And by the way, while Moore simplified the Gun in the bank scene, it is true. That bank does exist, they do give you the option of getting a gun for opening an account but just maybe not as easily as Moore did- in fact, he completed the paperwork months before and staged the scene itself but the fact remains, he got a gun for opening a CD.
I have personal issue with the easiness by which a person can get a gun and while it's simplified in that scene, it is just that easy in parts of the country, including here.
A very good friend of mine who I grew up with, walked into a gun shop in 1991, purchased a gun, took it home that day and shot himself three days later. He was 20 years old and a college student. He didn't drink, smoke, do drugs, a good kid.
I am not certain about showing the movie in elementary school, however, when I was in High School, in history we watched the movie "Little Big Man" and while I am well aware now that the character Dustin Hoffman played and much of the people in the story isn't based on real, actual people- much of the basis of that story was true- treatment of the Indians.
Classes here were encouraged to see Cold Mountain and Saving Private Ryan. It's true that there are some inaccuracies in some of Michael Moores movies (there are many accuracies though as cited here www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12158...dept_id=216620&rfi=6
but how is it really any different then the aforementioned movies. However, you need to consider the age appropriateness of any of these movies. I was in High School when I saw Little Big Man, a sophomore. I don't know if elementary or even middle school is old enough.
Like it was said before, if half of it is true then it's worth watching. You probably need to show it in a location outside of the school and open it to the public. I do however think that in a high school setting it would be okay.
[ 10-30-2004, 11:53 PM: Message edited by: Michelle B ]
True about it still being a 'movie', but isn't it about teaching the next generation to make the distinction between what is real and fiction and how they interpret it?
I can see a great teaching opportunity in viewing the films. Whatever your opinion of the movie or stance on the issues. An opportunity in equality, tolerance, opinion, propaganda, power of government etc.
Keep in mind that Michael Moore likes to make things up as he goes along. In "Bowling For Columbine," there is no such bank in Michigan that gives you guns for opening an account and he rearranged the stats on violence etc. to go along with his "point."
If I found out my kids watched anything to do with Michael Moore, I would be extremely mad. The teen with the explicitive hat was enough for me.
Our local community college teamed up with the local performing arts center and showed bowling for columbine and advertised in the newspapers, radio and other media.
That was as close as we got. I would suspect they plan on showing the other movie. as well.
I saw bowling for columbine and was very moved, disturbed, questioned my position in the world etc.
Maybe within your school it can't be done but try a bigger venue that would open up to a bigger audience.
