Reply to DCPS, Selma and the distortion of history

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have no idea about what OP saw (my DCPS kids did not see the movie). But, typically in any history class a very big part of reviewing materials, including textbooks, is to address the issue of who the author is and whether the point of view they portray is fair, fact-based, total fiction, propaganda, etc. It is also typical to review materials on a subject that show many points of view and many methods of communicating a message (e.g. a poem, a work of historic fiction, a newspaper article, a text book, and yes, a movie, all on the same subject). This is valuable, and my children's teachers, even in early elementary school, do this over and over, even with the midnight ride of Paul Revere. I would be shocked if this movie was the only resource these students explored on the subject and find it highly unlikely that there will not be vigorous discussion in class on the film's POV and accuracy.[/quote]

That might be the case in the case of advanced students, but it's more likely that many students watching Selma will accept its version of history lock, stock and barrel.  Their teachers will be glad that they learned something, and won't bother to engage in the type of meta-criticism that you suggest is the rule of thumb.

As for Jeff's comparison to American Sniper, it's willfully obtuse.  What major historical figure is Jeff contending was inaccurately portrayed on the screen in that movie, recognizing that the title character was not such an individual?  [/quote]

Well, if you think your child's teacher isn't going to address it, then be sure that you talk to your child (if you let your child see the movie.) Ultimately it is always up to the adults to check and double check. Text books are often wrong too (adn far more important thing to get up in arms about), not to mention the amount of interpretation and inaccuracy in "classic" children's books ("Johnny Tremain" has stirred some controversy, let alone the story of the First Thanksgiving or lessons about Columbus Day for that matter). And maybe some people who see the movie will not accurately understand all parts of history, maybe not -- as posters here, and apparently respected historians, disagree on the matter. Why should children old enough to see the film be kept from the debate? We've all seen documentaries that take great liberties, and at least this one doesn't purport to be a documentary. People who have better information should call it out and put their own facts out there to set the record straight. But I don't see that as an argument for burning books or banning films (or news stations notorious for taking a slant). Let the kids see the movie, and talk to them about it. Why do you get to be their censor? [/quote]

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