BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002)
Run Time: 112 minutes Synopsis: Jess Bhamra is an 18-year-old growing up in West London, where her family has taken every effort to stay in touch with its Indian heritage. Her father and mother want their daughter to go to law school, learn to cook a traditional Indian dinner, and settle down with a nice Indian boy. Much to her family's chagrin, however, Jess's talents and interests push her to pursue her love for soccer.Reflection:
In the film, gender, culture, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity clash. How is Jess's identity affected by each of these dimensions? How do Pinky, Jules, and Jules's and Jess's parents serve as advocates of roles in society? Which of these characters reflect views that you experienced as you grew and developed? How did you resolve these conflicting views of the world—or did you?
Although Jess's family held to tradition in food, dress, and celebrations, identify times when they embraced new ideas. How did the greater British society influence them? How did they affect that British society? Can an individual pursue his or her dreams and passions without giving up cultural values and traditions? What is the cost of giving up these traditional values? What is the cost of closely adhering to tradition? Can/should these differences be bridged?
In the United States in 2001, Ashley Martin became the first woman to score in a NCAA Division I football game. She kicked three extra points. Should women play football? Do you have limits for certain groups to participate in athletics, classrooms, and careers? What's 'too far'?
Follow-up Activity: What barriers have you struggled through? Are you the only male or female in the stands, the only nonmajor in the hall, the only straight or gay person in the room? How does difference feel? What did you learn from such an experience? What can others learn? How might a difference in social class, religion, gender, ethnicity, or sexuality affect your life as a teacher or a student? Do you feel ready for the challenge and opportunity to teach students who are quite different from you? How can you prepare yourself for teaching in diverse classrooms?BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER (1999)
Run Time: 85 minutes Synopsis: The hilarious satire of a cheerleader, who is sent by her parents to an ex-gay camp. Instead of coming out straight, she realizes that she is a lesbian.Reflection:
How does the assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual make it difficult for GLBT people to be open and honest about who they are?
What are some difficulties GLBT youth encounter with their families?
Imagine one of your students comes out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender and other students begin teasing him or her. How might you handle this situation?
Follow-up Activity: Compose a list of GLBT resources for teachers. What materials (posters of famous GLBT people, Safe Zone signs) can teachers hang in their classrooms to create an atmosphere inclusive of GLBT people? What Web sites provide ideas and resources for teachers and GLBT students? Are there curricula and lesson plan ideas that include GLBT people and perspectives? Where can students go for information on starting a Gay-Straight Alliance? What books does your university's library have on GLBT issues and education? How can a GSA engage the rest of the school and educate for liberty and justice for all?
