your own pledge of allegiance.
20 Acknowledgements The American School Counselor Association Barabara Blackburn Greenbriar East High School Lewisburg, W. Va. Linda Eby Gordon Russell Middle School Gresham, Ore. Louise Janelle Danville Elementary School Danville, N.H. Jill Cook American School Counselor Association Janis Wallender Beulah Elementary School Beulah, N.D. Pamela Gabbard Ballard County Elementary Barlow, Ky. Brenda Melton Alamo Achievement Center San Antonio, Texas Kwok-Sze Richard Wong American School Counselor Association The California School Counselor Association Paul Meyers President 2003-04 Creative Adventures Mary Maio President
Film Clips SPIRIT OF AMERICA Produced by Michael R. Rhodes www.filmclipsonline.com 4903 Island View Street Channel Islands Harbor California 93035 Phone: (805) 984-5907 Fax: (805) 984-2397 E-mail: info@filmclipsonline.com Study Guide design by Scott C. Gold ScottCGold@gmail.com 21