Empowering Minds: The Inspiring Story of 'Freedom Writers'

Categories: Freedom Writers Overcoming Adversity

Essay, Pages 2 (335 words)

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The ‘Freedom Writers’ is a movie that portrays the story of an English class in an urban Long Beach high school. Directed by Richard LaGravenese and produced by Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher, ‘Freedom Writers’ is based on the struggles of a new teacher, Mrs. Gruwell, to maintain an ambitious environment in her classroom. Her tolerance, trust, and respect are not taken for granted as she achieves success alongside her students, hoping to take them out of their misery and show them a better life.

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As part of Mrs. Gruwell’s struggle, she is faced with a group of students whose lives revolve around war, gangs, violence, and protecting their own. Her racially opposing students often choose to be a part of the epidemic that now governs the school. Yet, Mrs. Gruwell takes on the challenge to overcome the odds. She realizes that these kids are looked down upon because of their race, and as a result, they rebel and create borders among themselves.

These ‘mini territories’ are created to bring a sense of equality among those of the same race. Overcoming adversity, family relationships, inequality in education, success, and goal-setting are what Mrs. Gruwell aims to instill in those around her. A theme that surfaces in the movie is that of Mrs. Gruwell’s courage. How would one react if they were placed in such a troubled school setting away from the safe environment that they are used to?

Mrs. Gruwell had the courage to take on the task of helping those who pursue their goals.

Her never-ending attempts to teach the ‘unteachables’ and her desire to help her students succeed are inspiring. Her attempts to relate to so many of her different economic, cultural, and racial students took a lot of courage. Another difficult challenge for Mrs. Gruwell was to teach students who were at war with each other.