"I am indebted to my parent for living, but to my teachers for living well" (Thank You for My Teachers)
Adel Various (Amici di Nessuno)
Good Witness
"They released the shot"
"Mass riots have occurred throughout Los Angeles"
"Dozens of policemen leave the street"
"Smoke covers all cities"
"We report for those who are in the center of the southern city..."
"38 dead and more than..."
"The rescue team is preoccupied with..."
THEIR AUTHORS
"... where the truck driver, Reginald Denny was pulled out of his vehicle..."
"This city is like a war zone"
"Crowds of people gather in the downtown park"
"... here in Hollywood, looters invade many shops"
"There were 3,600 accidental shootings"
More than 120 murders on Long Beach in a month because of Rodney King's riots.
Gang violence and racial conflict broke a record.
From the diaries of students space 203 of Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
In America...
... a girl can be crowned a princess...
... because of its beauty and elegance.
But an Aztec princess was chosen for her blood...
What did you say, Eva?
... fighting for the people, as grandfather and father fought...
... against those who say "we are inferior to them"...
... which says "we are not worthy of beauty and blessings"
It was the first day at school, and I waited for my father to take me to the bus.
And I saw war for the first time.
Police! Open!
They brought my father because of revenge.
He is innocent, but they arrested him, because he was respected by my group.
They call my group "gang" because we fight for our America.
When I started revenge in gang life, I became the third generation.
They hit you so you couldn't fight,
They are my family.
In Long Beach, everything is calm as it seems.
If you are a Latin, Asian or black.
You risk being shot if you leave your house.
Run away!
We fight with each other because of the territory.
We kill each other because of race, pride and respect.
We fight for ourselves.
They think they will win by calling me now.
But soon everything stopped.
The war has been declared.
- This is your coffee. - Thank you.
1994 SCHOOL FIRST YEAR
I brought my teaching plan, I will like it if you see it.
Yes and that's the class you will start
Basic English, fourth grade 150 students in it.
Some of them just got out of a special detention center for children.
One or two use an ankle to monitor wherever they are.
And you know here, We will review the teaching silabi.
And if you see the value, lists the lesson vocabulary...
... one of them, "Homer's The Odyssey"...
... too difficult for them.
Alright.
At the same time, most of them returned from here waiting for three buses, almost 90 minutes at a time.
God!
Therefore, I don't want them to be given a lot of homework.
You will only waste a lot of time dealing with late assignments.
Alright. thanks.
- Are you from Newport Beach? - Yes.
Unfortunately you weren't here even two years ago.
We functioned one of them to record the high school lessons in the district.
But because integration with volunteers has been approved...
... we lost more than 75% of our great students.
Actually I chose Wilson Middle School because of its integration program.
I think what happened here is really interesting right?
My father was involved in the civil rights movement.
And I remember watching the LA riot show on TV...
... I was thinking of entering law school at that time.
And I thought Oh my God, at that time...
... You defend the children in the courtroom, the battle is over.
I think actual fighting must occur in the classroom.
Yes it is...
... very good thoughts that are spawned.
Erin...
... I think you are an intelligent woman.
But this is your first time a teacher.
As the head of this department, I must be confident...
... you are able to handle what we face here.
Ready.
I know I have to study a lot as a teacher, but I'm a good student.
I'm ready and I really want to be here.
For some reason they have registered you in this class.
- Yes, and that's bullshit. - This is stupid class, snacks.
That means you're too stupid.
- Dude said that to my face, snacks. - I just said it.
See what I mean? Foolish.
- Man, I know you didn't say to me! - Okay...
Listen man, I'll beat your ass, home child.
Can you sit back?
Listen, I have your place in the team.
That's why you there wiggle your tongue.
Please sit back in your chair.
Listen, your place is the good one that's gone. I don't know why you're wasting your time.
Come to practice with them two years ago Nike at your feet!
You don't know anything about me, snacks!
Damaging my whole life.
Jamal?
So now you're in front of me right?
Sit your ass! Sit your ass at home!
I'll get this butt out of the field.
Close your ass. What is the home child?
I mean, what's wrong? Sit your ass at home!
Excuse me, can I ask for help here?
So do something! Get away!
- Hey. Erin Gruwell. Nice to meet you. - Hey. Nice to meet you.
- You see a little incident today, I heard. - Yes. It happened so fast.
Don't be discouraged.
You spend your time here in a few years, You will be able to teach High School.
They are fun.
At that time, most of your children will disappear too.
- What do you mean? - In the end, they just stopped acting.
If I do my job, they might queue at the door.
- Right? - Yes.
- A nice pearl. - Thank you.
If it's up to me. I don't even want to go to school.
My trial legal officer threatened me.
Tells me that it's a good school or an A.L candidate camp.
Stupid.
He thinks that the problem is happening in Long Beach...
... and it won't come to me at Wilson Middle School.
Police officers who handle me don't know that the school is like a city...
... and the city is like a prison.
... all of them are divided into separate sections, depending on race ethnicity.
There is Small Cambodia.
Blacks.
White skin.
And us, South Border or Small Tijuana.
It's just a name, and everyone knows that.
But as soon as possible, you will want to try something a little at school...
... requires respect that is not obtained from them.
It looks like this, one race-tribe stopped by secretly to another region...
... without respect, as if claiming what is not theirs.
A stranger who looks at that he never wanted to see, and we can feel it.
Something has come.
Sit down.
Let's move on to the first name in the list. Homer.
"Homer's The Odyssey".
I know Homer Simpson.
No, Homer is from ancient Greece...
... but maybe he's bald like Homer Simpson.
Good.
What's wrong?
Please be quiet.
Mrs.Gruwell, he just took my bag!
Shut up! Nobody touched your bag.
Yes, I see you.
Jamal. Jamal. Return the backpack.
I don't do anything!
- Jamal. Jamal. - OK.
Wait! Wait! Please sit in your chair! Wait! Please stay in your seat!
Bitch-eyed slug!
Return to your class.
Return to the classroom now too.
Is that all you have?
- So, how is the job? - Father.
- I ask your husband. - Good. I mean, for now.
That's a good institution.
I have accessed a lot of data institutions on the computer.
- I think you're an architect. - That's how it is. He is just on leave.
And the salary is good for now.
How much do you make, $ 27,000 has not been taxed?
If you know, why do you ask?
So, what does everyone want to eat?
With your brain, you can run a big company.
On the contrary, I'm worried all night because you're a teacher in Attica.
Can you hear what you say?
How many times have I heard you about the march of civil rights?
This gang is a criminal, is not an action. Do you read the paper?
They say the same thing about the Black Panthers.
I will reveal your children which has never been known.
Who is Rap Brown or Eldridge Cleaver.
You will waste your talent on people who...
... don't care about education.
That hurts me.
I told you the truth.
I'm sorry. I can't help that.
- Do you think this is good enough for him? - Yes.
Listen to Steve.
If Erin thinks he can teach these children, he can do it.
You told him that he wouldn't be able to only made him angry.
So he doesn't like your job. What then? Why did you let that happen to you?
I don't know, just like that. I don't usually disappoint him.
I just told when I was about to brush my teeth.
- I don't like we don't have our own sink. - Come in, there is space.
Alright. thanks.
I don't believe, he brought my salary all.
What happened to him?
He is like Atticus Finch to me when I grow up.
And now is he talking about salary? I think he plays too much golf.
The fact is I think he needs intervention.
Why isn't being a teacher not good enough for him?
dear, calm down.
You know, except to marry me...
... you never really disappointed him. He praises you.
He likes you. He just doesn't...
He just doesn't think I'm good enough for you, which is good.
That's what daddy did. I'm sure I'll be like that someday.
Listen, just, you know... Stop worrying about being his perfect daughter.
You don't live in his house, You live in us...
... or until we get one.
- Or until you wake us up that one. - Yes.
With an extra bathroom.
You're a teacher because you say that.
I have this idea.
We will discuss poetry. Who is here who likes Tupac Shakur?
2Pac.
2pac Shakur. Forgive me. Raise your hand.
Really? I think there will be more fans.
I have the lyrics of this song that has been printed.
I want you to listen to the lyrics I've written it on the board.
That is an example of from an inner verse.
What he wrote was the very wise and cool thing.
"Adults, children on the promised land cannot have many heroes"
"Mother is the only one who exists, father does not appear"
"And no, I don't think you know that I will grow to be very strong"
"You look a little pale, is that the beer? Oh daddy what happened"
"Where is the money you said you will send to me?"
"Talking on the phone, you sound so friendly"
- Come on. - I can't go back there by myself.
- This will be fine. - No, I won't.
I don't sit near him.
I'm not there without my friends.
I can't go back there alone!
- Alright. - Shut up.
Okay, you know why?
I want you all to move to the side of the room.
You're behind, here. Sindy and all of you, move to the back.
Come on. Hurry up. Right now!
Return your ass to China, all of you.
- You all dwarf ass are useless. - Move before I trample on your testism.
Put your butt in the back, kid.
Get away from my desk.
So everyone is happy with new restrictions?
Eva?
Where are you going?
Hey! Hey!
This bullshit! Come on! What is...
What's the matter? Shit!
I want my money back!
Damn this is taking my money! I want my money back!
See what you took from me. God damn it!
Learn to speak with language! Are you from this country right?
I want my money back!
Come on! Pull out!
Fast, fast girl! Pull out!
Paco is scared.
In the car he said.
"You can't fight people alone, your own blood"
The same words that my father used on many occasions.
Only see Paco.
Others are running away.
So when the police asked me, I knew I had to protect him.
All of us need to start, so the class won't be too delayed.
The principal, Banning wants to convey something...
... in the description of last night's events.
I talked to the police.
As you might already know, is someone involved...
Because I know how often you like reading.
Close the magazine.
"Wanderers have no direction"
Now, there are no correct sentences.
I want you to rewrite this sentence using the right tenses...
... and spelling on page four your assignment book.
I don't have four pages. It's torn.
Okay, why don't you just use it the next blank page?
What's wrong?
What is that? Give it to me.
- What is this? - Leave it alone.
Do you think this is funny?
Tito?
Is this funny if it's your picture?
No.
Close the assignment book.
Maybe we should talk about art. Tito has talent right?
- Yes, yes. - Tito's life.
Do you know anything?
I see pictures like this once in the museum.
It's just not a black man, it's a Jew.
And instead of thick lips, he has a very big nose...
... like a rat's nose.
But he is not a particular Jew.
This is a picture of all Jews.
And these images are published in newspapers...
... by the most famous gang in history.
That's us bro.
Do you think you all know everything about gangs?
You amateurs.
This gang will embarrass you all.
They are poor and angry, and everyone looks down on them.
Until someone decides to give them pride.
An identity and someone to blame.
Do you take over the neighborhood?
It can't be compared to them. They take over countries.
And how do you want to know?
They just wiped out other people.
- Yes. - Yes.
Yes they wiped out everyone they didn't like.
And everyone they blame for their hard life.
And one of the ways they do it is to do this.
Look, they will print images like this in the papers.
Big Jews, long noses, big black skin, thick lips.
They will also publish scientific evidence.
Which proves Jews and blacks is the lowest form of the human species.
Jews and blacks are no more like animals.
And because they are just like animals...
... it doesn't really matter whether they live or die.
In reality. life will be much better if they all die.
That's what the Holocause (Nazis) did.
And that's what you all think of each other.
You don't know anything, home girl.
No, I'm not Marcus! So why don't you explain to me?
I won't explain nonsense to you!
Do you know how we live?
We are here first, man.
Close that crap, home child!
Alright! OK! OK!
So what you say is, if Latinos aren't here...
... or Cambodia, blacks, whites or whoever they are...
... if they aren't here, everything will be better for you, isn't that right?
Of course it will be better!
It would be better if you weren't here.
Good. Well.
This starts with an image like this.
... and then some children died on the road, never known what happened to him.
You don't know anything!
You don't know the pain we feel.
You don't know what we have to do.
You have no respect for how we live.
You met us here, taught us this damn grammar...
... and then we go out there again.
And what will you tell me about that huh?
What are you doing here will make a difference in my life?
You don't feel respected. What is that you say Eva?
Yes, maybe you are not appreciated. But to get respect, you have to give it.
Nonsense.
What?
Why should I give you my respect?
Because you are a teacher?
I don't know you.
How do I know you're not a liar who stands there?
How do I know you're not a bad person standing there?
I won't give you my respect because you're called a teacher.
White people always want to be respected like they think it's free.
I'm a teacher. No matter what my color is.
It's all about skin color.
It's about things that people decide what you deserve.
About what people want what they don't have to be right,
About whites who think they are running this world no matter what.
You see, I hate white people.
- Do you hate me? - Yes.
- You don't know me. - I know what you are doing.
I saw white police shooting my friend from behind to arrest him!
His arrest.
I see white police coming into my house...
... and arrested my father for no reason except because they feel like that!
Except because they may.
And they can because they are white.
So I hate the behavior of white people!
Ben, do you want to say something?
Can I get out of here?
Mistress, stop acting like you're trying to to understand our situation.
Foster your baby there.
- Is that all you think is this? - This means nothing.
When I see out of the world...
... I don't see anyone who looks like me with their pockets full...
... unless they rap lyrics or dribble.
So why come to me?
And what if you can't rap lyrics or dribble?
- That's not because of this. I know a lot. - Right.
And all of you think you will pass out like this?
I'm so for a higher school. Nobody can stop me.
My lady is lucky if she turns 18. We are in war.
We graduate every day where we live...
... because we are not afraid to die protect ourselves.
At least when you die for yourself, you die with respect, you die as a warrior.
That's right.
So when you die, will you get respect? Is that what you think?
- That's right. - It is true.
- Yes. - Yes.
Do you know what will happen when you die?
You will rot on the ground.
And people will continue to live, they will forget all about you.
And when you rot...
... do you think that would mean that you are an authentic gangster or not?
You are dead.
And no one, no one will want to remember you...
... because all of you leave in this world only this.
Did you raise your hand?
That's what you talked about before, Holocaust?
- Holocaust, yes. - What is that?
Raise your hand if you want to know what the Holocaust is.
Raise your hand...
... if you are in this class who wants to ask is explained.
How about this? We are discussing the Holocaust.
No, they won't read it.
We can try it. Books just sit here.
Look at the value of reading them.
If I give my students this book, I will never see them again.
If I do, they will be damaged.
How about this? Romeo & Juliet. That's a big gang story.
Don't, don't book. This is what we give them.
This is Romeo & Juliet, but that's a concise version.
Even this, see how they treat it.
See how they tore it up? They draw it.
Ms. Campbell?
They know they got this...
... because nobody thinks they are smart enough for the actual book.
Yes I don't have a budget to buy new books every semester...
When the children return this.
So what should I do? I bought them a book?
Yes it's up to you, but you will waste your money.
Is there someone else that you can talk to about this?
- Excuse me? - I'm sorry, but...
I don't understand.
Does the Long Beach Board of Education agree...
... that these books only have to sit here and not be used at all?
Let me explain.
It's called an instruction-based site.
This means that me and the principal each have the authority...
... to make various decisions without having to go to the Board...
... which has a bigger problem to solve. Do you understand how it works now?
I'm sorry. I don't mean to overstep your authority.
I don't intend that. I just...
I don't know how to make them interested in reading this.
You can't make someone want to be educated.
The best you can do is try to make them obedient, learn discipline.
That will be extraordinary success for them.
Since you know Margaret more than me.
If I can get a back-up from you...
... I think diary books like "The Diary of Anne Frank And"...
... will mean a lot to them...
... and he doesn't seem to understand that they can relate to those stories...
... remember everything they faced.
Oh of course. That's a universal story.
I mean, Anne Frank, Rodney King, they are almost interchangeable.
- Do you laugh at me? - Yes.
God, listen to what you say.
How dare you compare them with Anne Frank?
They don't hide.
They go around in public places with automatic weapons.
I'm one of them who lives in fear. I can't get out of my door at night.
And you blame these children?
These are schools with A accreditation before they come here.
And see what they change.
I mean, that doesn't make sense.
Those children who want education must not be smooth...
... because the school will change to open school?
Because children who don't want to be here, and shouldn't be here...
... forced to here...
... by the genius who runs the regional school?
Integration is a lie.
Yes we are teachers, we cannot say that or we lose our jobs because of racism.
So please stop cheering, Erin. you are ridiculous.
You don't know anything about these children.
And you don't meet the requirements to judge teachers...
... who has brought this place to life.
Are we going to play the game okey? This is very fun. I promise.
How many of you have already watched Boyz N The Hood?
Okay, next question.
How many of you live in the project settlement?
How many of you know someone, friends or relatives...
... who or stay in a prison specifically for children or prison?
How many of you have been in detention centers specifically for children...
... or jail for a long time?
Detention does not count.
Is the refugee camp calculated?
You decide.
How many of you know where can you get drugs now?
How many of you know someone in a gang?
How many of you are gang members?
- Good experiment. - Good experiment.
Okay, that's a stupid question right?
Yes.
You are not allowed to be a member of a gang at school.
I'm sorry because I asked. That's my ugliness.
Okay now I'll ask you guys, a more serious question.
Stand on the line if you have lost friends because of gang violence.
Stay on the line if you have lost more than one friend.
Three.
Four or more.
Well, I want us to respect these people now.
However you guys, call their names.
James.
Beatriz.
Thank you very much to all of you.
Now I have something for everyone of you.
Everyone has their own story...
... and it's important for you to share your own story, even with yourself.
So what we will do is...
... we will write every day in this journal.
You may write about whatever you want, past, present, future.
You may write it like a diary, or you may write...
... songs, poems, every good thing, bad things, anything.
But you have to write every day.
Always close to the pen. Every time you feel inspired.
And that won't be assessed.
How can I give A or B for writing the truth right?
And I won't read it unless you give me permission.
I need to see that you filled it in, but I will only do this...
... to see that you wrote on that day.
Now, if you want me to read it, I've... Excuse me. A closet here.
This has a key on it. I will keep opening it during class lessons...
... and you can leave your diary there if you want me to read it.
I will lock this cabinet at the end of class.
OK?
So each of you can progress, one by one, and take your own journal.
If you are ready.
Eva holds her back, but I know she wants to take part.
He is very stubborn.
What really surprised me was Brandy, who never said a word...
... I think like we don't talk about anything...
... besides your work, like so on.
I'm sorry.
- What happens at work? - There is no.
I don't want to talk about that either.
I just want to relax. I want to be home.
And I want to be with my school teacher.
I always have fantasies about always being late after school.
Well I'm sorry I left my pap eraser at work.
Do other teachers enter this in additional work?
I don't know. I made it up when I went together.
And the other teachers don't really talk to me. I mean, Brian and Margaret...
- Honey, I don't want to think. - Sorry. Okay, don't think.
- I just want to... - I'm almost done ok?
So, how much longer?
Not long. Promise.
Thank you very much for coming. Susan is a great student. thanks.
- Nice to meet you. - Good night. Watch Out.
- Jim, thank you very much. - Thank you, Brian.
I appreciate you coming in the evening with the student guardians.
Drive is safe.
In each war, there are enemies.
I saw my mother being beaten to death...
... and saw blood and tears flowing down his face.
I feel useless and afraid and angry at the same time.
Stay here Brandy. Watch the kids!
- Return my money! - Take care of children!
I can still feel the belt on my back and legs.
One time, he was unable to pay rent.
And that night he prevented us on the road and ended on the sidewalk.
He said "Choose the place"
Clive is my subordinate. He is my belief on many occasions.
We are like one fist, me and him, one army warrior.
- This is heavy. - Yes.
Real poop is here. No one is harassing us now.
But we have to practice because this is how we have strength.
You pressed it, then...
I sat there until the police arrived.
But when they arrived, everything they saw was as dead as a corpse, a gun and a Negro.
They took me to the detention room for children. The first night is the most frightening.
Prisoners beat walls...
Learn to be calm. A wrong word can erupt you.
If you look at my eyes, You will see a love of a girl.
If you see my smile, you'll see there's nothing wrong.
If you tear my shirt, You will see a bruise.
What did I do to drive him crazy?
At the age of 16, I saw more bodies than a grave.
Every time I step out the door, I am faced with the risk of being shot.
To the outside world, it's just another corpse on the corner.
They don't know that it's my friend.
During the war in Cambodia...
... the people in the camp harassed my father's dignity.
He sometimes tries to hurt my mom and me.
I feel like I have to protect my family.
I have trouble deciding what candy I want, then I hear gunshots.
I ducked to see that one of my friends...
... bleeding bleeding out of his mouth.
The next day, I open my shirt and wrap the gun.
I found it in a hallway of my house.
I don't even know how this war began.
Only two parties conflict with each other in repeated ways.
Who cares about the history behind it all?
I'm my father's daughter.
And when they call me to testify, I will protect myself mine no matter what.
Nobody cares what I do. Why should I bother coming to school?
My friends are soldiers, not on the battlefield, but on the streets.
They fight for their lives.
I don't like the coldness of a gun pervading my skin.
That makes me shiver.
It's a crazy life. After you enter, there is no way out.
Every time I lecture someone...
... and for someone to be part of our gang, is another baptism.
They give us their lives, we give them new things.
I've lost a lot of friends who died in a war that was not announced.
For soldiers and me, Everything is valuable.
The risk of your life avoiding bullets, pulls the trigger of the gun.
It's all valuable.
This...
Mr.Gruwell? Your table is ready. Follow me.
- Daddy, I got them. - Okay.
Daddy, I don't know what to do with this.
I'm not a social worker. I'm almost not a teacher.
Thank you.
These students, they are 14, 15 years old...
... and if they go through the day is still alive, that's good enough.
And I have to teach them?
Listen to me.
You are not responsible for their lives outside the classroom.
- Just do your work as best you can. - How?
The administration section doesn't give me the source of material...
... there are no books, no support.
So what should I do?
Fulfill your obligations until the end of the school year...
... even so, entered in another position.
Success follows experience.
After students' grades rise, I will get a little more help from school...
... and I can get employee discounts. Isn't that good?
- Want a new TV? - Yes.
Excuse me, if I want to order books in large quantities...
... can I get a discount?
- These books are new items. - I know.
Okey friends all listen.
Only the problem with this book is...
... about a gang member and there is an element of violence in it...
... so you might not be able to read it as part of the curriculum.
So, I tried my best to get permission, okay?
It's rather difficult to get their attention.
Until recently, the only thing that had gone beyond their hatred for each other was me.
Yes you put them together and that's progress.
What can I do for you?
I want to do more with them, and I need support from someone in authority.
You have to do this with your head and headmaster.
I can't get involved in school internal policies.
My principal is only listening to my head...
... and he is not very supportive.
You have to find a way to deal with it.
No, I'd rather just deal directly with someone who is authorized.
Ms.Gruwell, there is a system in place...
... based on the school year in using educational facilities.
- You have to follow the system. - No, I don't want to.
Listen, I'm just trying to do my work here.
What is the use of voluntary integration programs...
... if students up to Middle School get a reading value of 5?
I organized the program.
With all due respect...
... all the programs that were carried out were warehousing these students...
... until they are old enough to disappear.
Listen, I appreciate your intentions...
... but there's nothing I can do through class per class.
Dr.Cohn, why do they have to waste it their time to develop...
... if they know we are wasting our time teaching them?
We tell them "Go to school. Get education"
And then we say "Well they can't learn, so let's not waste the resources"
I thought about touring.
Most of them have never been out of Long Beach.
They have never been given a chance...
... to expand their thoughts about what is out there for them.
And they are hungry for that. I know it.
And that's just a reward system.
They don't get anything, they don't develop...
... by doing their duty and improving their quality.
But Ms.Campbell doesn't want to give books...
... due to budget restrictions.
He won't approve the school tour.
I will collect money.
I just need to know that I won't face resistance.
Listen, I can't promise anything to them if I can't keep up.
This is just proof of what they believe.
What I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell doesn't need to be cared for.
Are you the doorman at Marriott?
Only weekends.
You played tennis with Evan on Saturday.
And you can play golf with dad on Sundays.
Do you want me to play golf?
And the bonus is . I get employee prices...
... in Marriott hotel rooms worldwide.
I've heard a lot about connecting lines...
... but bra-selling-English. -teacher-hotel-doorman will be new.
You said your part time work was only temporary.
Yes. I just don't know for how long.
- What if I say no? - No, what is it?
No, I don't want you to work in three professions.
- But I can do it Scott. - No, that's not the point.
You can do anything! We know that it's finished.
It's just me... You...
You don't even ask me.
- I'm just trying to do my job, Scott. - By getting two more jobs?
I don't understand, Erin.
Scott, this is our time to move after what we want...
... when we were young, before we had a family.
Maybe this is the right time for you to go back to school...
... obtained your architectural degree.
Isn't that amazing?
What?
None.
So, I'll call you with the list of places.
I have scheduled a meeting for the PTA board next week.
So hopefully this isn't a problem.
- Thank you very much. - Thank you again.
- Nice to meet you, Paula. - Nice to meet you too.
Principal Banning prohibits receiving calls from Dr.Cohn on the school board.
Do you seem to have taken your students touring?
Yes, but that is for weekends, until it won't affect the test schedule.
I know how busy you are...
... and after that I bear it myself, I don't want to bother you.
I'll be back soon.
Oh, no, no, don't Erin?
- Return to the car. - Father, he lives here.
I'll meet him. back to the car and door lock.
- What's the name? - Andre Bryant.
Andre.
Since I broke with my father, mom and even didn't want to look at me, because I looked like my father.
And with my brother in prison...
They won't. The person has confessed.
For whom? Your brother?
Hey. Are you Andre?
- What's wrong? - Hey.
- What? - Put on your seat belt.
You're a young girl too.
You guys have to Newport Beach before?
What? We went there last year on our trip to Paris.
Paris.
This is good.
I brought you something.
This is a good book. I read it at school.
It's about a kid's gang, and I think you might want to read it.
What did the prosecutor say?
He told me what I wanted to say when I stood up.
I'm proud of you dear.
There is no innocent baby.
Nobody.
They did it to us on many occasions and just escaped.
That's why it's not about what happens or doesn't happen.
In the war you won your victory when you could cause you to lose on another day.
But if you get the winning ...... ... one day you won.
FIRST SCHOOL OF SCHOOL TWO SEMESTERS
At the beginning of the tour, they gave you a card with a picture of the child on it.
You can find out who they are and in what camp they were sent.
And at the end of the tour, you can find out if they survived.
I got a little girl from Italy.
Tito, your hat.
Kristallnacht, they call it night broken glass.
Hundreds of synagogues have been looted and burned.
More than 7,000 Jewish stores were destroyed.
More than 100 Jews were killed.
A Small Center for children in Isieux, Ain province, France.
Among the children who were deported that day to Birkenau...
... 11 years old, Liliane Berenstein...
... which before leaving the place, left a letter to God.
My son died. He got off the train and they killed him.
I don't know why it's so annoying.
I've seen death all my life.
But this little boy is only five years old.
Ms.G has a wonderful dinner for us at the hotel where she works.
He invited the actual Holocaust victims from the museum to meet us.
Ada Elisabeth Mann.
I have parents, sisters, two brothers.
Gloria Ungar.
If any of you see someone with a number on his arm...
... we are not ready to order the dessert.
And the students have an amazing experience.
You have to see them.
If you enter as soon as possible, come. It's only 9:30 now.
Okay, I'll see you later. I love you, daa.
How many times should I tell your ass again?
Get rid of your ass here!
So, throughout the summer you read and think about this book.
TWO YEARS OF SCHOOL EARLY SEMESTER
And you know, I think this will be very valuable.
Starting from Victoria to explain to us from a black perspective.
Victoria?
Do I have to be stamped on my forehead with what he said,
"Spokesperson for State for the Fate of Black People?"
How do I know the black perspective on purple skin? "
Tell you what, if I don't change the classroom, I will hurt this idiot. =... for African Americans. What? Black people learn to read...
... and we all come miraculously to the same conclusion?
Therefore I decided to see my friend's English class, Brandy.
- Nice to meet you, man. - Hey, yeah.
- How is your summer? - Good.
You're still white, I see it.
Okay, everybody, ready?
- Hey, Ms.G. - Hey.
Both friends listen! This is what I want you to do.
I want every one of you to progress and take one of these Borders bags...
... which contains four books which we read in this semester.
Alright!
That's a very special book...
... each one reminds me, in some ways to each of you.
But, before you take the book.
I want you to take one of these sparkling glasses.
... and I want each of you to toast.
Each of us will toast for change.
And what does that mean, from now on...
... every voice that says to you "You won't be able to" be silenced.
Every reason that tells you things that will never change, get rid of.
And your figure before now,
... the figure is gone. Now it's your turn.
OK?
Alright, are you ready the party starts?
- What? - Stop it.
What was agreed upon?
I have had a boyfriend since I was 11 years old, as long as you know.
- I trust you. - Shut up.
Okay, I really am a person...
... who will get pregnant before is aged 16 and leaves school.
Like my mother.
It won't happen.
Nobody ever listens to teenagers.
Everyone thinks, you guys should have fun because you are still young.
They don't see a war that we fight every day.
And one day, my war will end.
And I'm not going to die.
And I won't tolerate cruelty from anyone.
I'm strong.
My mother kicked me out when I entered the gang life.
But I want him to see me graduate.
I want to reach age 18.
Ms. G, Can I read something from my heart?
Good.
Who is he?
Dude he's been with us since the first year, you idiot.
- What's the name? - I do not know.
That summer was the worst summer at my short age of 14 years.
Everything starts from a telephone.
My mother is crying and begging...
... ask for more time as if he was panting at the end of his breath.
He holds me tight as best he can and cries.
His tears pierced my shirt like a bullet and he told me that we were expelled.
He keeps apologizing to me. I think I don't have a home.
I should have asked for something cheaper at Christmas.
On the morning of the eviction, a loud knock on the door woke me up.
The sheriff is there to do his job.
I looked at the sky, waiting for something to happen.
My mother has no family. To be asked for help, no money.
Why bother coming to school or getting good grades if I'm homeless?
The bus stops in front of the school. I feel like throwing up.
I wear clothes from yesterday, some old shoes and no new haircuts.
I keep thinking I will be laughed at.
Instead, I was welcomed by some friends...
... who was in my English class last year.
And that's my fact Mrs.Gruwell...
... my English teacher Uedan from last year...
... the only person who made me think about hope.
Talking with friends about English years ago and our tour...
... I'm starting to feel more comfortable.
I received my schedule and my first teacher was Ms. Gruwell in room 203.
I stepped into the room and felt as if...
... all the problems in life are not very important anymore.
I go home.
Yes, you go home.
But you're a superior student.
If you move to Ms.Gruwell's classroom...
... think about how to describe your score record.
That doesn't matter to me. My grades will still be the same.
Listen to Ms. Campbell.
When I was first transferred to school, I got an average IP of 4.0.
But when I went to further selection in English and Mathematics...
... I was told that it was good for me was in class with my own friends.
Now, when I enter, my teacher says...
... "Victoria, not every day we find an African-American student...
... with A.P (American Power) and superior education" As if I didn't realize it.
And when I asked the other top class teachers.
Why don't we read literature black further, he says...
... "We don't read black-lit literature because everything is about sex...
... drugs, invective and fornication!"
I think it's simple, "That's not appropriate" is enough.
Erin can't do that!
The superior student is mine.
He is not allowed to teach them. He is only a year here.
The students asked.
And Gruwell has Cohn behind him.
What I found was that they were violent, violated the law, they destroyed school property...
... and in the end we consider them special. We reward them like...
I just don't see what is taught to them.
Hey! Sorry I'm late.
Have you eaten? I want to order. Are you hungry?
What question do you want I answer first?
Have I eaten or am I hungry? I have eaten. IM not hungry.
Something very impressive happened today. I have a top student.
- Congratulations. - Isn't that good?
He really asked in my class.
Can you teach excellent students?
What do you mean?
Well, I mean, you're used to teaching like your students.
Can you teach someone who is smart?
Of course I can.
Yeah, but it's not like that you have right?
I mean, you don't really teach what others teach.
The value of my students reaches B.
Yes, but the point is you think.
It's not like they really learn as normal as what students have to learn.
normal students? Yes, they are.
They read Anne Frank's diary.
They learn vocabulary, grammar, writing, poetry.
Okay okey, I'm sorry. Sorry.
Congratulations.
What's wrong with you?
You know, at Deb's party, I heard you told people...
... that I am an architect and my work is only temporary.
I want you to stop so ok? I like my job.
Alright.
You're the one who said you will be an architect.
Yes, four years ago, before we got married.
Will I go back to school now...
... for two years and three years internship?
I will be 40.
Okay, I think you still want it.
It doesn't matter if I want it, Erin. That doesn't mean it will happen.
Why not?
"Writing in a diary is really a strange experience for someone like me.
I mean, not only because I never wrote anything before...
... but also because seems to me on another day...
... both for me and for others will be interested...
... Jews are prohibited from riding the tram and are prohibited from driving ".
" Jews are forbidden to visit the theater...
... cinemas and other entertainment venues ".
" Jews may not take in public sports...
... bathing pool, tennis court, hockey field...
... and other sports fields, are all prohibited ".
" I can't tell you how depressed can never get out of the house.
Also, I was very scared that we would be found and shot ".
" No one can get out of the conflict. The whole world is at war.
And even though the Allies did it better...
... the end of time is already visible ".
Hey.
When did Anne shoot Hitler?
- What? - You know. Take it out?
Eva, it's" The Diary of Anne Frank " , Not "Die Hard". Continue reading.
"We talk about the most personal things...
... but we haven't touched the things that are closest to my heart.
I still can't get the start or the end of Peter.
Is he shortsighted?
Or the shame that controls it again, what about me? "
- Will Anne and Peter join? - I won't tell you.
"This is truly impossible for me to build my life in a foundation...
... chaos, suffering and death.
I see a world that slowly turns into a wilderness.
I feel suffering millions, but when I look up at the sky... ... I somehow feel everything will change for the better ".
- What is Eva? - Why don't you tell me he's dead?
Why don't you say he's been caught finally?
I hate you and I hate this book.
Eva.
If he dies, then what about me? What are you saying about that?
- Anne Frank died, but she... - I can't believe they caught her!
That shouldn't happen in the story! That is not true!
- Because that's true? - I'm not talking to you!
You talk around me. It's the same.
Listen, to me, he's not dead at all.
How many of your friends do you know killed now?
Too many to count.
How much have you read in the book about it?
Did you see them on TV or even in the paper?
That's why this story was written.
She's in our college.
Anne Frank understands our situation, my situation.
And Mrs. Miep Gies, one who helped hide it?
I like it.
I read other books about him from the library.
Wow do you use your library card?
No.
OK listen. Marcus has given me an idea.
In lieu of the record assignment about "The Diary of Anne Frank"...
... for our duty, I want you guys to write to Miep Gies...
... the woman who helped shelter the Franks.
He still lives and lives in Europe.
In the letter, I want you to tell him how you feel about this book.
Tell him about your own experience. Tell him what you like.
But I want the letter to be perfect...
... so prepare more than one text okey?
Will he read the letters?
Now it's the task of writing. I will read it.
We have to read it.
- Yes, you can do that right, Ms.G? - I do not know.
Maybe we should bring it and talk.
Yes and a big dinner again.
Wait. Friends.
Friends! All! Listen! He is elderly!
I don't know how to contact him. I don't even know if he can travel.
And it will be very expensive.
We can collect money.
Ms. G?
If Miep Gies arrives, may I, like, be the person who escorts him?
"Long Beach local restaurant to help middle school students"
Hi, I'm trying to find out the number...
... for the Anne Frank Foundation in Basel, Switzerland.
"What do public schools finance for funding, if not for our students?"
"Writing subjects eliminate emotions curriculum vitae of students"
"Wilson school students hold a dance contest to raise funds for guest speakers"
Come in, Margaret.
Ms.G sent us a letter to Amsterdam...
... for Miep Gies himself.
When Ms.G's mind composes will be something...
... none can stop it, to materialize.
And after we collected money to bring it to Long Beach, he did it.
But damn, I didn't think he was so small.
The fortune of Jews is around $ 2.
Someone who needs money reports to the Gestapo.
On August 4, they stormed my office...
... and someone pointed a shot at me and said "Don't speak".
"Don't say a word".
And then they go straight upstairs to the attic.
I feel so helpless.
I can hear Anne screaming, an object thrown around her.
So, I ran back to my house.
I'm looking for earrings or knick-knacks, you know...
... whatever I can take to bribe them.
So I take it again, everything...
... and there is an army that takes out the gun...
... and put it in my head.
You can be shot because you hide Jews or go to camp.
Then another army recognized my accent.
She's from Austria, so am I.
But I was adopted by a Dutch family.
So, he told the soldier with the gun to let me go.
There was no day, by the way I didn't want to remember August 4.
And I think of Anne Frank.
Yes?
I've never had a hero before.
But you are my hero.
Oh no, no, not young people, no.
I'm not a hero. Not.
I need you, Mama.
I need you.
And what time is that?
I told you 9:00, 9:30.
And you have a clean assessment of the defendant,
Grant Rice, at the shop?
I told you, he's playing video games.
Then what happened? What do you see?
Yes he hit because he lost playing...
... and then he starts shouting and so on, threatening everyone.
Is he threatening everyone? He threatens you?
No, people have shops.
He wants more money to play.
And what do shop owners do?
He shouted back. And they fight.
Then he, the defendant, struck something and left the shop.
And then what happens? What do you see?
I see...
Paco did it.
Paco killed that person.
Because of what you did today, you will die.
Because of your father you can still live.
But you have to die for us.
And one day you know how to suffer a traitor.
My father doesn't want to talk to me anymore.
And I have to bow for a while because there are words coming out to attack me.
So I will stay with my aunt.
Listen, my aunt lives further...
... so I just wonder what I can, like...
Stay longer here with you.
Until I can do my homework until it's finished. Because it's too late when it's at home.
You can stay longer all you want.
And I can even take you to your aunt, if it's too late.
Ms.G, let's not joke.
I think I found your color.
A waiter is coming soon, at your exit.
I will give direction to you. Yes, that's good.
Stop! That is all! Now, now! Hey!
You have three seconds extra. Start!
... anger and provoke them to become violent acts.
In 1961, cross-ethnic groups for civil rights traveled by bus through the south...
... against separation.
Black skin sitting in front, white behind.
They were attacked, bombed, but they kept going.
In Montgomery, Alabama, Jim Zwerg offered to be the first on the bus...
... knowing there is a mass waiting for them.
He almost died being beaten until others could escape.
That's kind of courage - it's amazing for me.
I feel scared even though it's in this class, and I'm embarrassed...
... because I always become a stupid kid in school, even with my friends.
But not anymore.
And I have to have some kind of courage...
... because I could be lying to get out of here, but I settled.
I'm settled.
Hey I'm home!
Sorry to be late. I take students home. I don't want them to take the bus.
You will never believe what happened.
I'm very tired.
I'm proud.
I just want to live my life and don't feel bad about this.
- I don't try to make you feel bad. - You don't need to try.
I don't plan to be responsible for these children.
- Who asked you? - Nobody asked me!
They are not even your children!
Why am I being asked? Scott...
I finally realized what I was supposed to do and I liked it.
When I'm helping these children understand their lives...
... everything about my life made sense to me.
How often can someone be like that?
- Then what do you need again from me? - You're my husband.
Why can't you stand next to me and be part of it, how do wives support husbands?
Because I can't be your wife.
I hope I can make what sounds less terrible.
Erin?
You know, if you have to choose between us...
... and class...
... who will you choose?
If you love me, how could you ever ask that question?
Erin looks at me.
All of this has landed on me.
Here's how. I am not one of those children. I don't have the ability anymore.
hear? You don't want to be here anymore...
... because if you do it, will you be in the classroom every night?
That's not true. I want it here. I love you.
You like my proposal.
But it's like a good proposal.
I know.
Daddy? Hey.
You know, actually I tried to phone another...
... and automatically contact you. Sorry.
Listen, I'll call you tomorrow, okay?
I need to make this call. I love you.
Ms.G told us to read "Twelve Angry Men".
About all things how one member jury helped change the hearts of 11 other members of the jury.
That makes me feel full of hope.
At 2:00 today, my brother was given a verdict in his trial.
There is no Lawyers Team, only lawyers appointed by the court...
... who might think his butt is guilty.
And I realize the "Twelve Angry Men" is just a book and nothing more.
My brother was sentenced to 15 years.
Justice does not mean bad people go to jail.
That only means someone must pay for his crime.
So, do you have time now?
Does anyone know where Andre is?
I didn't see it on the bus.
Yes, I haven't even talked to him.
Ms.G?
Will we be in the same room again next year?
I don't know. You will be in grade 3 next year.
What do you mean?
I teach grade 1 and class 2 students.
You mean, we won't be with you next year?
I...
... I don't teach 3rd grade, I think you understand that.
What? What are you talking about?
You don't want to be our teacher next year?
Of course I want to. I can not.
- Why can't? - That's from the Education Council.
That's a rule.
Ms.G hasn't been here long enough to teach upper middle class.
Who cares about Middle class?
Damn it! They can't do that! They have no rights!
- Ms.G, this is where we throw our poop. - Yes.
Everyone is friendly with everything. Everyone knows everyone.
This is the only place where we can truly be ourselves.
There is no place like this out there for us.
That's right.
I am not permitted to teach grade 3 or upper middle class.
Are you not allowed?
Ms.G we can be this opponent, you know, like "Freedom Riders".
Yes, yes, we will all spin on the bus.
It's just this time, they tried and we got on the bus...
... we dropped out of some of them members of the Chief Council.
Marcus.
... or we can go to newspapers, media. That will attract their attention.
Or we paint the administration building...
... with the word "fucker" in various colors.
Hey that's something. We can do it.
What?
This is my book, not Scott's. I packed the wrong books.
Honey, take a break.
Sit down.
I can't believe I'm divorced.
I never thought this would happen.
What should I do now?
Next year, I'm not going to with my students.
Do you think you should be with them?
Or should they move?
I don't know.
This is just the work like you said.
Yes, there he is.
But is the job done?
Listen to me now.
What did you do with the children...
... I don't have words for that.
But one thing is certain, You're an amazing teacher.
Special.
You have been blessed, my daughter.
And I envy you.
And I'm amazed at you.
And how many fathers have experienced that to say that to his daughter...
... and really mean?
What he proposed was a violation of our union charter.
He can't move with his students to teach them in grade 3.
She's only been here for two years.
There are teachers here who have tenure...
... who have worked and committed for a long time...
... to reach the upper middle position.
Not to mention their experience in teaching students in higher caliber.
Excellent school programs exist under our jurisdiction.
I don't want to change the top school program.
I just want to go with my kids next year.
He can't. I have high school.
The Education Council will not allow this.
The teaching-learning rotation will be disrupted...
... retirement schedule, will be re-evaluated...
... don't respect the teachers who have gained their way for a long time...
... and that focuses on classrooms...
... not on public relations and articles in newspapers.
I didn't ask for the articles to be written.
She's in a divorce.
Note, they stay longer in class, they eat, they play games!
Okay, let's all take a breath here. OK?
Now I hope we can talk this out...
... maybe visit some regulatory agencies.
- There is no regulatory agency... - Margaret.
Carl, listen.
Put aside all the resentment for now...
... even if the setting institution is created...
... and he can teach them in High School, no one accreditation course...
... in the curriculum for him to teach.
Unless Brian barter one of his Mid Middle Class classes with level 2.
No.
Then there is nothing I can do.
So that's it?
Believe it or not, Ms.Gruwell...
... there are other capable teachers in this school.
If you make progress as you say...
... your students must be prepared to continue.
They might even get something from more experienced teachers.
You can't teach them. You don't even like them.
What should I do in teaching?
I have been an educator more than 30 years.
I have students who still remain related to me.
I know to be able to be liked by in the classroom!
You don't know how much I've struggled.
Fighting to become a better teacher...
... and now what, suddenly I can't afford to educate your students?
You know, if they move to our class and they fail...
... it's because they're not ready!
That's because you failed, not them!
Andre? Wait a minute before you enter.
I heard about your brother's verdict. I'm sorry.
Is that why you haven't entered so many classes?
I have something to do.
About this.
Evaluation assignments...
... that you have created yourself with the work you are doing.
You gave yourself an F value. How is that?
- That's what I think I deserve. That is all. - Oh really?
Do you know what this is?
This is an insult to me, and everyone in this class!
I don't want a reason. I know what you're up against.
We all of us fight something.
So you better muster your mind, because if you play football...
... which I saw with my own eyes and told me this is what you deserve...
... I won't let you fail...
... even if that means must come to your house every night...
... until you finish the task.
I understand who you are.
Do you understand me?
I can understand you.
And you didn't fail.
So, take a minute. Legalize yourself simultaneously and enter.
I want a new evaluation.
Value F. Did you stumble?
I want all of you to know that Dr. John and I have tried very hard.
Everyone in this room has the opportunity to graduate.
For some things, you will be the first in your family.
The first with the choice to go to college.
Some may move faster than others.
But each of you has a chance.
And you did it. Not me.
Now, I have one...
... the last project in mind.
- Ms.G. - Yes?
Ms.G wants us to put all our diaries together in one book, like Anne Frank.
He found a businessman, John Tu...
... to donate 35 computers, so we can work.
He told us, we have something to say to people.
We are not just children in the classroom.
We are writers with our own voices, our own stories.
Even if nobody reads it...
... books will be something left out and voiced we have been here...
... this is what happened, we are valuable.
Even if it's only for each other. We won't forget it.
Ms.G does not promise it will be published or anything...
... but we can get ourselves out there.
He asked us with the title...
... something to call ourselves.
I just received a call from Karin Polacheck...
... from the Education Council.
That will be a meeting with Dr.Cohn about your class.
- Do you know what this is? - Not.
These students, this class, they have become a family.
For whom? For you?
For each other.
Room 203 is a kind of home for them.
Their beliefs are all wrapped up in ourselves together as a group.
After they leave their class...
... believe me they will come back to their old habits.
They read the numbers, their writing turned out to be better, Ms. Campbell.
On paper. But what has been achieved in reality?
What about new students who enter next year?
Can he repeat this process every year?
The method is not practical...
... impossible to apply with the existing order.
What would happen if every teacher did this method?
We have millions of children...
... to get an education system in this country...
... and we need a method to achieve that...
... which allows many students to develop as soon as possible...
... not only certain cases.
And you think you can honestly make family like this in every class...
... for each graduate, for each student you teach?
I don't know.
Thank you.
Hey, there she is Ms.G. Hey, there she is Ms. G!
What happened?
So? Are we going to be together in class 3?
No.
- What? - What?
We will be together in class 3 and in the upper middle class.
Yes !!!!
Most of these free writers are the first in their families...
... who graduated from high school (SMA) and went on to college.
Following some of his students...
... Ms.G left the Wilson School to teach at California State University, Long Beach.
Diaries from independent writers were published in 1999.
Erin Gruwell and the independent writers founded the Freedom Writers Foundation...
... dedicated to repeating the success of 203 classrooms in classrooms throughout the country.
Erin Gruwell and independent writers 2006.