This week, I watched a couple of movies (one of which I'd seen a while back). "Coach Carter" {starring, Samuel L. Jackson} and "Talk to Me" {starring Don Cheadle}. Each of these films were based on true accounts of the individuals lives. They each addressed several issues which we've had in our readings and in class discussions. In "Coach Carter", the coach took a group of Black and Latino high school boys and not only turned around the basketball team to have a winning season, but he also instilled in the young men the importance of obtaining a quality education, having integrity, respecting themselves and others, and setting the bar higher for themselves than they'd previously believed was even possible. Sure, these students were from families with lower SES, but Coach Carter saw through that factor to the overall potential that they had, and let them know in so many words (and, in his actions to help them to be better men) that CLASS is more than access to money and other resources. He taught them that they could set high goals and achieve them. What he did in the lives of those young men is similar to what we as Social Workers will do in the lives of many (as well as what we're doing now -- before graduation). We've been talking a lot in this class about one person's making a difference, and this film is proof of how that can happen.
The other film, "Talk to Me", was about a young man (Petey Green) who'd been in and out of prison for most of his life. But, he used his communication skills (smooth talking) to get released early. Since he was a model prisoner, and respected by his peers, he was given an opportunity to have a radio show while he was in prison. It was a talk show combined with music. Once he was out, he talked his way into a job at a radio station where the brother of one of his fellow inmates worked. Anyway, his "keeping it real" approach turned around the ratings for the radio station, and the managers/owner knew that they couldn't continue to be successful without him. This story was also empowering because it said to me that no matter what a person's upbringing or other life circumstances, he/she can turn bad experiences around for a good outcome. He didn't ask for fame and fortune, but said that his radio program is what kept him focused while he was completing his prison sentence. Lesson here: Realize your gifts in life; nurture them, and stay focused on your goals.
I hope that everyone had a great (much needed) break! See you next week. :-)
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