I ventured into watching a not rated (NR) movie last night. Usually they aren't that good, but I was pleasantly surprised. This movie is about two elementary school teachers in Brooklyn. One is a Muslim woman, the other an Orthodox Jew. Despite the disapproval of their families they become great friends.Near the beginning of the movie during the teacher's orientation and training to start the school year, the principal of this school is trying to "educate" her new teachers in cultural competence. Though her intentions are good, this principal's view of the acceptance of another's differences is so very limited; she knew how to "accept" the people in her school from inner city Brooklyn but was oblivious in treating her new Muslim and Orthodox Jew teachers with equality.
In one scene the principal tells these two teachers that they aren't experiencing life to the fullest within their religious traditions because they are not open enough to another's opinions and ways of doing things (look who's talking!) The principal puts down these teacher's manners of dressing (one with a head covering and the other very conservative) and offers to give them each enough money to buy new wardrobes.
Both teachers are enraged after this confrontation. One thinks it would be a good idea to sue the school. One says, "or we could just educate them."
Educating the school at this point may be an extremely difficult task, but it is something to think about. Far too often my anger gets in the way of my love and compassion for others.
today I hope to not let my anger get in the way of SEEING.
I watched (and loved) this move, too! It's too bad we didn't watch it together.
ReplyDeletewhat were your thoughts on the movie?
ReplyDeleteWell, since you asked.... :)
ReplyDeleteThe two teachers are so clearly human. There was such irony in the fact that they were willing to reach out to the diverse children in the school, yet both were taken aback about having to teach with someone who was the "other."
So many movies and books have people growing "out" of the religion and culture they were raised. This movie was more poignant precisely because the women didn't do that. They grew together, yet with each woman still grounded in their own respective religion and culture. The ability to identify what parts of culture and identity one believes are necessary and which parts can be tweaked (see their respective husband selection processes) is a huge part of growing up and claiming religion and culture.
Of course, watching them select their husbands was funny and, as was watching their family's reactions to their friendship, and the principal's reaction to their choices.
The women consistently reacted to such occasions with more religious integrity and ability to "educate" and be truly present than I can usually manage. It's just so easy to fall into a mentality where every conflict is a war, every dispute is "us versus them," and every slight leads to an ultimatum, all played out in public view. The movie was a great example of living while trying another way of being, without being preachy or boring.