Freedom Writers is a 2007 drama film that tells the true story of Erin Gruwell, a young, idealistic teacher who takes on the challenge of teaching a group of at-risk students at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. The film explores themes of racial tensions, prejudice, and the transformative power of education.
One powerful scene in the film depicts a racist drawing that is found in one of the student's notebooks. The drawing shows a white student hanging a black student from a tree, with the caption "lynching is a good way to get rid of the trash."
Erin is shocked and horrified by the drawing, and immediately takes action to address the issue. She brings the drawing to the attention of the school administration, who dismiss it as a harmless joke. Erin, however, is determined to use the incident as an opportunity to teach her students about the dangers of racism and prejudice.
She begins by discussing the history of lynching in the United States, and the devastating impact it has had on African American communities. She also talks about the importance of empathy and understanding, and encourages her students to try and see things from each other's perspectives.
As the scene progresses, we see the students begin to open up and share their own experiences with racism and prejudice. They discuss their own biases and prejudices, and the ways in which they have been affected by them. Through this process, they begin to build a sense of understanding and unity among themselves, and they start to see each other as individuals rather than as members of separate racial groups.
The scene ends with Erin leading the students in a group discussion about the importance of standing up against racism and prejudice. She encourages them to speak out against hate and to work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society.
Overall, the racist drawing scene in Freedom Writers serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and prejudice. It highlights the importance of education in combating these issues, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.
