1
00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:34,731
There have been shots fired.
2
00:00:34,834 --> 00:00:36,825
Total civil unrest is happening
throughout the Los Angeles area.
3
00:00:36,936 --> 00:00:37,567
Dozens of police
are running down the streets.
4
00:00:37,602 --> 00:00:38,199
Dozens of police
are running down the streets.
5
00:00:38,338 --> 00:00:39,464
Smoke reigned over the entire city.
6
00:00:39,606 --> 00:00:42,575
We're telling anybody
who's in downtown South Central...
7
00:00:42,709 --> 00:00:44,233
There are 38 dead and more than...
8
00:00:44,377 --> 00:00:46,504
The EMT are having
a hard time getting in...
9
00:00:49,349 --> 00:00:52,785
...where truck driver Reginald Denny
was pulled from his vehicle...
10
00:00:54,654 --> 00:00:56,417
The city resembles a war zone.
11
00:00:56,523 --> 00:00:58,150
Crowds gathered
at Parker Center downtown.
12
00:00:58,258 --> 00:01:01,250
...here in Hollywood, where
looters have struck many businesses.
13
00:01:01,361 --> 00:01:03,829
There have been 3,600 structural fires.
14
00:01:04,564 --> 00:01:06,361
Thick, black smoke rising
from the countless fires
15
00:01:06,466 --> 00:01:11,995
in Hollywood, downtown, Compton,
Watts and Long Beach...
16
00:01:30,890 --> 00:01:32,187
In America,
17
00:01:33,193 --> 00:01:35,457
a girl can be crowned a princess
18
00:01:36,362 --> 00:01:39,763
for her beauty and her grace.
19
00:01:43,436 --> 00:01:46,098
But an Aztec princess
is chosen for her blood...
20
00:01:46,473 --> 00:01:47,565
Eva?
21
00:01:51,077 --> 00:01:53,705
...to fight for her people,
as Papi and his father fought
22
00:01:53,813 --> 00:01:56,441
against those who say
we are less than they are,
23
00:01:56,549 --> 00:01:59,848
who say we are not equal in beauty
and in blessings.
24
00:02:07,627 --> 00:02:09,527
It was the first day of school,
25
00:02:09,629 --> 00:02:12,393
and I was waiting for my father
to take me to the bus.
26
00:02:12,499 --> 00:02:13,727
Roberto!
27
00:02:18,304 --> 00:02:19,271
Eva!
28
00:02:20,073 --> 00:02:22,701
And I saw the war for the first time.
29
00:02:23,643 --> 00:02:25,611
Eva! Eva!
30
00:02:25,912 --> 00:02:27,539
Police! Open up!
31
00:02:29,716 --> 00:02:32,014
They took my father for retaliation.
32
00:02:32,418 --> 00:02:33,817
He was innocent, but they took him,
33
00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,252
because he was respected
by my people.
34
00:02:36,356 --> 00:02:40,486
They called my people a gang
because we fight for our America.
35
00:02:40,793 --> 00:02:42,055
On your feet!
36
00:02:43,963 --> 00:02:46,329
When I got my initiation
into the gang life,
37
00:02:46,432 --> 00:02:48,559
I became third generation.
38
00:02:49,569 --> 00:02:51,969
They beat you so you won't break.
39
00:02:53,540 --> 00:02:55,303
They are my family.
40
00:03:01,181 --> 00:03:04,480
In Long Beach, it all comes down
to what you look like.
41
00:03:04,584 --> 00:03:07,417
If you're Latino or Asian or black,
42
00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:36,316
you could get blasted any time
you walk out your door.
43
00:03:36,351 --> 00:03:38,181
We fight each other for territory.
44
00:03:38,284 --> 00:03:41,776
We kill each other over race,
pride and respect.
45
00:03:43,056 --> 00:03:45,115
We fight for what is ours.
46
00:03:49,429 --> 00:03:51,795
They think they're winning
by jumping me now,
47
00:03:51,898 --> 00:03:54,196
but soon they're all going down.
48
00:03:54,934 --> 00:03:56,834
War has been declared.
49
00:03:58,304 --> 00:04:00,329
- Here's your coffee.
- Thank you.
50
00:04:04,077 --> 00:04:06,637
I brought my lesson plans.
I'd love it if you'd look them over.
51
00:04:06,746 --> 00:04:10,307
Yes, and these are the classes
you'll start with.
52
00:04:10,416 --> 00:04:14,876
Freshman English, four classes,
about 150 students in all.
53
00:04:19,592 --> 00:04:21,355
Some of them
are just out of juvenile hall.
54
00:04:21,461 --> 00:04:25,295
One or two might be wearing ankle cuffs
to monitor their whereabouts.
55
00:04:25,398 --> 00:04:28,367
And you see here,
we'll have to revise your lesson plans.
56
00:04:28,501 --> 00:04:32,335
And if you look at their scores,
these vocabulary lists
57
00:04:32,438 --> 00:04:36,340
and some of these, the books,
Homer's The Odyssey,
58
00:04:36,442 --> 00:04:38,034
they're gonna be too difficult for them.
59
00:04:38,177 --> 00:04:39,144
All right.
60
00:04:39,612 --> 00:04:41,170
Also, for most of them to get here
61
00:04:41,281 --> 00:04:43,545
it takes three buses,
almost 90 minutes each way.
62
00:04:43,650 --> 00:04:44,639
My God.
63
00:04:44,751 --> 00:04:46,480
So I wouldn't give them too much
of a homework load.
64
00:04:46,586 --> 00:04:49,350
You'll just be wasting a lot of time
following up on overdue work.
65
00:04:49,455 --> 00:04:51,252
All right. Thank you.
66
00:04:52,792 --> 00:04:55,659
- You're from Newport Beach?
- Yes.
67
00:04:57,697 --> 00:05:00,530
It's too bad you weren't here
even two years ago, you know.
68
00:05:01,034 --> 00:05:03,935
We used to have one of the highest
scholastic records in the district,
69
00:05:04,037 --> 00:05:07,598
but since voluntary integration
was suggested,
70
00:05:07,740 --> 00:05:14,009
we've lost over 75º/º
of our strongest students.
71
00:05:14,113 --> 00:05:17,571
Well, actually, I chose Wilson
because of the integration program.
72
00:05:17,684 --> 00:05:20,778
I think what's happening here
is really exciting, don't you?
73
00:05:20,887 --> 00:05:23,355
My father was involved
in the civil rights movement.
74
00:05:23,456 --> 00:05:26,892
And I remember when I was watching
the LA riots on TV,
75
00:05:26,993 --> 00:05:28,756
I was thinking of going
to law school at the time.
76
00:05:28,861 --> 00:05:30,590
And I thought, "God, by the time
77
00:05:30,697 --> 00:05:33,131
"you're defending a kid in a courtroom,
the battle's already lost. "
78
00:05:33,232 --> 00:05:36,861
I think the real fighting
should happen here in the classroom.
79
00:05:39,739 --> 00:05:42,037
Well, that's a very
80
00:05:43,042 --> 00:05:45,010
well-thought-out phrase.
81
00:05:47,513 --> 00:05:48,639
Erin,
82
00:05:49,449 --> 00:05:53,579
I think you're a lovely, intelligent woman.
83
00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:56,681
But you're a first-time teacher.
84
00:05:56,789 --> 00:05:58,984
As head of this department,
I have to be confident
85
00:05:59,092 --> 00:06:01,560
you're capable of dealing
with what we have to face here.
86
00:06:01,661 --> 00:06:02,855
I am.
87
00:06:03,429 --> 00:06:06,694
I know I have a lot to learn as a teacher,
but I'm a really good student.
88
00:06:06,799 --> 00:06:10,963
I am, and I really want to be here.
89
00:06:15,808 --> 00:06:20,336
- Those are lovely pearls.
- Thank you. From my father.
90
00:06:21,814 --> 00:06:23,509
I wouldn't wear them to class.
91
00:06:39,098 --> 00:06:40,395
Honey?
92
00:06:43,669 --> 00:06:44,761
What?
93
00:06:46,439 --> 00:06:48,134
Do I look like a teacher?
94
00:07:05,458 --> 00:07:06,516
Hey!
95
00:08:31,043 --> 00:08:33,273
Hey, Chris, yo, what up?
96
00:08:49,495 --> 00:08:51,520
- Hello.
- Hello.
97
00:08:52,765 --> 00:08:54,630
Hey, yo, let's sit right here, man.
98
00:09:00,973 --> 00:09:01,997
Hi.
99
00:09:32,038 --> 00:09:34,973
Hey, girl, you wanna give me
some fries with that shake?
100
00:09:42,848 --> 00:09:46,750
My name is Erin Gruwell.
Welcome to Freshman English.
101
00:09:47,553 --> 00:09:49,248
I give this bitch a week.
102
00:09:49,355 --> 00:09:50,379
Hi.
103
00:09:52,858 --> 00:09:55,725
Okay. Brandy Ross?
104
00:09:55,828 --> 00:09:57,557
Gloria Munez.
105
00:09:59,899 --> 00:10:02,026
Alejandro Santiago.
106
00:10:04,203 --> 00:10:06,000
Andre Bryant.
107
00:10:08,040 --> 00:10:09,701
Eva Benitez.
108
00:10:09,809 --> 00:10:13,472
Eva, not Eva.
109
00:10:15,881 --> 00:10:17,109
Eva.
110
00:10:18,985 --> 00:10:20,418
I have to go to the bathroom.
111
00:10:20,519 --> 00:10:22,749
- Okay, make sure that you take a...
- Yeah, I know.
112
00:10:26,225 --> 00:10:28,022
Ben Samuels?
113
00:10:28,761 --> 00:10:31,127
That white boy hoping
he's in the wrong room.
114
00:10:31,230 --> 00:10:32,492
I gotta get out of here.
115
00:10:32,598 --> 00:10:35,658
- Sindy Ngor.
- Right here.
116
00:10:35,801 --> 00:10:37,063
Is that correct?
117
00:10:37,570 --> 00:10:40,266
- Jamal Hill?
- Man, what am I doing in here?
118
00:10:40,706 --> 00:10:42,503
This whole ghetto-ass class
has got people in here
119
00:10:42,608 --> 00:10:44,576
looking like a bad rerun of Cops
and shit.
120
00:10:44,710 --> 00:10:46,541
You know what I'm saying? It's true.
121
00:10:46,646 --> 00:10:49,206
- Are you Jamal?
- Yeah.
122
00:10:49,315 --> 00:10:52,079
Well, for some reason
they have you registered in this class.
123
00:10:52,184 --> 00:10:55,210
- Yeah, and that's some bullshit.
- It's the dumb class, coz.
124
00:10:55,888 --> 00:10:57,446
It means you're too dumb.
125
00:10:57,757 --> 00:11:00,692
- Man, say it to my face, coz.
- I just did.
126
00:11:00,726 --> 00:11:02,489
See what I mean? Dumb.
127
00:11:02,595 --> 00:11:04,927
- Man, I know you ain't talking to me!
- Okay...
128
00:11:05,031 --> 00:11:06,589
Look, homey,
I'll beat that ass, homeboy.
129
00:11:06,699 --> 00:11:07,757
Can you please sit back down?
130
00:11:07,867 --> 00:11:08,834
Look, I got your spot on the team.
131
00:11:08,968 --> 00:11:10,265
That's why you're over there
wagging your tongue.
132
00:11:10,403 --> 00:11:11,631
Please sit back in your seats.
133
00:11:11,771 --> 00:11:14,365
Look, your spot is good as gone. I don't
know why you keep wasting your time
134
00:11:14,507 --> 00:11:17,305
coming to practice with them
two-year-old Nikes on your feet!
135
00:11:17,410 --> 00:11:19,401
You don't know nothing about me, coz!
136
00:11:20,579 --> 00:11:21,705
Broke down my whole situation.
137
00:11:21,814 --> 00:11:22,872
Jamal?
138
00:11:22,982 --> 00:11:23,949
So, now you're in my face now, right?
139
00:11:24,350 --> 00:11:25,874
Sit your punk ass down!
Sit your punk ass down, homeboy!
140
00:11:25,985 --> 00:11:26,974
I will run that ass off the field.
141
00:11:27,086 --> 00:11:28,610
Shut your ass up. What's up, homey?
142
00:11:28,721 --> 00:11:30,279
I mean, what's up?
Sit your ass down, homey!
143
00:11:30,456 --> 00:11:32,356
Excuse me,
may I please get some help in here?
144
00:11:34,894 --> 00:11:36,589
So do something! Back up!
145
00:11:36,696 --> 00:11:37,685
You touching me now?
146
00:11:37,797 --> 00:11:40,231
Sit down, homeboy. Back up,
I'm not gonna tell you again.
147
00:11:40,332 --> 00:11:41,526
You gonna look at my face now, right?
148
00:11:41,667 --> 00:11:42,929
You ain't taking nothing
from me, homeboy!
149
00:11:43,302 --> 00:11:44,929
I will run your ass off the field!
150
00:11:45,071 --> 00:11:46,163
Boy, sit your ass back down.
151
00:11:46,305 --> 00:11:47,966
Don't even worry about it,
I'm gonna see you.
152
00:11:48,107 --> 00:11:49,369
Tell him. Sit his ass down.
153
00:11:49,475 --> 00:11:50,567
Sit your ass down.
154
00:11:50,676 --> 00:11:52,644
Thank you. Let him out of here, man.
That's some bullshit.
155
00:11:59,318 --> 00:12:00,376
Erin?
156
00:12:05,725 --> 00:12:08,193
Erin, this is Brian Gelford.
157
00:12:08,294 --> 00:12:11,092
He teaches Junior English
and the Distinguished Honors Classes.
158
00:12:11,197 --> 00:12:13,995
- Hi. Erin Gruwell. Nice to meet you.
- Hi. Nice to meet you.
159
00:12:14,100 --> 00:12:18,867
- You saw a little action today, I hear.
- Yeah. It happened so fast.
160
00:12:19,405 --> 00:12:20,895
Well, don't be discouraged.
161
00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:24,203
You put your time in, in a few years,
you'll be able to teach juniors.
162
00:12:24,310 --> 00:12:25,504
They're a pleasure.
163
00:12:25,611 --> 00:12:28,273
By then, most of your kids
will be gone anyway.
164
00:12:28,380 --> 00:12:33,113
- What do you mean?
- Well, eventually, they just stop coming.
165
00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:39,084
Well, if I do my job,
they might be lining up at the door.
166
00:12:39,692 --> 00:12:40,989
- Right?
- Yeah.
167
00:12:43,496 --> 00:12:46,795
- Nice pearls.
- Thank you.
168
00:12:59,812 --> 00:13:02,212
If it was up to me,
I wouldn't even be in school.
169
00:13:02,314 --> 00:13:04,214
My probation officer threatened me,
170
00:13:04,316 --> 00:13:06,841
telling me it was either school
or boot camp.
171
00:13:07,186 --> 00:13:08,312
Dumbass.
172
00:13:08,420 --> 00:13:10,320
He thinks that the problems
going on in Long Beach
173
00:13:10,422 --> 00:13:12,549
aren't going to touch me at Wilson.
174
00:13:13,526 --> 00:13:16,552
My PO doesn't understand
that schools are like the city,
175
00:13:16,662 --> 00:13:18,721
and the city is just like a prison,
176
00:13:18,831 --> 00:13:23,131
all of them divided into
separate sections, depending on tribes.
177
00:13:23,536 --> 00:13:25,299
There's Little Cambodia.
178
00:13:26,305 --> 00:13:27,738
The Ghetto.
179
00:13:28,007 --> 00:13:29,634
Wonder Bread Land.
180
00:13:30,042 --> 00:13:34,103
And us,
South of the Border or Little Tijuana.
181
00:13:34,413 --> 00:13:37,246
That's just the way it is,
and everyone knows it.
182
00:13:37,950 --> 00:13:41,442
But soon enough, you have little
wannabes trying to hit you up at school,
183
00:13:41,554 --> 00:13:43,852
demanding respect they haven't earned.
184
00:13:44,490 --> 00:13:48,688
It looks like this, one tribe drifting
quietly to another's territory
185
00:13:48,794 --> 00:13:52,423
without respect,
as if to claim what isn't theirs.
186
00:13:53,265 --> 00:13:57,668
An outsider looking in
would never see it, but we could feel it.
187
00:14:01,073 --> 00:14:02,802
Something was coming.
188
00:14:18,591 --> 00:14:19,751
Settle down.
189
00:14:19,859 --> 00:14:23,727
Let's go over the first name
on the list, Homer.
190
00:14:24,029 --> 00:14:26,725
Homer's The Odyssey.
191
00:14:26,832 --> 00:14:28,527
I know Homer the Simpson.
192
00:14:29,835 --> 00:14:32,497
No, this Homer was an ancient Greek,
193
00:14:32,638 --> 00:14:35,903
but maybe he was bald
just like Homer Simpson.
194
00:14:40,246 --> 00:14:41,372
Okay.
195
00:14:51,657 --> 00:14:53,022
What's up?
196
00:15:01,367 --> 00:15:03,358
Quietly, please.
197
00:15:05,337 --> 00:15:07,567
Mrs. Gruwell,
he just took my damn bag!
198
00:15:07,673 --> 00:15:09,004
Shut up!
Ain't nobody touched your damn bag.
199
00:15:09,108 --> 00:15:10,097
Yeah, I saw you.
200
00:15:10,242 --> 00:15:12,301
Jamal. Jamal. Get her backpack.
201
00:15:12,411 --> 00:15:13,742
I didn't do nothing anyway!
202
00:15:13,846 --> 00:15:15,006
- Jamal. Jamal.
- Okay.
203
00:15:31,563 --> 00:15:35,932
Wait! Wait! Please, stay in your seats!
Wait! Stay in your seats! Please!
204
00:15:51,383 --> 00:15:53,044
Slanty-eyed bitch!
205
00:15:57,957 --> 00:16:00,118
Return to your classrooms.
206
00:16:01,427 --> 00:16:04,021
Return to the classrooms immediately.
207
00:16:08,300 --> 00:16:09,892
That's all you got?
208
00:16:11,203 --> 00:16:15,037
Clear the school lawn
and the recreation field now!
209
00:16:19,411 --> 00:16:22,972
...classrooms, or you will be subject
to disciplinary action.
210
00:16:24,316 --> 00:16:27,479
You can best help yourself
and your fellow students
211
00:16:27,586 --> 00:16:31,215
and your school by returning
to your classrooms now.
212
00:16:31,457 --> 00:16:33,755
Please return to your classrooms.
213
00:16:33,993 --> 00:16:35,620
Get up, bitch!
214
00:16:36,628 --> 00:16:40,155
All students must return
to their classrooms immediately.
215
00:16:43,135 --> 00:16:44,193
Erin?
216
00:16:46,805 --> 00:16:47,863
Erin.
217
00:16:49,241 --> 00:16:50,538
Hey, baby.
218
00:16:52,544 --> 00:16:53,841
You okay?
219
00:16:54,113 --> 00:16:55,080
Come here.
220
00:16:58,183 --> 00:17:00,083
Are you sure about this?
221
00:17:00,252 --> 00:17:03,483
Well, it's not exactly how I pictured it.
222
00:17:05,791 --> 00:17:07,520
Don't tell my dad.
223
00:17:08,227 --> 00:17:10,354
Hopefully, he hasn't seen the news.
224
00:17:13,899 --> 00:17:16,493
- So, how's work?
- Dad.
225
00:17:17,102 --> 00:17:20,265
- I was asking your husband.
- It's good. I mean, for now.
226
00:17:20,406 --> 00:17:21,532
It's a good company.
227
00:17:21,673 --> 00:17:23,607
I pretty much run
the computer data department.
228
00:17:23,709 --> 00:17:27,008
- I thought you were an architect.
- He is. He's just taking a break.
229
00:17:27,112 --> 00:17:28,807
And the money's good for now.
230
00:17:28,914 --> 00:17:32,518
How much are you making,
$27,000 before taxes?
231
00:17:32,553 --> 00:17:34,213
If you know, why are you asking?
232
00:17:34,319 --> 00:17:36,150
So, what's everybody gonna eat?
233
00:17:36,255 --> 00:17:39,281
With your brains,
you could run a major corporation.
234
00:17:39,391 --> 00:17:42,087
Instead, I worry all night
because you're a teacher at Attica.
235
00:17:42,194 --> 00:17:44,162
Can you hear what you're saying?
236
00:17:44,263 --> 00:17:47,824
How many times have I listened to you
about walking civil rights marches?
237
00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:50,731
These gangs are criminals,
not activists. You read the papers?
238
00:17:50,869 --> 00:17:52,700
They said the same thing
about the Black Panthers.
239
00:17:52,838 --> 00:17:54,772
I'll lay odds your kids don't even know
240
00:17:54,873 --> 00:17:56,932
who Rap Brown
or Eldridge Cleaver were.
241
00:17:57,076 --> 00:17:58,737
You're gonna waste your talents
on people
242
00:17:58,844 --> 00:18:01,312
who don't give a damn about education.
243
00:18:02,781 --> 00:18:04,510
It breaks my heart.
244
00:18:04,883 --> 00:18:07,010
I tell you the truth.
245
00:18:07,419 --> 00:18:08,511
Well...
246
00:18:10,622 --> 00:18:13,557
I'm sorry. I can't help that.
247
00:18:17,830 --> 00:18:21,129
- You think this is good enough for her?
- Yeah, I do.
248
00:18:22,167 --> 00:18:23,634
Look, Steve,
249
00:18:24,236 --> 00:18:27,205
if Erin thinks she can teach these kids,
she can.
250
00:18:27,806 --> 00:18:30,741
You telling her she can't
is just gonna make her mad.
251
00:18:37,116 --> 00:18:40,711
So he doesn't like your job. So what?
Why do you let it get to you?
252
00:18:40,819 --> 00:18:43,922
I don't know, it just does.
I'm not used to disappointing him. I...
253
00:18:43,957 --> 00:18:45,150
Just let me know
when I can brush my teeth.
254
00:18:45,257 --> 00:18:47,316
- I hate that we don't have our own sinks.
- Come in. There's room.
255
00:18:47,426 --> 00:18:48,654
All right. Thank you.
256
00:18:48,760 --> 00:18:51,888
I can't believe he brought up my salary.
257
00:18:52,397 --> 00:18:53,762
What's happened to him?
258
00:18:53,866 --> 00:18:56,130
He was like Atticus Finch to me
when I was growing up,
259
00:18:56,268 --> 00:18:59,863
and now he's talking about salaries?
I think he's playing too much golf.
260
00:19:00,072 --> 00:19:02,506
In fact, I think he needs an intervention.
261
00:19:03,041 --> 00:19:05,009
Why isn't being a teacher
good enough for him?
262
00:19:05,110 --> 00:19:06,839
Honey, just calm down.
263
00:19:06,945 --> 00:19:10,210
You know, except for marrying me,
264
00:19:10,315 --> 00:19:12,875
you never seriously disappoint him.
He worships you.
265
00:19:12,985 --> 00:19:14,316
He likes you. He just doesn't...
266
00:19:14,419 --> 00:19:16,614
He just doesn't think
I'm good enough for you, which is fine.
267
00:19:16,722 --> 00:19:19,589
That's what fathers do.
I'm sure I'll be that way someday.
268
00:19:19,691 --> 00:19:24,151
Look, just, you know, stop worrying
about being his perfect daughter.
269
00:19:24,263 --> 00:19:26,823
You don't live in his house,
you live in ours.
270
00:19:26,932 --> 00:19:28,559
Or until we find one.
271
00:19:29,568 --> 00:19:31,729
- Or until you build us one.
- Yeah.
272
00:19:32,104 --> 00:19:34,197
With extra sinks.
273
00:19:41,013 --> 00:19:43,481
You're a teacher
because you say you are.
274
00:20:01,233 --> 00:20:02,894
I have this idea.
275
00:20:03,101 --> 00:20:06,901
We're gonna be covering poetry.
Who here likes Tupac Shakur?
276
00:20:07,005 --> 00:20:07,994
It's 2Pac.
277
00:20:08,140 --> 00:20:11,371
2Pac Shakur. Excuse me.
Raise your hand.
278
00:20:12,878 --> 00:20:15,574
Really? I thought there'd be more fans.
279
00:20:15,914 --> 00:20:18,314
I have the lyrics to this song printed out.
280
00:20:18,417 --> 00:20:21,147
I want you to listen to this phrase
I have up on the board.
281
00:20:21,253 --> 00:20:23,847
It's an example of an internal rhyme.
282
00:20:23,956 --> 00:20:28,450
What he does is
very sophisticated and cool, actually.
283
00:20:28,560 --> 00:20:31,495
"Man-child in the promised land
couldn't afford many heroes
284
00:20:31,597 --> 00:20:33,963
"Moms was the only one there
Pops was a no-show
285
00:20:34,066 --> 00:20:37,365
"And, no, I guess you didn't know
that I would grow to be so strong
286
00:20:37,502 --> 00:20:39,936
"You looking kinda pale, was it the ale?
Oh, pops was wrong
287
00:20:40,038 --> 00:20:42,404
"Where was the money that you said
you would send me?
288
00:20:42,507 --> 00:20:44,805
"Talked on the phone
and you sounded so friendly"
289
00:20:44,910 --> 00:20:47,879
- Think we don't know 2Pac?
- White girl gonna teach us about rap.
290
00:20:47,980 --> 00:20:50,005
No, it's not that.
See, what I was trying to do...
291
00:20:50,115 --> 00:20:52,982
You have no idea
what you're doing up there, do you?
292
00:20:53,919 --> 00:20:55,978
You ever been a teacher before?
293
00:20:56,722 --> 00:20:58,451
And teacher gets nailed, y'all!
294
00:20:58,557 --> 00:21:01,958
All right, Jamal, enough.
Jamal! That's enough!
295
00:21:02,494 --> 00:21:05,759
You know what? I want you to move
to this front seat right here now.
296
00:21:05,864 --> 00:21:08,162
- What?
- Come on.
297
00:21:09,368 --> 00:21:12,235
I am sick of these antics
in my classroom.
298
00:21:13,272 --> 00:21:15,240
Well, there you are.
299
00:21:15,340 --> 00:21:18,002
I was wondering when
you were gonna lose that damn smile.
300
00:21:18,110 --> 00:21:19,407
Switch with Ben.
301
00:21:19,511 --> 00:21:22,036
- Come on.
- I can't go back there alone.
302
00:21:22,147 --> 00:21:24,138
- It'll be fine.
- No, it won't.
303
00:21:24,249 --> 00:21:25,341
I'm not sitting near him.
304
00:21:25,450 --> 00:21:26,678
I ain't going up there without my homey.
305
00:21:26,785 --> 00:21:28,116
I'm not sitting back there alone!
306
00:21:28,220 --> 00:21:29,517
- All right.
- Shut up.
307
00:21:29,621 --> 00:21:30,713
All right, you know what?
308
00:21:30,822 --> 00:21:33,290
I want you all to move
to this side of the room.
309
00:21:33,392 --> 00:21:36,520
You in the back, up here.
Sindy and all of you, move to the back.
310
00:21:37,162 --> 00:21:39,790
Come on. Let's go. Now!
311
00:21:43,235 --> 00:21:44,998
Get your ass back to China, all of y'all.
312
00:21:47,706 --> 00:21:51,039
- You're all little midget-ass punks.
- Move before I stomp your peanuts.
313
00:21:57,983 --> 00:21:59,109
Boo!
314
00:21:59,851 --> 00:22:01,819
Get your ass to the back, boy.
315
00:22:23,809 --> 00:22:25,208
Get off my desk.
316
00:22:35,153 --> 00:22:36,916
So, everybody happy
with the new borders?
317
00:22:44,863 --> 00:22:46,160
Eva?
318
00:22:47,332 --> 00:22:48,959
Where are you going?
319
00:22:49,101 --> 00:22:50,432
Hey! Hey!
320
00:25:05,403 --> 00:25:07,462
This is bull! Come on, man! What the...
321
00:25:09,808 --> 00:25:11,776
What the hell? Damn!
322
00:25:13,578 --> 00:25:15,170
I want my money back!
323
00:25:17,582 --> 00:25:21,143
This shit took my damn money!
I want my damn money back!
324
00:25:22,053 --> 00:25:23,748
Look what you putting me through. Shit!
325
00:25:23,922 --> 00:25:26,652
Learn to speak the damn language!
You're from this country, aren't you?
326
00:25:26,758 --> 00:25:28,555
I want my money back!
327
00:25:28,927 --> 00:25:29,905
I want my money back!
328
00:25:29,940 --> 00:25:30,884
I want my money back!
329
00:25:53,652 --> 00:25:55,119
Come on! Let's go!
330
00:25:58,823 --> 00:26:00,518
Come on, come on, girl! Let's go!
331
00:26:23,748 --> 00:26:25,375
Paco was scared.
332
00:26:25,617 --> 00:26:27,107
In the car, he said,
333
00:26:27,218 --> 00:26:30,187
"You can't go against your own people,
your own blood. "
334
00:26:30,288 --> 00:26:33,825
The same words
my father used so many times.
335
00:26:33,860 --> 00:26:35,452
Only I saw Paco.
336
00:26:35,760 --> 00:26:37,352
The others were turned away.
337
00:26:37,462 --> 00:26:41,660
So when the police questioned me,
I knew I had to protect him.
338
00:26:45,637 --> 00:26:49,073
All right, everyone, we need to get
started so classes won't be too delayed.
339
00:26:49,174 --> 00:26:51,108
Principal Banning
would like to say something
340
00:26:51,209 --> 00:26:53,177
in the light of last night's events.
341
00:26:53,311 --> 00:26:55,074
I've spoken to the police.
342
00:26:55,180 --> 00:26:57,808
As you might already know,
there were persons involved
343
00:26:57,916 --> 00:27:01,317
in last night's shooting
who are Wilson students.
344
00:27:01,486 --> 00:27:05,388
Grant Rice has been arrested
as a prime suspect.
345
00:27:05,423 --> 00:27:06,856
Ms. Gruwell,
346
00:27:06,958 --> 00:27:10,689
apparently one of your students,
Eva Benitez...
347
00:27:10,795 --> 00:27:13,889
- Eva.
... has identified him as the shooter.
348
00:27:13,999 --> 00:27:16,399
She's the prime witness in the case.
349
00:27:16,534 --> 00:27:20,664
It is our policy not to discuss
the subject inside the classroom.
350
00:27:20,805 --> 00:27:22,773
- Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
351
00:27:40,659 --> 00:27:42,286
Hey, Tiny, check this out.
352
00:27:49,267 --> 00:27:52,168
Hey. Hey!
353
00:28:08,119 --> 00:28:09,245
Yes?
354
00:28:11,156 --> 00:28:12,521
All right.
355
00:28:14,192 --> 00:28:15,250
Gloria?
356
00:28:15,860 --> 00:28:17,487
Please read the first sentence
on the board.
357
00:28:17,595 --> 00:28:18,584
Why me?
358
00:28:18,697 --> 00:28:20,562
Because I know
how much you love to read.
359
00:28:20,665 --> 00:28:22,394
Close the magazine.
360
00:28:25,370 --> 00:28:28,066
"Odysseus had no sense of direction. "
361
00:28:28,206 --> 00:28:30,174
Now, none of these sentences
are correct.
362
00:28:30,308 --> 00:28:33,766
I'd like you to rewrite these sentences
using the proper tenses
363
00:28:33,912 --> 00:28:36,380
and spelling on page four
of your workbooks.
364
00:28:42,353 --> 00:28:45,422
I don't have a page four. It got torn out.
365
00:28:45,457 --> 00:28:48,949
Okay, why don't you just use
the next blank page?
366
00:28:54,099 --> 00:28:55,726
What's going on?
367
00:28:58,670 --> 00:29:00,900
What is that? Give it to me.
368
00:29:17,789 --> 00:29:20,223
- What is this?
- Just leave it alone.
369
00:29:26,464 --> 00:29:28,432
You think this is funny?
370
00:29:29,300 --> 00:29:30,426
Tito?
371
00:29:31,436 --> 00:29:34,098
Would this be funny
if it were a picture of you?
372
00:29:34,472 --> 00:29:35,769
It ain't.
373
00:29:45,817 --> 00:29:47,580
Close the workbooks.
374
00:29:55,059 --> 00:29:58,586
Maybe we should talk about art.
Tito's got real talent, don't you think?
375
00:29:58,696 --> 00:30:01,597
- Yeah, yeah.
- Go, Tito.
376
00:30:02,534 --> 00:30:04,126
You know something?
377
00:30:04,269 --> 00:30:08,000
I saw a picture just like this once
in a museum.
378
00:30:08,973 --> 00:30:12,374
Only it wasn't a black man,
it was a Jewish man.
379
00:30:12,477 --> 00:30:15,241
And instead of the big lips,
he had a really big nose,
380
00:30:15,346 --> 00:30:16,938
like a rat's nose.
381
00:30:17,048 --> 00:30:19,073
But he wasn't
just one particular Jewish man,
382
00:30:19,184 --> 00:30:21,379
this was a drawing of all Jews.
383
00:30:21,786 --> 00:30:24,016
And these drawings
were put in the newspapers
384
00:30:24,122 --> 00:30:26,613
by the most famous gang in history.
385
00:30:27,959 --> 00:30:29,551
That's us, dawg.
386
00:30:32,230 --> 00:30:34,528
You think you know all about gangs?
387
00:30:35,900 --> 00:30:37,492
You're amateurs.
388
00:30:38,002 --> 00:30:40,129
This gang would put you all to shame.
389
00:30:40,271 --> 00:30:44,537
And they started out poor and angry,
and everybody looked down on them.
390
00:30:44,642 --> 00:30:47,577
Until one man decided
to give them some pride,
391
00:30:47,679 --> 00:30:51,137
an identity and somebody to blame.
392
00:30:51,883 --> 00:30:53,851
You take over neighborhoods?
393
00:30:54,853 --> 00:30:59,153
That's nothing compared to them.
They took over countries.
394
00:30:59,257 --> 00:31:00,656
And you wanna know how?
395
00:31:01,125 --> 00:31:03,616
They just wiped out everybody else.
396
00:31:03,795 --> 00:31:05,592
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
397
00:31:05,697 --> 00:31:08,097
Yeah, they wiped out
everybody they didn't like,
398
00:31:08,199 --> 00:31:11,327
and everybody they blamed
for their life being hard.
399
00:31:11,469 --> 00:31:14,097
And one of the ways they did it
was by doing this.
400
00:31:14,239 --> 00:31:16,730
See, they'd print pictures like this
in the newspapers.
401
00:31:16,875 --> 00:31:21,835
Jewish people with big, long noses.
Blacks with big, fat lips.
402
00:31:23,214 --> 00:31:25,580
They'd also publish scientific evidence
403
00:31:25,683 --> 00:31:29,915
that proved Jews and blacks
were the lowest form of human species.
404
00:31:30,855 --> 00:31:32,584
Jews and blacks
were more like animals.
405
00:31:32,690 --> 00:31:34,021
And because they were just like animals
406
00:31:34,125 --> 00:31:36,320
it didn't really matter
whether they lived or died.
407
00:31:36,427 --> 00:31:40,659
In fact, life would be a whole lot better
if they were all dead.
408
00:31:42,233 --> 00:31:44,531
That's how a holocaust happens.
409
00:31:44,769 --> 00:31:46,134
And that's what you all think
of each other.
410
00:31:46,237 --> 00:31:47,261
You don't know nothing, homegirl.
411
00:31:47,405 --> 00:31:49,873
No, I don't, Marcus!
So why don't you explain it to me?
412
00:31:50,008 --> 00:31:51,976
I ain't explaining shit to you!
413
00:31:53,611 --> 00:31:55,636
Do you even know how we live?
414
00:31:57,715 --> 00:31:59,273
We was here first, man.
415
00:31:59,884 --> 00:32:01,511
Just shut that shit up, homeboy.
416
00:32:01,920 --> 00:32:03,410
All right! All right! All right!
417
00:32:03,521 --> 00:32:05,819
So what you're saying is,
if the Latinos weren't here,
418
00:32:05,924 --> 00:32:08,950
or the Cambodians or the blacks
or the whites or whoever they are,
419
00:32:09,060 --> 00:32:11,688
if they weren't here, everything
would be better for you, isn't that right?
420
00:32:11,796 --> 00:32:13,263
Of course it'd be better!
421
00:32:14,165 --> 00:32:16,292
Lt'd be better if you weren't here.
422
00:32:17,368 --> 00:32:19,029
Right. Right.
423
00:32:20,405 --> 00:32:22,805
It starts with a drawing like this,
424
00:32:23,441 --> 00:32:26,569
and then some kid dies in a drive-by,
never even knowing what hit him.
425
00:32:26,678 --> 00:32:28,578
You don't know nothing!
426
00:32:30,248 --> 00:32:32,216
You don't know the pain we feel.
427
00:32:32,717 --> 00:32:34,412
You don't know what we got to do.
428
00:32:34,519 --> 00:32:36,646
You got no respect for how we living.
429
00:32:36,754 --> 00:32:39,279
You got us in here,
teaching us this grammar shit,
430
00:32:39,390 --> 00:32:40,516
and then we got to go out there again.
431
00:32:40,625 --> 00:32:43,116
And what are you telling me
about that, huh?
432
00:32:43,227 --> 00:32:46,924
What are you doing in here that makes
a goddamn difference to my life?
433
00:32:47,031 --> 00:32:50,262
You don't feel respected.
Is that what you're saying, Eva?
434
00:32:50,568 --> 00:32:54,004
Well, maybe you're not.
But to get respect, you have to give it.
435
00:32:54,138 --> 00:32:55,696
That's bullshit.
436
00:32:56,874 --> 00:32:57,841
What?
437
00:32:57,942 --> 00:33:00,035
Why should I give my respect to you?
438
00:33:00,178 --> 00:33:01,770
'Cause you're a teacher?
439
00:33:01,879 --> 00:33:03,210
I don't know you.
440
00:33:03,247 --> 00:33:05,715
How do I know
you're not a liar standing up there?
441
00:33:05,817 --> 00:33:08,911
How do I know you're not
a bad person standing up there?
442
00:33:09,520 --> 00:33:12,580
I'm not just gonna give you my respect
because you're called a teacher.
443
00:33:12,690 --> 00:33:16,786
White people always wanting their
respect like they deserve it for free.
444
00:33:17,829 --> 00:33:20,855
I'm a teacher.
It doesn't matter what color I am.
445
00:33:20,965 --> 00:33:22,796
It's all about color.
446
00:33:23,601 --> 00:33:25,899
It's about people deciding
what you deserve,
447
00:33:26,037 --> 00:33:28,301
about people wanting
what they don't deserve,
448
00:33:28,406 --> 00:33:30,738
about whites thinking
they run this world no matter what.
449
00:33:30,842 --> 00:33:32,742
You see, I hate white people.
450
00:33:34,379 --> 00:33:35,778
- You hate me?
- Yeah.
451
00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:38,974
- You don't know me.
- I know what you can do.
452
00:33:39,083 --> 00:33:42,883
I saw white cops shoot my friend
in the back for reaching into his pocket!
453
00:33:42,987 --> 00:33:44,215
His pocket.
454
00:33:44,722 --> 00:33:47,122
I saw white cops break into my house
455
00:33:47,225 --> 00:33:50,854
and take my father for no reason
except because they feel like it!
456
00:33:50,962 --> 00:33:53,055
Except because they can.
457
00:33:54,565 --> 00:33:57,762
And they can because they're white.
458
00:33:59,303 --> 00:34:01,737
So I hate white people on sight!
459
00:34:06,377 --> 00:34:08,777
Ben, do you have anything to say?
460
00:34:08,880 --> 00:34:10,643
Can I please get out of here?
461
00:34:10,748 --> 00:34:13,717
Lady, stop acting like you're trying
to understand our situation
462
00:34:13,818 --> 00:34:15,251
and just do your little babysitting
up there.
463
00:34:15,353 --> 00:34:17,651
- That's all you think this is?
- It ain't nothing else.
464
00:34:17,755 --> 00:34:18,915
When I look out in the world,
465
00:34:19,023 --> 00:34:21,491
I don't see nobody that looks like me
with their pockets full,
466
00:34:21,592 --> 00:34:24,083
unless they're rapping a lyric
or dribbling a ball.
467
00:34:24,195 --> 00:34:25,526
So what else you got in here for me?
468
00:34:25,630 --> 00:34:28,064
And what if you can't rap a lyric
or dribble a ball?
469
00:34:28,166 --> 00:34:31,761
- It ain't this. I know that much.
- Damn right.
470
00:34:31,903 --> 00:34:34,997
And you all think you're gonna make it
to graduation like this?
471
00:34:35,139 --> 00:34:36,902
I made it to high school.
Ain't nobody stopped me.
472
00:34:37,008 --> 00:34:39,977
Lady, I'm lucky if I make it to 18.
We in a war.
473
00:34:40,078 --> 00:34:41,705
We're graduating every day we live,
474
00:34:41,813 --> 00:34:44,111
because we ain't afraid to die
protecting our own.
475
00:34:44,215 --> 00:34:48,549
At least when you die for your own,
you die with respect, you die a warrior.
476
00:34:48,653 --> 00:34:49,677
That's right.
477
00:34:49,787 --> 00:34:52,483
So when you're dead, you'll get respect?
Is that what you think?
478
00:34:52,590 --> 00:34:53,648
- That's right.
- That's right.
479
00:34:53,758 --> 00:34:55,282
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
480
00:34:57,962 --> 00:35:00,430
You know what's gonna happen
when you die?
481
00:35:01,399 --> 00:35:03,560
You're gonna rot in the ground.
482
00:35:03,634 --> 00:35:08,003
And people are gonna go on living,
and they're gonna forget all about you.
483
00:35:08,873 --> 00:35:11,341
And when you rot,
484
00:35:11,476 --> 00:35:16,436
do you think it's gonna matter
whether you were an original gangster?
485
00:35:17,748 --> 00:35:19,181
You're dead.
486
00:35:20,585 --> 00:35:24,954
And nobody,
nobody is gonna wanna remember you,
487
00:35:25,056 --> 00:35:29,186
because all you left behind
in this world is this.
488
00:35:47,311 --> 00:35:49,006
You're raising your hand?
489
00:35:51,082 --> 00:35:54,483
That thing that you said before,
the Holocause?
490
00:35:54,585 --> 00:35:57,145
- Holocaust, yes.
- What is that?
491
00:36:01,459 --> 00:36:04,690
Raise your hand if you know
what the Holocaust is.
492
00:36:17,408 --> 00:36:19,239
Raise your hand
493
00:36:19,911 --> 00:36:23,540
if anyone in this classroom
has ever been shot at.
494
00:37:28,312 --> 00:37:31,110
What about this?
We were discussing the Holocaust.
495
00:37:31,215 --> 00:37:32,682
No, they won't be able to read that.
496
00:37:33,818 --> 00:37:36,286
We can try.
The books are just sitting here.
497
00:37:36,387 --> 00:37:38,116
Look at their reading scores.
498
00:37:38,222 --> 00:37:40,486
And if I give your kids these books,
I'll never see them again.
499
00:37:40,591 --> 00:37:42,525
If I do, they'll be damaged.
500
00:37:42,893 --> 00:37:46,385
What about these? Romeo and Juliet.
That's a great gang story.
501
00:37:46,497 --> 00:37:50,126
No, not the books.
This is what we give them.
502
00:37:50,635 --> 00:37:52,865
It is Romeo and Juliet,
but it's a condensed version.
503
00:37:53,004 --> 00:37:55,029
But even these,
look how they treat them.
504
00:37:55,172 --> 00:37:58,232
See how torn up they are?
They draw on them.
505
00:37:59,577 --> 00:38:01,306
Ms. Campbell?
506
00:38:01,479 --> 00:38:02,571
They know they get these
507
00:38:02,613 --> 00:38:04,376
because no one thinks
they're smart enough for real books.
508
00:38:04,482 --> 00:38:06,450
Well, I don't have the budget
to buy new books every semester
509
00:38:06,550 --> 00:38:07,744
when these kids don't return them.
510
00:38:07,852 --> 00:38:09,581
So, what do I do?
Buy their books myself?
511
00:38:09,687 --> 00:38:12,815
Well, that's up to you,
but you'd be wasting your money.
512
00:38:13,190 --> 00:38:16,057
Is there someone else
I can speak to about this?
513
00:38:16,594 --> 00:38:19,154
- Excuse me?
- I'm sorry, but
514
00:38:20,164 --> 00:38:21,222
I don't understand.
515
00:38:21,332 --> 00:38:23,129
Does the Long Beach Board of Ed agree
516
00:38:23,267 --> 00:38:25,827
that these books should just sit here
and not be used at all?
517
00:38:25,970 --> 00:38:27,562
Let me explain.
518
00:38:28,639 --> 00:38:31,403
It's called site-based instruction.
519
00:38:31,509 --> 00:38:34,376
It means that I and the principal
each have the authority
520
00:38:34,478 --> 00:38:37,345
to make these kinds of decisions
without having to go to the Board,
521
00:38:37,448 --> 00:38:41,908
who have bigger problems to solve.
Do you understand how it works now?
522
00:38:42,553 --> 00:38:45,021
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to overstep your authority.
523
00:38:45,122 --> 00:38:47,283
I would never do that. I just...
524
00:38:48,893 --> 00:38:51,521
I don't know how to make them
interested in reading with these.
525
00:38:51,629 --> 00:38:55,190
You can't make someone
want an education.
526
00:38:55,466 --> 00:38:59,527
The best you can do is try to get them
to obey, to learn discipline.
527
00:38:59,670 --> 00:39:02,400
That would be a tremendous
accomplishment for them.
528
00:39:06,277 --> 00:39:08,871
Since you know Margaret
better than I do,
529
00:39:08,979 --> 00:39:11,539
if I could just get
some backup from you.
530
00:39:11,649 --> 00:39:16,518
I really think that the stories like
The Diary of Anne Frank and...
531
00:39:16,620 --> 00:39:18,349
That they'd be so great for them,
532
00:39:18,456 --> 00:39:21,914
and she doesn't seem to understand
that they could relate to these stories
533
00:39:22,026 --> 00:39:23,653
considering all that they face.
534
00:39:23,761 --> 00:39:26,662
Oh, of course. It's a universal story.
535
00:39:26,764 --> 00:39:31,724
I mean, Anne Frank, Rodney King,
they're almost interchangeable.
536
00:39:35,506 --> 00:39:37,565
- Are you making fun of me?
- Yeah.
537
00:39:37,708 --> 00:39:39,869
God, listen to what you're saying.
538
00:39:39,977 --> 00:39:42,309
How dare you compare them
to Anne Frank?
539
00:39:42,813 --> 00:39:43,939
They don't hide.
540
00:39:44,048 --> 00:39:46,539
They drive around in the open
with automatic weapons.
541
00:39:46,650 --> 00:39:50,108
I'm the one living in fear.
I can't walk out my door at night.
542
00:39:50,721 --> 00:39:52,621
And you blame these kids?
543
00:39:52,723 --> 00:39:55,817
This was an A-list school
before they came here.
544
00:39:55,926 --> 00:39:57,826
And look what they turned it into.
545
00:39:58,763 --> 00:40:01,129
I mean, does it make sense
546
00:40:02,099 --> 00:40:04,192
that kids who want
an education should suffer
547
00:40:04,268 --> 00:40:07,237
because their high school gets turned
into a reform school?
548
00:40:07,338 --> 00:40:09,829
Because kids who don't want to be here,
and shouldn't be here,
549
00:40:09,974 --> 00:40:11,236
are forced to be here
550
00:40:11,342 --> 00:40:13,310
by the geniuses
running the school district?
551
00:40:15,012 --> 00:40:16,775
Integration's a lie.
552
00:40:16,881 --> 00:40:20,578
Yeah, we teachers, we can't say that
or we lose our jobs for being racist.
553
00:40:20,684 --> 00:40:23,778
So, please, stop your cheerleading,
Erin. You're ridiculous.
554
00:40:23,888 --> 00:40:26,448
You don't know the first thing
about these kids.
555
00:40:26,557 --> 00:40:28,582
And you're not qualified
to make judgments about the teachers
556
00:40:28,692 --> 00:40:30,785
who have to survive this place.
557
00:41:11,001 --> 00:41:14,732
We're gonna play a game, all right?
It's a lot of fun. I promise.
558
00:41:16,373 --> 00:41:18,807
Look, you can either sit in your seats
reading those workbooks,
559
00:41:18,909 --> 00:41:19,898
or you can play a game.
560
00:41:20,044 --> 00:41:21,636
Either way,
you're in here till the bell rings.
561
00:41:21,745 --> 00:41:25,647
Okay. This is called the Line Game.
562
00:41:25,749 --> 00:41:27,307
I'm gonna ask you a question.
563
00:41:27,418 --> 00:41:30,615
If that question applies to you,
you step onto the line,
564
00:41:30,721 --> 00:41:33,349
and then step back away
for the next question.
565
00:41:33,457 --> 00:41:35,152
- Easy, right?
- Yeah, whatever.
566
00:41:35,593 --> 00:41:36,924
The first question,
567
00:41:37,161 --> 00:41:40,426
how many of you have
the new Snoop Dogg album?
568
00:41:48,472 --> 00:41:49,564
Did you steal it?
569
00:41:50,374 --> 00:41:51,841
Okay, back away.
570
00:41:55,045 --> 00:41:56,137
Next question,
571
00:41:56,247 --> 00:41:59,739
how many of you have seen
Boyz n the Hood?
572
00:42:08,425 --> 00:42:10,393
Okay. Next question.
573
00:42:10,494 --> 00:42:13,395
How many of you live in the projects?
574
00:42:18,202 --> 00:42:23,162
How many of you know someone,
a friend or relative,
575
00:42:23,307 --> 00:42:26,276
who was or is in juvenile hall or jail?
576
00:42:30,214 --> 00:42:32,375
How many of you have been
in juvenile hall
577
00:42:32,483 --> 00:42:34,747
or jail for any length of time?
578
00:42:35,185 --> 00:42:36,152
Detention don't count.
579
00:42:40,024 --> 00:42:41,719
Does a refugee camp count?
580
00:42:42,860 --> 00:42:44,225
You decide.
581
00:42:59,276 --> 00:43:02,006
How many of you know
where to get drugs right now?
582
00:43:07,284 --> 00:43:10,151
How many of you
know someone in a gang?
583
00:43:18,462 --> 00:43:21,158
How many of you are gang members?
584
00:43:22,366 --> 00:43:24,061
- Nice try.
- Nice try.
585
00:43:25,436 --> 00:43:28,234
Okay, that was a stupid question,
wasn't it?
586
00:43:28,339 --> 00:43:29,306
Yeah.
587
00:43:29,440 --> 00:43:31,408
You're not allowed
gang affiliations in school.
588
00:43:31,508 --> 00:43:33,908
I apologize for asking. My badness.
589
00:43:38,682 --> 00:43:42,448
Okay, now I'm gonna ask you
a more serious question.
590
00:43:43,354 --> 00:43:48,155
Stand on the line if you've lost
a friend to gang violence.
591
00:44:13,684 --> 00:44:16,619
Stay on the line if you've lost
more than one friend.
592
00:44:23,460 --> 00:44:24,654
Three.
593
00:44:38,475 --> 00:44:40,272
Four or more.
594
00:44:50,988 --> 00:44:53,115
Okay, I'd like us to pay respect
to those people now.
595
00:44:53,223 --> 00:44:55,748
Wherever you are,
just speak their name.
596
00:45:04,802 --> 00:45:05,769
James.
597
00:45:10,574 --> 00:45:11,541
Beatriz.
598
00:45:22,619 --> 00:45:24,416
Thank you all very much.
599
00:45:25,756 --> 00:45:28,384
Now, I have something for each of you.
600
00:45:31,195 --> 00:45:33,356
Everyone has their own story,
601
00:45:33,464 --> 00:45:37,992
and it's important for you
to tell your own story, even to yourself.
602
00:45:38,135 --> 00:45:40,695
So, what we're going to do is
603
00:45:40,838 --> 00:45:43,807
we're gonna write every day
in these journals.
604
00:45:44,141 --> 00:45:48,703
You can write about whatever you want,
the past, the present, the future.
605
00:45:48,812 --> 00:45:52,714
You can write it like a diary,
or you can write
606
00:45:52,816 --> 00:45:58,220
songs, poems, any good thing,
bad thing, anything.
607
00:45:58,322 --> 00:46:01,018
But you have to write every day.
608
00:46:01,191 --> 00:46:04,683
Keep a pen nearby.
Whenever you feel the inspiration.
609
00:46:04,728 --> 00:46:06,787
And they won't be graded.
610
00:46:06,897 --> 00:46:10,560
How can I give an A or a B
for writing the truth, right?
611
00:46:10,667 --> 00:46:13,431
And I will not read them
unless you give me permission.
612
00:46:13,570 --> 00:46:17,301
I will need to see that you've made
an entry, but I'll just do this,
613
00:46:17,407 --> 00:46:18,931
skim to see that you wrote that day.
614
00:46:19,076 --> 00:46:24,343
Now, if you want me to read it, I have...
Excuse me. A cabinet over here.
615
00:46:24,448 --> 00:46:28,111
It has a lock on it.
I will keep it open during class,
616
00:46:28,218 --> 00:46:31,051
and you can leave your diary there
if you want me to read it.
617
00:46:31,155 --> 00:46:34,784
I will lock this cabinet
at the end of every class.
618
00:46:36,026 --> 00:46:37,118
Okay?
619
00:46:39,129 --> 00:46:44,999
So, you can each come up,
one by one, and take your own journal.
620
00:46:52,442 --> 00:46:54,307
Whenever you're ready.
621
00:47:18,969 --> 00:47:21,437
Eva holds back,
but I know she wants to be involved.
622
00:47:21,538 --> 00:47:23,005
She's so stubborn.
623
00:47:23,140 --> 00:47:25,472
Who really surprised me was Brandy,
who never says a word,
624
00:47:25,576 --> 00:47:28,306
but she was the first to step up
and take a journal. I...
625
00:47:28,412 --> 00:47:30,243
Honey, here. Here, sit down.
626
00:47:30,347 --> 00:47:31,871
- It's all right. No, it's all right.
- I'll move this.
627
00:47:31,982 --> 00:47:34,212
I don't mind standing.
Food goes straight down.
628
00:47:34,318 --> 00:47:37,253
- How much longer are you gonna be?
- I don't know.
629
00:47:37,354 --> 00:47:39,822
- Want to help?
- Not really, I'm a terrible drawer.
630
00:47:39,923 --> 00:47:43,791
- You're an architect.
- All right, I just don't want to.
631
00:47:45,229 --> 00:47:46,753
What's the matter?
Is something wrong?
632
00:47:46,864 --> 00:47:48,491
No, it's nothing.
633
00:47:49,566 --> 00:47:53,093
Well, it's just, you know,
I want to hear all this, I do.
634
00:47:53,604 --> 00:47:54,662
It just...
635
00:47:54,805 --> 00:47:56,534
I feel like
we haven't talked about anything,
636
00:47:56,640 --> 00:47:59,700
other than your job, in like forever.
637
00:47:59,843 --> 00:48:01,071
I'm sorry.
638
00:48:01,912 --> 00:48:03,607
- Well, what's going on at work?
- Nothing.
639
00:48:03,647 --> 00:48:05,274
I don't want to talk about that, either.
640
00:48:05,382 --> 00:48:08,180
I just want to hang out.
I want to be home.
641
00:48:10,621 --> 00:48:13,112
And I want to be with my schoolteacher.
642
00:48:19,730 --> 00:48:22,893
I've always had this fantasy
about being kept late after school.
643
00:48:23,000 --> 00:48:27,664
Well, I'm sorry I left
my dirty erasers at work.
644
00:48:27,804 --> 00:48:30,170
Do all the other teachers
put in this much extra effort?
645
00:48:30,274 --> 00:48:33,072
I don't know.
I'm kind of making it up as I go along.
646
00:48:33,176 --> 00:48:35,838
And the other teachers don't really
talk to me. I mean, Brian and Margaret...
647
00:48:35,946 --> 00:48:37,880
- Honey, I don't want to think.
- I'm sorry. Okay, don't think.
648
00:48:37,981 --> 00:48:40,108
- I just wanna...
- I'm almost done, okay?
649
00:48:42,085 --> 00:48:43,882
So, how much longer?
650
00:48:45,155 --> 00:48:47,453
Not long. Promise.
651
00:48:51,528 --> 00:48:54,656
Thank you so much for coming.
Susan's a terrific student. Thank you.
652
00:48:54,765 --> 00:48:56,392
- Great to see you.
- Good night. Take care.
653
00:48:56,500 --> 00:48:58,434
- Jim, thank you so much.
- Thanks, Brian.
654
00:48:58,568 --> 00:49:00,661
I appreciate you guys coming
to Parents' Night.
655
00:49:00,871 --> 00:49:02,236
Drive safe.
656
00:49:43,113 --> 00:49:45,604
In every war, there is an enemy.
657
00:49:52,756 --> 00:49:55,725
I watched my mother
being half beaten to death
658
00:49:56,093 --> 00:49:59,290
and watched as blood and tears
streamed down her face.
659
00:50:00,464 --> 00:50:02,365
I felt useless and scared
and furious at the same time.
660
00:50:02,400 --> 00:50:04,267
I felt useless and scared
and furious at the same time.
661
00:50:05,235 --> 00:50:06,964
Stay there, Brandy. Watch the kids!
662
00:50:07,104 --> 00:50:08,469
- Get my money!
- Watch the kids!
663
00:50:09,940 --> 00:50:13,671
I can still feel the sting of the belt
on my back and my legs.
664
00:50:14,277 --> 00:50:17,007
One time, he couldn't pay the rent.
665
00:50:17,114 --> 00:50:20,550
And that night he stopped us on
the street and pointed to the concrete.
666
00:50:20,650 --> 00:50:22,777
He said, "Pick a spot. "
667
00:50:34,564 --> 00:50:38,227
Clive was my boy.
He had my back plenty of times.
668
00:50:38,368 --> 00:50:42,065
We was like one fist, me and him,
one army.
669
00:50:42,873 --> 00:50:44,670
- That's heavy.
- Yeah.
670
00:50:46,410 --> 00:50:50,369
That's the real shit right here.
Nobody'll jump us now.
671
00:50:50,814 --> 00:50:53,544
But we got to practice
'cause this, this got power.
672
00:50:53,650 --> 00:50:55,379
You shoot it, it...
673
00:51:01,725 --> 00:51:04,091
I sat there till the police came.
674
00:51:05,262 --> 00:51:10,131
But when they come, all they see
is a dead body, a gun and a nigga.
675
00:51:10,634 --> 00:51:14,570
They took me to juvenile hall.
First night was the scariest.
676
00:51:17,274 --> 00:51:19,071
Inmates banging on the walls,
677
00:51:19,176 --> 00:51:23,306
throwing up their gang signs, yelling out
who they were, where they're from.
678
00:51:23,713 --> 00:51:27,740
I cried my first night.
Can't never let nobody know that.
679
00:51:28,652 --> 00:51:31,177
I spent the next few years
in and out of cells.
680
00:51:31,288 --> 00:51:34,086
Every day I'd worry,
"When will I be free?"
681
00:51:37,694 --> 00:51:40,561
My brother taught me
what the life is for a young black man.
682
00:51:40,664 --> 00:51:44,100
Do what you have to,
pimp, deal, whatever.
683
00:51:44,234 --> 00:51:46,634
Learn what colors to learn,
gang boundaries.
684
00:51:46,736 --> 00:51:48,931
You can stay on one corner,
you can't stay on another.
685
00:51:49,072 --> 00:51:51,768
Learn to be quiet.
A wrong word can get you popped.
686
00:51:51,875 --> 00:51:54,969
If you look in my eyes,
you'll see a loving girl.
687
00:51:55,078 --> 00:51:57,945
If you look at my smile,
you'll see nothing wrong.
688
00:51:58,582 --> 00:52:01,813
If you pull up my shirt,
you'll see the bruises.
689
00:52:01,985 --> 00:52:04,112
What did I do to make him so mad?
690
00:52:04,154 --> 00:52:08,056
At 16, I've seen more dead bodies
than a mortician.
691
00:52:08,725 --> 00:52:12,422
Every time I step out my door,
I'm faced with the risk of being shot.
692
00:52:13,096 --> 00:52:17,226
To the outside world, it's just another
dead body on the street corner.
693
00:52:17,801 --> 00:52:19,769
They don't know that he was my friend.
694
00:52:19,870 --> 00:52:21,201
During the war in Cambodia,
695
00:52:21,304 --> 00:52:23,295
the camp stripped away
my father's dignity.
696
00:52:23,440 --> 00:52:25,908
He sometimes tries
to hurt my mom and me.
697
00:52:26,042 --> 00:52:28,203
I feel like I have to protect my family.
698
00:52:28,311 --> 00:52:33,305
I was having trouble deciding what
candy I wanted, then I heard gunshots.
699
00:52:33,416 --> 00:52:35,247
I looked down to see
that one of my friends
700
00:52:35,352 --> 00:52:38,378
had blood coming out of
his back and his mouth.
701
00:52:39,122 --> 00:52:42,285
The next day, I pulled up my shirt
and got strapped with a gun
702
00:52:42,392 --> 00:52:44,656
I found in an alley by my house.
703
00:52:44,761 --> 00:52:47,059
I don't even know how this war started.
704
00:52:47,164 --> 00:52:50,190
It's just two sides
who tripped each other way back.
705
00:52:50,300 --> 00:52:52,791
Who cares about the history behind it?
706
00:52:53,603 --> 00:52:55,036
I am my father's daughter.
707
00:52:55,138 --> 00:52:59,507
And when they call me to testify,
I will protect my own no matter what.
708
00:52:59,809 --> 00:53:03,370
Nobody cares what I do.
Why should I bother coming to school?
709
00:53:03,847 --> 00:53:07,476
My friends are soldiers, not of war,
but of the streets.
710
00:53:07,584 --> 00:53:09,415
They fight for their lives.
711
00:53:09,519 --> 00:53:11,953
I hate the cold feeling of a gun
against my skin.
712
00:53:12,055 --> 00:53:13,352
It makes me shiver.
713
00:53:13,456 --> 00:53:17,187
It's a crazy-ass life.
Once you're in, there's no getting out.
714
00:53:17,294 --> 00:53:18,886
Every time I jump somebody in
715
00:53:18,995 --> 00:53:22,192
and make someone a part of our gang,
it's another baptism.
716
00:53:22,299 --> 00:53:24,733
They give us their life,
we give them a new one.
717
00:53:24,868 --> 00:53:28,167
I've lost many friends
who have died in an undeclared war.
718
00:53:29,439 --> 00:53:31,907
To the soldiers and me, it's all worth it.
719
00:53:32,442 --> 00:53:36,105
Risk your life dodging bullets,
pulling triggers.
720
00:53:37,514 --> 00:53:39,141
It's all worth it.
721
00:53:56,466 --> 00:53:57,455
Rum and Coke.
722
00:53:57,567 --> 00:53:58,829
Oh, man.
723
00:54:00,103 --> 00:54:01,195
This is...
724
00:54:01,338 --> 00:54:04,705
Mr. Gruwell? Your table is ready.
Follow me.
725
00:54:05,475 --> 00:54:07,033
- Dad, I got them.
- Okay.
726
00:54:08,645 --> 00:54:11,079
Dad, I don't know what to do with this.
727
00:54:11,181 --> 00:54:13,615
I'm not a social worker.
I'm barely a teacher.
728
00:54:13,717 --> 00:54:14,684
Thank you.
729
00:54:14,784 --> 00:54:17,981
These kids, they're 14, 15 years old,
730
00:54:18,088 --> 00:54:20,784
and if they make it through the day
alive, that's good enough.
731
00:54:20,890 --> 00:54:22,858
And I'm supposed to teach them?
732
00:54:25,762 --> 00:54:27,252
Listen to me.
733
00:54:27,364 --> 00:54:31,357
You're not responsible
for their lives outside that classroom.
734
00:54:32,636 --> 00:54:35,605
- Just do your job the best you can.
- How?
735
00:54:35,705 --> 00:54:37,969
The administration
doesn't give me any resources,
736
00:54:38,074 --> 00:54:39,905
no books, no support.
737
00:54:41,711 --> 00:54:43,338
So, what should I do?
738
00:54:46,683 --> 00:54:49,277
Fulfill your obligation
till the end of the school year,
739
00:54:49,386 --> 00:54:51,752
but line up another position.
740
00:54:52,155 --> 00:54:55,556
Success follows experience.
741
00:54:55,659 --> 00:54:57,957
So, get some more experience.
742
00:54:59,796 --> 00:55:03,926
But no matter what,
you gotta remember, it's just a job.
743
00:55:04,768 --> 00:55:08,704
If you're not right for this one,
get another job.
744
00:55:11,007 --> 00:55:13,032
You're gonna sell bras
at a department store?
745
00:55:13,176 --> 00:55:14,370
Just part-time.
746
00:55:14,477 --> 00:55:17,002
I'm having a little trouble
getting books and things for the kids.
747
00:55:17,113 --> 00:55:19,240
So, a little extra money
will give me a little more freedom
748
00:55:19,349 --> 00:55:20,577
to do what I want.
749
00:55:20,684 --> 00:55:23,084
And this way you can play tennis
with Evan after work.
750
00:55:23,186 --> 00:55:25,211
Okay, let me get my head around this.
751
00:55:25,322 --> 00:55:28,553
You're going to get an extra job
to pay for your job.
752
00:55:28,958 --> 00:55:31,392
It's just temporary. I promise.
753
00:55:31,494 --> 00:55:33,985
Once the kids' grades go up,
I'll get a little more help from the school.
754
00:55:34,097 --> 00:55:37,294
And I get an employee's discount.
Isn't that great?
755
00:55:37,434 --> 00:55:40,528
- Want a new TV?
- Yeah.
756
00:55:54,484 --> 00:55:56,975
Excuse me, if I wanted to order
any books in bulk,
757
00:55:57,087 --> 00:55:59,248
could I get some sort of a discount?
758
00:56:03,460 --> 00:56:05,485
- These books are brand new.
- I know.
759
00:56:06,796 --> 00:56:09,560
Okay, guys, gals. Listen up.
760
00:56:09,966 --> 00:56:12,059
The only problem with this book is
761
00:56:12,202 --> 00:56:13,897
it's about a gang member
and there's violence in it,
762
00:56:14,037 --> 00:56:16,198
so you may not be able to read it
as part of the curriculum.
763
00:56:16,339 --> 00:56:20,139
So, I'm going to try my best
to get permission, all right?
764
00:56:22,579 --> 00:56:24,740
It's been a little difficult
getting their attention.
765
00:56:24,848 --> 00:56:28,579
Up until recently, the only thing they
hated more than each other was me.
766
00:56:28,852 --> 00:56:32,117
Well, you united them and that's a step.
767
00:56:33,757 --> 00:56:35,315
What can I do for you?
768
00:56:36,025 --> 00:56:40,928
I want to do more with them, and I need
the support of someone in power.
769
00:56:41,030 --> 00:56:43,863
You have to take this up with your
department head and your principal.
770
00:56:46,983 --> 00:56:48,943
I can't get involved
in inner school policy.
771
00:56:49,023 --> 00:56:51,223
My principal only listens
to my department head,
772
00:56:51,383 --> 00:56:53,343
And she's not very supportive.
773
00:56:53,423 --> 00:56:55,183
You'll have to find a way to deal with it.
774
00:56:55,263 --> 00:56:58,063
No, I'd rather just deal directly
with someone in power.
775
00:56:58,183 --> 00:57:00,303
Ms. Gruwell, there's a system in place
776
00:57:00,423 --> 00:57:03,223
Based on years of running
an educational facility.
777
00:57:03,423 --> 00:57:06,503
- You have to follow that system.
- No. I won't.
778
00:57:07,543 --> 00:57:10,503
Look, I'm just trying to do my job here.
779
00:57:10,583 --> 00:57:13,503
What's the point
of a voluntary integration program
780
00:57:13,583 --> 00:57:16,383
If the kids making it to high school
have a 5th grade reading level?
781
00:57:16,503 --> 00:57:18,303
I enforced that program.
782
00:57:18,383 --> 00:57:19,503
With all due respect,
783
00:57:19,583 --> 00:57:21,943
All that program is doing
is warehousing these kids
784
00:57:22,103 --> 00:57:23,503
Until they're old enough to disappear.
785
00:57:23,583 --> 00:57:25,223
Look, I appreciate your intentions,
786
00:57:25,383 --> 00:57:27,943
But there's nothing I can do
on a class-by-class basis.
787
00:57:28,063 --> 00:57:31,583
Dr. Cohn, why should they waste
their time showing up
788
00:57:31,703 --> 00:57:34,423
When they know
we're wasting our time teaching them?
789
00:57:34,503 --> 00:57:37,223
We tell them, "Go to school.
Get an education. "
790
00:57:37,343 --> 00:57:41,463
And then we say, "Well, they can't learn,
so let's not waste resources. "
791
00:57:41,823 --> 00:57:43,303
I'm thinking trips.
792
00:57:43,423 --> 00:57:46,303
Most of them have never
been outside of Long Beach.
793
00:57:46,383 --> 00:57:48,863
They haven't been given the opportunity
794
00:57:48,983 --> 00:57:51,503
To expand their thinking
about what's out there for them.
795
00:57:51,583 --> 00:57:52,983
And they're hungry for it. I know it.
796
00:57:53,103 --> 00:57:55,223
And it's purely a reward system.
797
00:57:55,383 --> 00:57:57,143
They won't get anything
they haven't earned
798
00:57:57,303 --> 00:57:59,383
By doing their work
and upping their grades.
799
00:57:59,543 --> 00:58:00,823
But if Ms. Campbell
won't give you books
800
00:58:00,943 --> 00:58:01,983
Because of budget restrictions,
801
00:58:02,143 --> 00:58:03,263
She's not gonna approve school trips.
802
00:58:03,423 --> 00:58:04,823
I'll raise the money.
803
00:58:04,943 --> 00:58:07,583
I just need to know
I won't meet resistance.
804
00:58:07,983 --> 00:58:10,063
See, I can't promise them anything
I can't deliver.
805
00:58:10,183 --> 00:58:12,623
It only proves what they already believe.
806
00:58:14,543 --> 00:58:18,383
All I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell
doesn't need to be bothered.
807
00:58:21,903 --> 00:58:23,663
You're a concierge at the Marriott?
808
00:58:23,783 --> 00:58:24,903
It's just weekends.
809
00:58:25,023 --> 00:58:26,943
You play tennis with Evan on Saturdays.
810
00:58:27,103 --> 00:58:28,983
And you can play golf
with my dad on Sundays.
811
00:58:29,103 --> 00:58:30,103
You want me to play golf?
812
00:58:30,263 --> 00:58:32,543
And the bonus is I get employee rates
813
00:58:32,623 --> 00:58:34,903
On Marriott hotel rooms
all over the world.
814
00:58:35,023 --> 00:58:35,983
I've heard a lot of hyphenates,
815
00:58:36,143 --> 00:58:39,583
But a bra-selling-English-teacher-
hotel-concierge has gotta be a new one.
816
00:58:39,703 --> 00:58:42,183
You told me your part-time job
was temporary.
817
00:58:42,303 --> 00:58:44,663
It is. I just don't know for how long.
818
00:58:45,383 --> 00:58:47,303
- What if I said no?
- No, what?
819
00:58:49,943 --> 00:58:51,983
- But I can make it work, Scott.
- No, that's not the point.
820
00:58:52,103 --> 00:58:54,503
You can do anything!
We know that already.
821
00:58:54,583 --> 00:58:57,623
It's just that I... You...
822
00:58:58,303 --> 00:59:00,063
You didn't even ask me.
823
00:59:01,183 --> 00:59:04,583
- I'm just trying to do my job, Scott.
- By getting two more jobs?
824
00:59:05,383 --> 00:59:07,063
I don't understand, Erin.
825
00:59:08,183 --> 00:59:10,743
Scott, this is our time
to go after what we want,
826
00:59:10,823 --> 00:59:14,143
When we're young,
before we have a family.
827
00:59:14,383 --> 00:59:16,583
Maybe this is the perfect time
for you to go back to school,
828
00:59:16,663 --> 00:59:18,823
Get your architect's degree.
829
00:59:18,903 --> 00:59:20,823
Wouldn't that be great?
830
00:59:23,903 --> 00:59:25,343
What?
831
00:59:27,023 --> 00:59:28,303
Nothing.
832
00:59:35,103 --> 00:59:36,983
So, I'll call you with a list of venues.
833
00:59:37,103 --> 00:59:39,183
I've scheduled a PTA board meeting
for next week.
834
00:59:39,343 --> 00:59:40,343
So, it should be no problem.
835
00:59:40,463 --> 00:59:41,543
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.
836
00:59:41,553 --> 00:59:42,193
I can't get involved
in inner school policy.
837
00:59:42,203 --> 00:59:42,883
My principal only listens
to my department head,
838
00:59:42,893 --> 00:59:43,393
And she's not very supportive.
839
00:59:43,403 --> 00:59:44,023
You'll have to find a way to deal with it.
840
00:59:44,033 --> 00:59:44,793
No, I'd rather just deal directly
with someone in power.
841
00:59:44,803 --> 00:59:45,383
Ms. Gruwell, there's a system in place
842
00:59:45,393 --> 00:59:46,093
Based on years of running
an educational facility.
843
00:59:46,103 --> 00:59:46,783
- You have to follow that system.
- No. I won't.
844
00:59:46,793 --> 00:59:47,393
Look, I'm just trying to do my job here.
845
00:59:47,403 --> 00:59:48,113
What's the point
of a voluntary integration program
846
00:59:48,123 --> 00:59:49,003
If the kids making it to high school
have a 5th grade reading level?
847
00:59:49,013 --> 00:59:49,453
I enforced that program.
848
00:59:49,463 --> 00:59:49,873
With all due respect,
849
00:59:49,883 --> 00:59:50,593
All that program is doing
is warehousing these kids
850
00:59:50,603 --> 00:59:51,183
Until they're old enough to disappear.
851
00:59:51,193 --> 00:59:51,743
Look, I appreciate your intentions,
852
00:59:51,753 --> 00:59:52,503
But there's nothing I can do
on a class-by-class basis.
853
00:59:52,513 --> 00:59:53,243
Dr. Cohn, why should they waste
their time showing up
854
00:59:53,253 --> 00:59:53,973
When they know
we're wasting our time teaching them?
855
00:59:53,983 --> 00:59:54,663
We tell them, "Go to school.
Get an education. "
856
00:59:54,673 --> 00:59:55,603
And then we say, "Well, they can't learn,
so let's not waste resources. "
857
00:59:55,613 --> 00:59:56,003
I'm thinking trips.
858
00:59:56,013 --> 00:59:56,723
Most of them have never
been outside of Long Beach.
859
00:59:56,733 --> 00:59:57,323
They haven't been given the opportunity
860
00:59:57,333 --> 00:59:58,103
To expand their thinking
about what's out there for them.
861
00:59:58,113 --> 00:59:58,683
And they're hungry for it. I know it.
862
00:59:58,693 --> 00:59:59,213
And it's purely a reward system.
863
00:59:59,223 --> 00:59:59,853
They won't get anything
they haven't earned
864
00:59:59,863 --> 01:00:00,503
By doing their work
and upping their grades.
865
01:00:00,513 --> 01:00:01,113
But if Ms. Campbell
won't give you books
866
01:00:01,123 --> 01:00:01,633
Because of budget restrictions,
867
01:00:01,643 --> 01:00:02,213
She's not gonna approve school trips.
868
01:00:02,223 --> 01:00:02,633
I'll raise the money.
869
01:00:02,643 --> 01:00:03,283
I just need to know
I won't meet resistance.
870
01:00:03,293 --> 01:00:04,003
See, I can't promise them anything
I can't deliver.
871
01:00:04,013 --> 01:00:04,623
It only proves what they already believe.
872
01:00:04,633 --> 01:00:05,433
All I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell
doesn't need to be bothered.
873
01:00:05,443 --> 01:00:05,993
You're a concierge at the Marriott?
874
01:00:06,003 --> 01:00:06,393
It's just weekends.
875
01:00:06,403 --> 01:00:06,993
You play tennis with Evan on Saturdays.
876
01:00:07,003 --> 01:00:07,653
And you can play golf
with my dad on Sundays.
877
01:00:07,663 --> 01:00:08,113
You want me to play golf?
878
01:00:08,123 --> 01:00:08,693
And the bonus is I get employee rates
879
01:00:08,703 --> 01:00:09,333
On Marriott hotel rooms
all over the world.
880
01:00:09,343 --> 01:00:09,853
I've heard a lot of hyphenates,
881
01:00:09,863 --> 01:00:10,803
But a bra-selling-English-teacher-
hotel-concierge has gotta be a new one.
882
01:00:10,813 --> 01:00:11,463
You told me your part-time job
was temporary.
883
01:00:11,473 --> 01:00:12,053
It is. I just don't know for how long.
884
01:00:12,063 --> 01:00:12,583
- What if I said no?
- No, what?
885
01:00:12,593 --> 01:00:13,393
- But I can make it work, Scott.
- No, that's not the point.
886
01:00:13,403 --> 01:00:14,023
You can do anything!
We know that already.
887
01:00:14,033 --> 01:00:14,493
It's just that I... You...
888
01:00:14,503 --> 01:00:14,933
You didn't even ask me.
889
01:00:14,943 --> 01:00:15,803
- I'm just trying to do my job, Scott.
- By getting two more jobs?
890
01:00:15,813 --> 01:00:16,263
I don't understand, Erin.
891
01:00:16,273 --> 01:00:16,963
Scott, this is our time
to go after what we want,
892
01:00:16,973 --> 01:00:17,593
When we're young,
before we have a family.
893
01:00:17,603 --> 01:00:18,403
Maybe this is the perfect time
for you to go back to school,
894
01:00:18,413 --> 01:00:18,893
Get your architect's degree.
895
01:00:18,903 --> 01:00:19,333
Wouldn't that be great?
896
01:00:19,343 --> 01:00:19,593
What?
897
01:00:19,603 --> 01:00:19,883
Nothing.
898
01:00:19,893 --> 01:00:20,493
So, I'll call you with a list of venues.
899
01:00:20,503 --> 01:00:21,193
I've scheduled a PTA board meeting
for next week.
900
01:00:21,203 --> 01:00:21,683
So, it should be no problem.
901
01:00:21,693 --> 01:00:22,273
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.
902
01:00:22,283 --> 01:00:22,993
- Lovely to see you, Paula.
- Good to see you, too.
903
01:00:23,003 --> 01:00:23,343
- Hi.
- Hello.
904
01:00:23,353 --> 01:00:24,233
Principal Banning received a call
from Dr. Cohn at the school board.
905
01:00:24,243 --> 01:00:24,933
Apparently you're taking your students
on a trip?
906
01:00:24,943 --> 01:00:25,843
Yes, but it's over the weekend,
so it won't affect any test schedules.
907
01:00:25,853 --> 01:00:26,293
I know how busy you are,
908
01:00:26,303 --> 01:00:27,143
And since I'm paying for it myself,
I didn't want to bother you.
909
01:00:27,153 --> 01:00:27,543
I'll be right back.
910
01:00:27,553 --> 01:00:28,003
Oh, no. No, no, no. Erin?
911
01:00:28,013 --> 01:00:29,584
- Get back in the car.
- Dad, he lives right here.
912
01:00:29,686 --> 01:00:32,712
I'll get him.
Get back in the car and lock your door.
913
01:00:34,857 --> 01:00:37,348
- What's his name?
- Andre Bryant.
914
01:00:37,460 --> 01:00:38,427
Andre.
915
01:00:42,365 --> 01:00:46,529
Since my pop split, my mom can't even
look at me, 'cause I look like my dad.
916
01:00:47,036 --> 01:00:48,833
And with my brother in jail,
917
01:00:48,938 --> 01:00:51,907
she looks at me and thinks
that's where I'm going, too.
918
01:00:52,241 --> 01:00:53,868
She doesn't see me.
919
01:00:54,477 --> 01:00:56,502
She doesn't see me at all.
920
01:01:01,117 --> 01:01:02,607
I'm going out.
921
01:01:08,057 --> 01:01:09,081
- What up?
- Hey.
922
01:01:09,192 --> 01:01:11,092
Where you going? I need you.
923
01:01:11,561 --> 01:01:14,496
No, man, I can't now.
I got something to do.
924
01:01:14,631 --> 01:01:16,223
Tonight. I'll do it tonight.
925
01:01:16,366 --> 01:01:19,460
I gotta go do something,
and I can't carry that around with me.
926
01:01:19,869 --> 01:01:21,700
Forget it, man, I'll get somebody else.
927
01:01:21,804 --> 01:01:23,863
I can't be waiting all day on you.
928
01:01:24,507 --> 01:01:25,599
Hey.
929
01:01:27,076 --> 01:01:30,477
Sorry about your brother, man.
I hear he going away for life.
930
01:01:30,780 --> 01:01:33,214
They won't get it.
The guy he was with confessed.
931
01:01:33,316 --> 01:01:35,443
To who? Your brother?
932
01:01:36,152 --> 01:01:38,552
Hey. You Andre?
933
01:01:50,033 --> 01:01:51,500
- What up?
- Hey.
934
01:01:57,373 --> 01:01:59,773
- What?
- Put on your seat belt.
935
01:02:03,146 --> 01:02:04,943
You, too, young lady.
936
01:02:08,418 --> 01:02:10,978
You kids ever been
to Newport Beach before?
937
01:02:11,187 --> 01:02:14,816
What? We went there last year
on our way to Paris.
938
01:02:21,097 --> 01:02:22,564
Paris.
939
01:02:26,969 --> 01:02:27,936
It's good.
940
01:02:28,271 --> 01:02:29,932
I brought you something.
941
01:02:34,043 --> 01:02:36,671
It's a good book. I read it in school.
942
01:02:36,779 --> 01:02:40,579
It's about a gang kid,
and I thought you might like to read it.
943
01:02:48,791 --> 01:02:51,624
He told me what I had to say
when I'm on the stand.
944
01:03:47,450 --> 01:03:51,511
At the beginning of the tour, they give
you a card with a child's picture on it.
945
01:03:51,687 --> 01:03:54,850
You could find out who they were
and what camp they were sent to.
946
01:03:54,957 --> 01:03:58,757
And at the end of the tour,
you could find out if they survived.
947
01:03:59,629 --> 01:04:01,893
I got a little girl from Italy.
948
01:04:16,212 --> 01:04:18,339
Tito, your hat.
949
01:04:48,311 --> 01:04:51,940
Kristallnacht, they called it.
The Night of Broken Glass.
950
01:04:52,048 --> 01:04:54,380
Hundreds of synagogues
looted and burned.
951
01:04:54,483 --> 01:04:57,247
More than 7,000
Jewish stores destroyed.
952
01:04:57,353 --> 01:04:59,446
Over 100 Jews killed.
953
01:05:12,235 --> 01:05:17,639
A small center for children in Isieux
in the French province of Ain.
954
01:05:18,341 --> 01:05:21,242
Among the children deported that day
to Birkenau
955
01:05:21,344 --> 01:05:24,711
was 11-year-old Liliane Berenstein,
956
01:05:24,814 --> 01:05:28,716
who, before leaving,
left behind a letter to God.
957
01:05:34,557 --> 01:05:39,187
My little boy died.
He got off the train and they killed him.
958
01:05:39,695 --> 01:05:41,856
I don't know why
it bothered me so much.
959
01:05:41,998 --> 01:05:44,125
I've seen death all my life.
960
01:05:44,400 --> 01:05:49,064
But this little boy was only five.
961
01:06:09,959 --> 01:06:13,486
Ms. G had a beautiful dinner for us
at the hotel where she works.
962
01:06:14,196 --> 01:06:18,155
She invited real Holocaust survivors
from the museum to meet us.
963
01:06:19,335 --> 01:06:21,132
There was Elisabeth Mann.
964
01:06:21,237 --> 01:06:25,775
I had my parents,
my sister, my two brothers.
965
01:06:26,075 --> 01:06:27,542
Gloria Ungar.
966
01:06:27,643 --> 01:06:30,237
If any of you have seen someone
with a number on their arm,
967
01:06:30,346 --> 01:06:32,337
These were the lucky people.
968
01:06:32,448 --> 01:06:34,882
The people who,
when we came to Auschwitz,
969
01:06:34,984 --> 01:06:38,784
When they tattooed the people
they took us to do the slave work.
970
01:06:38,888 --> 01:06:42,517
Not the others,
and that included many of my family.
971
01:06:42,625 --> 01:06:44,889
So, we ran away,
some of the young kids.
972
01:06:44,994 --> 01:06:47,428
I was at that time
11-and-a-half years old.
973
01:06:47,530 --> 01:06:48,554
Eddie llam.
974
01:06:48,698 --> 01:06:50,666
And where to go, I didn't know,
975
01:06:50,766 --> 01:06:54,497
But I remember one place
where I used to live.
976
01:06:54,603 --> 01:06:56,969
So when I ran there,
there was not one Jew left.
977
01:06:57,073 --> 01:07:00,270
I was in the worst camp.
I was in Auschwitz.
978
01:07:00,376 --> 01:07:01,843
And Renee Firestone.
979
01:07:01,944 --> 01:07:05,846
When I arrived, my parents were
immediately taken away from me.
980
01:07:06,282 --> 01:07:09,581
My little sister,
who was then 14 years old,
981
01:07:09,618 --> 01:07:12,348
Stayed with me for a little while.
982
01:07:12,822 --> 01:07:16,019
And then later on,
I was separated from her also.
983
01:07:16,125 --> 01:07:18,753
She lost her whole family at the camps.
984
01:07:19,595 --> 01:07:23,691
She came to this country with $4
in her pocket and a newborn baby.
985
01:07:24,767 --> 01:07:26,928
I'll never forget these people.
986
01:07:27,069 --> 01:07:29,867
And then she was killed
because they didn't want...
987
01:07:29,972 --> 01:07:32,873
I can't believe Ms. G did all of this
for us.
988
01:07:40,416 --> 01:07:42,008
Hi, honey, it's me.
989
01:07:42,118 --> 01:07:44,712
Look, we're still at the restaurant,
if you wanted to drop by.
990
01:07:44,820 --> 01:07:46,447
We haven't even ordered dessert yet,
991
01:07:46,555 --> 01:07:48,921
and the kids are having
such an incredible time.
992
01:07:49,025 --> 01:07:50,788
You have to see them.
993
01:07:50,893 --> 01:07:53,953
If you get in soon, come by.
It's only 9:30 now.
994
01:07:55,364 --> 01:07:59,801
Okay, I'll see you later. Love you. Bye.
995
01:08:31,333 --> 01:08:33,267
How many times
I gotta tell your ass again?
996
01:08:33,369 --> 01:08:35,496
Get your butt in here!
997
01:09:07,803 --> 01:09:10,271
So, you had all summer
to read and consider this book.
998
01:09:14,410 --> 01:09:18,176
And you know,
I thought it would be most valuable
999
01:09:18,881 --> 01:09:24,285
To begin with Victoria
to give us the black perspective.
1000
01:09:25,855 --> 01:09:27,152
Victoria?
1001
01:09:27,957 --> 01:09:29,948
Do I have a stamp
on my forehead that says,
1002
01:09:30,059 --> 01:09:32,619
"The National Spokesperson
for the Plight of Black People"?
1003
01:09:32,862 --> 01:09:36,025
How the hell should I know the black
perspective on The Color Purple?
1004
01:09:36,165 --> 01:09:39,601
That's it, if I don't change classes,
I'm gonna hurt this fool.
1005
01:09:39,702 --> 01:09:41,761
Teachers treat me like
I'm some kind of Rosetta stone
1006
01:09:41,904 --> 01:09:43,337
for African-Americans.
1007
01:09:43,439 --> 01:09:45,202
What? Black people learn how to read,
1008
01:09:45,307 --> 01:09:48,003
and we all miraculously come
to the same conclusion?
1009
01:09:48,110 --> 01:09:51,705
At that point, I decided to check out
my friend Brandy's English class.
1010
01:09:51,814 --> 01:09:53,281
- Good to see you, man.
- Hey, yeah.
1011
01:09:53,382 --> 01:09:55,441
- How was your summer?
- Great.
1012
01:09:59,955 --> 01:10:01,923
You're still white, I see.
1013
01:10:02,558 --> 01:10:04,423
Okay, everybody. Ready?
1014
01:10:04,593 --> 01:10:05,719
- Hey, Ms. G.
- Hi.
1015
01:10:05,828 --> 01:10:07,159
- Hi, Ms. G.
- Hi.
1016
01:10:16,605 --> 01:10:20,097
Okay, guys, gals, listen up!
This is what I want you to do.
1017
01:10:20,342 --> 01:10:24,438
I want each of you to step forward
and take one of these Borders bags,
1018
01:10:24,547 --> 01:10:27,448
Which contain the four books
we're gonna read this semester.
1019
01:10:27,550 --> 01:10:28,778
All right!
1020
01:10:29,518 --> 01:10:31,816
They're very special books,
1021
01:10:31,921 --> 01:10:36,381
And they each remind me,
in some way, of each of you.
1022
01:10:40,296 --> 01:10:43,561
But, before you take the books,
1023
01:10:44,200 --> 01:10:48,000
I want you to take one of these glasses
of sparkling cider,
1024
01:10:48,103 --> 01:10:51,903
And I want each of you to make a toast.
1025
01:10:53,209 --> 01:10:56,701
We're each gonna make
a toast for change.
1026
01:10:57,146 --> 01:11:01,708
And what that means is,
from this moment on
1027
01:11:02,284 --> 01:11:07,620
Every voice that told you
"You can't" is silenced.
1028
01:11:08,757 --> 01:11:14,024
Every reason that tells you things
will never change, disappears.
1029
01:11:15,564 --> 01:11:19,032
And the person you were
before this moment,
1030
01:11:19,067 --> 01:11:22,501
That person's turn is over.
Now it's your turn.
1031
01:11:23,439 --> 01:11:24,736
Okay?
1032
01:11:25,841 --> 01:11:29,800
Okay, you ready to get
this party going on?
1033
01:11:32,781 --> 01:11:34,408
- What?
- Stop doing that, man.
1034
01:11:34,516 --> 01:11:36,074
What's the dealio?
1035
01:11:44,326 --> 01:11:47,352
Man, I've had boyfriends since I was,
like, 11, you know.
1036
01:11:48,063 --> 01:11:50,827
- I believe you.
- Shut up.
1037
01:11:51,233 --> 01:11:54,361
Okay, well, I was always the person
1038
01:11:54,503 --> 01:11:57,939
That was gonna get pregnant
before I turned 16 and drop out.
1039
01:11:58,841 --> 01:12:00,206
Like my mom.
1040
01:12:04,179 --> 01:12:05,612
Ain't gonna happen.
1041
01:12:05,848 --> 01:12:08,043
Nobody ever listens to a teenager.
1042
01:12:08,784 --> 01:12:12,413
Everybody thinks you should be happy
just because you're young.
1043
01:12:12,521 --> 01:12:15,547
They don't see the wars
that we fight every single day.
1044
01:12:16,325 --> 01:12:18,156
And one day, my war will end.
1045
01:12:18,627 --> 01:12:20,390
And I will not die.
1046
01:12:21,864 --> 01:12:25,300
And I will not tolerate abuse
from anyone.
1047
01:12:28,837 --> 01:12:30,168
I am strong.
1048
01:12:30,272 --> 01:12:33,503
My moms kicked me out
when I got jumped into the gang life.
1049
01:12:34,677 --> 01:12:36,975
But I'd like her to see me graduate.
1050
01:12:38,580 --> 01:12:40,377
I'd like to be 18.
1051
01:12:44,687 --> 01:12:48,214
Ms. G?
Can I read something from my diary?
1052
01:12:48,324 --> 01:12:49,791
That'd be great.
1053
01:12:53,762 --> 01:12:55,423
Who is he?
1054
01:12:55,564 --> 01:12:57,657
Man, he's been with us
from freshman year, fool.
1055
01:12:57,800 --> 01:13:00,701
- What's his name?
- I don't know.
1056
01:13:02,271 --> 01:13:06,731
"This summer was the worst summer
in my short 14 years of life.
1057
01:13:07,443 --> 01:13:09,638
"It all started with a phone call.
1058
01:13:10,079 --> 01:13:12,513
"My mother was crying and begging,
1059
01:13:12,614 --> 01:13:17,574
"asking for more time as if she were
gasping for her last breath of air.
1060
01:13:18,587 --> 01:13:21,647
"She held me as tight
as she could and cried.
1061
01:13:21,757 --> 01:13:27,195
"Her tears hit my shirt like bullets
and told me we were being evicted.
1062
01:13:27,596 --> 01:13:31,555
"She kept apologizing to me.
I thought, 'I have no home.
1063
01:13:31,667 --> 01:13:35,467
"'I should have asked for something
less expensive at Christmas. '
1064
01:13:35,571 --> 01:13:39,439
"On the morning of the eviction,
a hard knock on the door woke me up.
1065
01:13:39,541 --> 01:13:42,169
"The sheriff was there to do his job.
1066
01:13:43,078 --> 01:13:46,605
"I looked up at the sky,
waiting for something to happen.
1067
01:13:48,450 --> 01:13:52,011
"My mother has no family to lean on,
no money coming in.
1068
01:13:52,588 --> 01:13:56,251
"Why bother coming to school
or getting good grades if I'm homeless?
1069
01:13:56,892 --> 01:14:00,760
"The bus stops in front of the school.
I feel like throwing up.
1070
01:14:00,863 --> 01:14:05,630
"I'm wearing clothes from last year,
some old shoes and no new haircut.
1071
01:14:06,368 --> 01:14:08,700
"I kept thinking I'd get laughed at.
1072
01:14:08,737 --> 01:14:11,205
"Instead, I'm greeted
by a couple of friends
1073
01:14:11,306 --> 01:14:13,638
"who were in my English class last year.
1074
01:14:13,742 --> 01:14:16,643
"And it hits me, Mrs. Gruwell,
1075
01:14:16,745 --> 01:14:19,009
"my crazy English teacher
from last year,
1076
01:14:19,114 --> 01:14:21,776
"is the only person
that made me think of hope.
1077
01:14:22,851 --> 01:14:26,309
"Talking with friends
about last year's English and our trips,
1078
01:14:26,422 --> 01:14:28,447
"I began to feel better.
1079
01:14:29,057 --> 01:14:34,017
"I receive my schedule and the first
teacher is Mrs. Gruwell in Room 203.
1080
01:14:34,363 --> 01:14:37,464
"I walk into the room and feel as though
1081
01:14:37,499 --> 01:14:41,128
"all the problems in life
are not so important anymore.
1082
01:14:41,770 --> 01:14:43,237
"I am home. "
1083
01:14:45,240 --> 01:14:46,707
Yes, you are.
1084
01:15:07,329 --> 01:15:09,160
But you're an honors student.
1085
01:15:09,231 --> 01:15:10,823
If you transfer to Ms. Gruwell's class,
1086
01:15:10,966 --> 01:15:12,991
Think how that will reflect
on your records.
1087
01:15:13,135 --> 01:15:16,332
It doesn't matter to me.
My grades will still be the same.
1088
01:15:16,638 --> 01:15:18,503
Look, Ms. Campbell.
1089
01:15:18,607 --> 01:15:22,202
When I first transferred to the school,
I had a 4.0 average.
1090
01:15:22,544 --> 01:15:26,002
But when I applied for advanced
placement at English and Math,
1091
01:15:26,114 --> 01:15:29,049
I was told it would be better for me
to be in a class with my own kind.
1092
01:15:29,151 --> 01:15:32,086
Now, when I did get in, my teacher said,
1093
01:15:32,187 --> 01:15:35,816
"Victoria, it's not every day one finds
an African-American student
1094
01:15:35,924 --> 01:15:39,792
"in A. P. And honors courses. "
As if I didn't notice.
1095
01:15:39,895 --> 01:15:42,295
And when I asked
another honors teacher
1096
01:15:42,431 --> 01:15:45,059
Why we don't read more
black literature, she said,
1097
01:15:45,334 --> 01:15:47,302
"We don't read black literature
because of all the sex,
1098
01:15:47,436 --> 01:15:49,597
"drugs, cussing and fornication!"
1099
01:15:51,740 --> 01:15:56,370
I thought a simple "It's inappropriate"
would have sufficed.
1100
01:16:00,582 --> 01:16:02,516
Erin can't do that!
1101
01:16:02,784 --> 01:16:05,184
Distinguished Honor Students are mine.
1102
01:16:05,787 --> 01:16:08,278
She's not allowed to teach them.
She's only been here a year.
1103
01:16:08,323 --> 01:16:09,915
The student requested it.
1104
01:16:10,025 --> 01:16:12,619
And Gruwell has got Cohn
in her back pocket.
1105
01:16:13,896 --> 01:16:18,833
What gets me is they're violent, they
break laws, they destroy school property
1106
01:16:19,067 --> 01:16:24,106
And in the end we make them special.
We reward them like...
1107
01:16:24,141 --> 01:16:26,472
I just don't see what that teaches them.
1108
01:16:27,209 --> 01:16:29,609
Hi! Sorry I'm late.
1109
01:16:29,978 --> 01:16:32,071
Did you eat? I'm ordering in.
Are you hungry?
1110
01:16:32,180 --> 01:16:34,045
What question do you want me
to answer first?
1111
01:16:34,149 --> 01:16:37,050
Did I eat or am I hungry?
I ate. I'm not hungry.
1112
01:16:37,152 --> 01:16:40,417
Something really cool happened today.
I got an honors student.
1113
01:16:40,522 --> 01:16:42,422
- Congratulations.
- Isn't that great?
1114
01:16:42,524 --> 01:16:44,458
She actually requested my class.
1115
01:16:44,560 --> 01:16:46,528
Can you teach an honors student?
1116
01:16:46,895 --> 01:16:47,919
What do you mean?
1117
01:16:48,030 --> 01:16:50,828
Well, I mean, you're used
to teaching your kind of kids.
1118
01:16:50,966 --> 01:16:53,434
Can you teach somebody who's smart?
1119
01:16:54,069 --> 01:16:55,229
Of course I can.
1120
01:16:55,370 --> 01:16:57,235
Yeah, but it's not like you have, right?
1121
01:16:57,339 --> 01:17:00,570
I mean, you don't really teach
what everybody else teaches.
1122
01:17:02,144 --> 01:17:03,839
My kids' grades are up to B's.
1123
01:17:04,012 --> 01:17:06,446
Yeah, but the point is,
that's according to you.
1124
01:17:06,548 --> 01:17:09,346
It's not like they're really learning
what normal kids have to learn.
1125
01:17:09,384 --> 01:17:11,249
Normal kids? Yes, they are.
1126
01:17:11,353 --> 01:17:12,843
They're reading
The Diary of Anne Frank.
1127
01:17:12,955 --> 01:17:15,321
They're learning vocabulary,
grammar, writing, poetry.
1128
01:17:15,424 --> 01:17:17,722
All right. Okay, I apologize. Sorry.
1129
01:17:18,660 --> 01:17:20,218
Congratulations.
1130
01:17:28,303 --> 01:17:29,361
What is wrong with you?
1131
01:17:29,504 --> 01:17:31,495
You know, at Deb's party,
I heard you telling people
1132
01:17:31,640 --> 01:17:34,006
That I was an architect
and that my job was temporary.
1133
01:17:34,109 --> 01:17:37,135
I want you to stop that, all right?
I like my job.
1134
01:17:37,245 --> 01:17:38,337
Fine.
1135
01:17:39,314 --> 01:17:41,407
You're the one who said
you were gonna be an architect.
1136
01:17:41,516 --> 01:17:43,541
Yeah, four years ago,
before we got married.
1137
01:17:43,652 --> 01:17:45,244
What, I'm gonna go back to school now
1138
01:17:45,354 --> 01:17:47,254
For two years and intern for three?
1139
01:17:47,356 --> 01:17:48,846
I'll be over 40.
1140
01:17:48,957 --> 01:17:50,982
All right. I thought you still wanted it.
1141
01:17:51,093 --> 01:17:55,120
It doesn't matter if I want it, Erin.
It doesn't mean it's going to happen.
1142
01:17:57,299 --> 01:17:58,561
Why not?
1143
01:18:07,776 --> 01:18:11,769
"Writing in a diary is a really strange
experience for someone like me.
1144
01:18:11,913 --> 01:18:14,643
"I mean, not only because
I've never written anything before,
1145
01:18:14,783 --> 01:18:17,081
"but also because
it seems to me that later on,
1146
01:18:17,185 --> 01:18:19,983
"neither I nor anyone else
will be interested
1147
01:18:20,088 --> 01:18:21,919
"in the musings
of a 13-year-old schoolgirl. "
1148
01:18:22,024 --> 01:18:23,958
"Terrible things are happening outside.
1149
01:18:24,059 --> 01:18:25,458
"At any time of day,
1150
01:18:25,560 --> 01:18:28,028
"poor helpless people
are being dragged out of their homes.
1151
01:18:28,130 --> 01:18:29,154
"Families are torn apart. "
1152
01:18:29,264 --> 01:18:32,028
"If only I can be myself, I'll be satisfied.
1153
01:18:32,134 --> 01:18:33,863
"I know that I'm a woman
with inner strength
1154
01:18:33,969 --> 01:18:35,732
"and a great deal of courage.
1155
01:18:35,837 --> 01:18:39,466
"If God lets me live,
I'll achieve more than Mother ever did. "
1156
01:18:39,574 --> 01:18:42,634
"Anti-Jewish decrees followed
in quick succession.
1157
01:18:43,145 --> 01:18:47,445
"Jews must wear a yellow star.
Jews must hand in bicycles.
1158
01:18:48,016 --> 01:18:50,678
"Jews are banned from trams
and forbidden to drive. "
1159
01:18:50,819 --> 01:18:52,719
"Jews are forbidden to visit theaters,
1160
01:18:52,821 --> 01:18:54,846
"cinemas and other places
of entertainment. "
1161
01:18:54,956 --> 01:18:57,049
"Jews may not take part
in public sports.
1162
01:18:57,159 --> 01:18:59,889
"Swimming baths,
tennis courts, hockey fields
1163
01:18:59,995 --> 01:19:02,589
"and other sports grounds
are all prohibited. "
1164
01:19:03,632 --> 01:19:07,966
"I can't tell you how oppressive it is
never to be able to go outdoors.
1165
01:19:08,770 --> 01:19:13,469
"Also, I'm very afraid
that we will be discovered and be shot. "
1166
01:19:14,910 --> 01:19:19,210
"No one can keep out of the conflict.
The entire world is at war.
1167
01:19:19,414 --> 01:19:21,575
"And even though the Allies
are doing better,
1168
01:19:21,717 --> 01:19:23,344
"the end is nowhere in sight. "
1169
01:19:25,554 --> 01:19:26,521
Hi.
1170
01:19:27,689 --> 01:19:29,953
When is Anne gonna smoke Hitler?
1171
01:19:30,559 --> 01:19:33,619
- What?
- You know. Take him out?
1172
01:19:33,729 --> 01:19:38,325
Eva, this is The Diary of Anne Frank,
not Die Hard.
1173
01:19:39,201 --> 01:19:40,668
Keep reading.
1174
01:19:43,205 --> 01:19:45,400
"We talked about
the most private things,
1175
01:19:45,507 --> 01:19:48,908
"but we haven't yet touched upon
the things closest to my heart.
1176
01:19:49,010 --> 01:19:51,535
"I still can't make heads
or tails of Peter.
1177
01:19:51,646 --> 01:19:53,409
"Is he superficial?
1178
01:19:53,548 --> 01:19:56,949
"Or is it shyness that holds him back,
even with me?"
1179
01:20:02,591 --> 01:20:06,186
- Are Anne and Peter gonna hook up?
- I'm not telling you.
1180
01:20:07,562 --> 01:20:10,622
"It's utterly impossible for me
to build my life on a foundation
1181
01:20:10,665 --> 01:20:13,532
"of chaos, suffering and death.
1182
01:20:14,336 --> 01:20:17,965
"I see the world being
slowly transformed into a wilderness.
1183
01:20:18,073 --> 01:20:21,873
"I feel the suffering of millions,
and yet when I look up at the sky
1184
01:20:22,244 --> 01:20:25,975
"I somehow feel that everything
will change for the better. "
1185
01:20:30,852 --> 01:20:34,219
- Eva, what's wrong?
- Why didn't you tell me she dies?
1186
01:20:34,489 --> 01:20:36,753
Why you didn't tell me she gets caught
in the end?
1187
01:20:37,159 --> 01:20:39,286
I hate you and I hate this book.
1188
01:20:39,394 --> 01:20:40,361
Eva.
1189
01:20:40,462 --> 01:20:44,694
If she dies, then what about me?
What are you saying about that?
1190
01:20:45,901 --> 01:20:48,529
- Anne Frank died, but she...
- I can't believe they got her!
1191
01:20:48,637 --> 01:20:51,265
That ain't supposed to happen
in the story! That ain't right!
1192
01:20:51,373 --> 01:20:53,102
- 'Cause it's true?
- I ain't talking to you!
1193
01:20:53,208 --> 01:20:55,904
You're talking around me.
That's the same thing.
1194
01:20:56,011 --> 01:20:57,842
See, to me, she ain't dead at all.
1195
01:20:57,946 --> 01:21:00,642
How many friends did you know
that are dead now that got killed?
1196
01:21:00,782 --> 01:21:02,113
Too many to count.
1197
01:21:02,217 --> 01:21:04,651
How many have you read a book about?
1198
01:21:04,920 --> 01:21:07,889
Have you seen them on TV
or even in the newspaper?
1199
01:21:07,956 --> 01:21:09,583
That's why this story's dope.
1200
01:21:09,691 --> 01:21:11,454
She was our age, man.
1201
01:21:11,593 --> 01:21:15,085
Anne Frank understands our situation,
my situation.
1202
01:21:15,197 --> 01:21:18,132
And that Miep Gies lady,
the one that helped hide them?
1203
01:21:18,233 --> 01:21:19,461
I like her.
1204
01:21:19,568 --> 01:21:22,002
I got all these other books
about her from the library.
1205
01:21:22,103 --> 01:21:24,970
Wow. You used your library card?
1206
01:21:26,908 --> 01:21:27,966
No.
1207
01:21:30,245 --> 01:21:35,012
Okay, listen up.
Marcus has given me an idea.
1208
01:21:35,517 --> 01:21:39,009
Instead of doing a book report on
The Diary of Anne Frank,
1209
01:21:39,154 --> 01:21:43,090
For our assignment I want you
to write a letter to Miep Gies,
1210
01:21:43,191 --> 01:21:45,455
The woman who helped shelter
the Franks.
1211
01:21:45,560 --> 01:21:49,018
She's still alive and she lives in Europe.
1212
01:21:49,130 --> 01:21:51,894
In the letter, I want you to tell her
how you feel about the book.
1213
01:21:52,000 --> 01:21:54,491
Tell her about your own experiences.
Tell her anything you like.
1214
01:21:54,603 --> 01:21:56,764
But I want the letters to be perfect,
1215
01:21:56,872 --> 01:21:59,306
So be prepared to do more
than one draft, okay?
1216
01:21:59,407 --> 01:22:00,874
Is she gonna read the letters?
1217
01:22:00,976 --> 01:22:03,376
Well, right now it's
a writing assignment. I'll read them.
1218
01:22:03,545 --> 01:22:05,103
We should get her to read them.
1219
01:22:05,247 --> 01:22:08,307
- Yeah, you can do that, right, Ms. G?
- Well, I don't know.
1220
01:22:08,383 --> 01:22:09,748
Maybe we should get her
to come and speak.
1221
01:22:09,851 --> 01:22:11,682
Yeah, and have a big dinner again.
1222
01:22:13,455 --> 01:22:15,286
Wait. Guys.
1223
01:22:18,493 --> 01:22:22,088
Guys! Everyone! Listen! She's elderly!
1224
01:22:22,197 --> 01:22:24,665
I don't know how to contact her.
I don't even know if she travels.
1225
01:22:24,766 --> 01:22:26,393
And it would be really expensive.
1226
01:22:26,501 --> 01:22:28,196
We could raise the money.
1227
01:22:29,137 --> 01:22:30,195
Ms. G?
1228
01:22:30,305 --> 01:22:34,264
When Miep Gies come,
can I, like, be the one to escort her in?
1229
01:22:54,129 --> 01:22:55,426
Five.
1230
01:23:08,843 --> 01:23:10,242
Hi, I'm trying to get the number
1231
01:23:10,345 --> 01:23:12,836
For the Anne Frank Foundation
in Basel, Switzerland.
1232
01:24:27,622 --> 01:24:29,180
Come in, Margaret.
1233
01:25:15,804 --> 01:25:18,602
Ms. G sent our letters all the way
to Amsterdam
1234
01:25:18,706 --> 01:25:20,503
to Miep Gies, herself.
1235
01:25:20,708 --> 01:25:22,903
When Ms. G made up her mind
about something,
1236
01:25:23,011 --> 01:25:25,502
there was no stopping her,
man, for real.
1237
01:25:32,821 --> 01:25:36,951
And after we raised the money to bring
her to Long Beach, there she was.
1238
01:25:39,360 --> 01:25:43,160
But, damn,
I didn't expect her to be so small.
1239
01:26:01,816 --> 01:26:05,343
The bounty on a Jew was about $2.
1240
01:26:06,221 --> 01:26:09,486
Someone desperate for money
told the Gestapo.
1241
01:26:09,524 --> 01:26:13,392
On August 4th,
they stormed into my office,
1242
01:26:14,095 --> 01:26:20,466
And a man pointed a gun at
me and said, "Not a sound.
1243
01:26:20,969 --> 01:26:22,596
"Not one word. "
1244
01:26:23,738 --> 01:26:26,366
And then they went straight upstairs
to the attic.
1245
01:26:26,908 --> 01:26:29,342
I felt so helpless.
1246
01:26:29,444 --> 01:26:32,004
I could hear Anne screaming,
objects being thrown around.
1247
01:26:32,147 --> 01:26:34,877
So, I ran back to my house.
1248
01:26:35,016 --> 01:26:37,746
I looked for an earring
or knick-knacks, you know,
1249
01:26:37,852 --> 01:26:40,616
Anything I could take back with me
to bribe them.
1250
01:26:40,755 --> 01:26:44,054
So I took this back with me,
all these things,
1251
01:26:44,159 --> 01:26:48,459
And the soldier there took out his gun
1252
01:26:49,097 --> 01:26:51,292
And put it against my head.
1253
01:26:55,870 --> 01:27:00,466
You could be shot for hiding a Jew
or go to a camp.
1254
01:27:01,176 --> 01:27:05,135
So, another soldier
recognized my accent.
1255
01:27:05,346 --> 01:27:09,043
He was Austrian, and so was I,
1256
01:27:09,484 --> 01:27:12,248
But I had been adopted
by a Dutch family.
1257
01:27:12,353 --> 01:27:16,153
So, he told the soldier with the gun
to let me go.
1258
01:27:18,059 --> 01:27:22,587
There isn't a day
that I don't remember August 4th
1259
01:27:23,898 --> 01:27:27,732
And I think about Anne Frank.
1260
01:27:30,305 --> 01:27:31,397
Yes?
1261
01:27:39,280 --> 01:27:41,373
I've never had a hero before.
1262
01:27:42,283 --> 01:27:43,750
But you are my hero.
1263
01:27:44,219 --> 01:27:47,916
Oh, no. No, no, young man, no.
1264
01:27:48,022 --> 01:27:50,718
I am not a hero. No.
1265
01:27:50,825 --> 01:27:57,355
I did what I had to do,
because it was the right thing to do.
1266
01:27:57,765 --> 01:27:59,164
That is all.
1267
01:28:01,202 --> 01:28:04,035
You know, we are all ordinary people.
1268
01:28:04,739 --> 01:28:11,577
But even an ordinary secretary
or a housewife or a teenager
1269
01:28:12,981 --> 01:28:18,886
Can, within their own small ways,
turn on a small light
1270
01:28:21,389 --> 01:28:23,186
In a dark room.
1271
01:28:23,758 --> 01:28:24,918
Ja?
1272
01:28:29,130 --> 01:28:32,691
I have read your letters,
1273
01:28:32,800 --> 01:28:37,567
And your teacher has been telling me
many things about your experiences.
1274
01:28:39,707 --> 01:28:42,505
You are the heroes.
1275
01:28:43,811 --> 01:28:47,440
You are heroes every day.
1276
01:28:54,322 --> 01:28:57,758
Your faces are engraved in my heart.
1277
01:29:17,445 --> 01:29:18,810
You hungry?
1278
01:29:23,251 --> 01:29:26,015
You know what you're gonna say
in that courtroom?
1279
01:29:26,654 --> 01:29:28,622
I know what I have to say.
1280
01:29:30,325 --> 01:29:31,417
Yeah.
1281
01:29:32,093 --> 01:29:34,357
- You know how that is.
- I know.
1282
01:29:35,730 --> 01:29:38,358
And that man that put your father
in prison,
1283
01:29:38,466 --> 01:29:41,128
He knew he was sending
an innocent man.
1284
01:29:41,502 --> 01:29:42,799
But, you know,
1285
01:29:44,739 --> 01:29:46,331
He was just
1286
01:29:48,409 --> 01:29:50,138
Protecting his own.
1287
01:29:56,351 --> 01:29:59,047
What the hell does everybody
want from me?
1288
01:30:25,847 --> 01:30:27,815
Hey, Mama. Mama.
1289
01:30:33,421 --> 01:30:35,821
What the hell are you doing here?
1290
01:30:42,130 --> 01:30:46,066
I want to come home.
I don't want to be in the streets no more.
1291
01:30:46,167 --> 01:30:47,464
I'm sorry.
1292
01:30:49,971 --> 01:30:53,099
I want to change. I can't do it alone.
1293
01:30:55,009 --> 01:30:56,636
I need you, Mama.
1294
01:30:58,446 --> 01:30:59,913
I need you.
1295
01:31:37,585 --> 01:31:39,348
And what time was that?
1296
01:31:40,221 --> 01:31:42,519
I told you, 9:00, 9:30.
1297
01:31:43,191 --> 01:31:44,658
And you had a clear view
of the defendant,
1298
01:31:44,759 --> 01:31:46,624
Grant Rice, in the store?
1299
01:31:47,829 --> 01:31:50,195
I told you he was playing
the video game.
1300
01:31:50,798 --> 01:31:53,266
Then what happened?
What did you see?
1301
01:31:53,701 --> 01:31:55,794
Well, he got all whacked
because he lost the game,
1302
01:31:55,937 --> 01:31:59,532
And then he started shouting and all,
threatening everybody.
1303
01:31:59,640 --> 01:32:02,837
He threatened everyone?
He threatened you?
1304
01:32:03,945 --> 01:32:06,379
No. The guy who ran the store.
1305
01:32:06,514 --> 01:32:08,539
He wanted his money back
for the game.
1306
01:32:08,583 --> 01:32:10,608
And what did the store owner do?
1307
01:32:11,452 --> 01:32:14,751
He shouted back.
And they were fighting.
1308
01:32:15,022 --> 01:32:19,288
Then he, the defendant, knocked
something over and left the store.
1309
01:32:19,861 --> 01:32:22,352
And then what happened?
What did you see?
1310
01:32:26,534 --> 01:32:28,161
I saw...
1311
01:32:40,348 --> 01:32:41,815
I saw...
1312
01:32:57,098 --> 01:32:58,565
Paco did it.
1313
01:33:02,737 --> 01:33:04,466
Paco killed the guy.
1314
01:34:30,091 --> 01:34:32,582
My father won't talk to me anymore.
1315
01:34:34,962 --> 01:34:40,332
And I have to lay low for a little while
because there's word out to jump me.
1316
01:34:41,736 --> 01:34:44,034
So I'm gonna be living with my aunt.
1317
01:34:45,506 --> 01:34:50,466
See, my aunt lives even further away,
1318
01:34:52,546 --> 01:34:56,846
So I was just wondering if I could, like,
1319
01:34:59,987 --> 01:35:01,771
Stay here late with you
1320
01:35:01,806 --> 01:35:03,556
Stay here late with you
1321
01:35:05,426 --> 01:35:09,920
So I can get my homework done,
'cause it's late by the time I get home.
1322
01:35:12,400 --> 01:35:15,369
You can stay as late as you want.
1323
01:35:16,737 --> 01:35:20,696
And I can even drive you to your aunt's,
if it gets too late.
1324
01:35:23,944 --> 01:35:25,775
Ms. G, let's not get nuts.
1325
01:36:01,549 --> 01:36:03,483
I think I got your color.
1326
01:36:50,164 --> 01:36:52,155
Just come by the concierge
on your way out,
1327
01:36:52,266 --> 01:36:55,030
I'll have the directions for you.
Yep, that's fine.
1328
01:37:02,076 --> 01:37:05,876
Stop! That's it! Now, now! Hey!
1329
01:37:07,615 --> 01:37:10,083
You get an extra three seconds. Go!
1330
01:37:16,257 --> 01:37:18,521
... enraged them and provoked them
into acts of violence.
1331
01:37:18,626 --> 01:37:22,892
In 1961, an interracial civil rights group
traveled by bus through the South
1332
01:37:22,997 --> 01:37:24,726
to challenge segregation.
1333
01:37:24,832 --> 01:37:27,699
Blacks sat in the front,
whites in the back.
1334
01:37:28,169 --> 01:37:31,696
They were attacked, firebombed,
but they kept going.
1335
01:37:32,306 --> 01:37:36,470
In Montgomery, Alabama, Jim Zwerg
offered to be the first off the bus,
1336
01:37:36,577 --> 01:37:38,943
knowing there was a mob
waiting for them.
1337
01:37:39,079 --> 01:37:42,048
He was almost beaten to death
so the others could get away.
1338
01:37:42,149 --> 01:37:45,641
That kind of courage
is unbelievable to me.
1339
01:37:45,786 --> 01:37:49,153
I was afraid of just being in this class,
and I was ashamed
1340
01:37:49,256 --> 01:37:53,022
because I've always been the dumb kid
in school, even with my friends.
1341
01:37:53,194 --> 01:37:54,559
But not anymore.
1342
01:37:54,728 --> 01:37:56,252
And I must have some kind of courage,
1343
01:37:56,363 --> 01:38:00,094
because I could have lied
to get out of here, but I stayed.
1344
01:38:01,168 --> 01:38:02,465
I stayed.
1345
01:38:02,903 --> 01:38:04,200
Hi, I'm home!
1346
01:38:04,805 --> 01:38:09,742
Sorry, it got late. I drove the kids home.
I didn't want them taking buses.
1347
01:38:10,277 --> 01:38:12,643
You're never gonna believe
what happened.
1348
01:38:14,014 --> 01:38:15,675
I'm so tired.
1349
01:38:16,183 --> 01:38:19,050
It's so cute, though.
They never want to go home.
1350
01:38:19,720 --> 01:38:22,951
We have such a good time together.
I'm gonna take a shower.
1351
01:38:42,576 --> 01:38:45,670
If you have another glass,
you're gonna have a headache.
1352
01:38:46,447 --> 01:38:50,850
Your bags are packed and you think
the wine's gonna give me a headache?
1353
01:38:52,853 --> 01:38:54,616
Why are you doing this?
1354
01:38:54,722 --> 01:38:57,987
Because I don't
pay enough attention to you?
1355
01:38:58,092 --> 01:39:00,060
No. That's not it.
1356
01:39:02,429 --> 01:39:06,490
I just... I feel like I'm living a life
I just did not agree to.
1357
01:39:08,836 --> 01:39:10,463
Erin, it's just...
1358
01:39:11,705 --> 01:39:13,195
It's too hard.
1359
01:39:13,807 --> 01:39:15,968
Your life is too hard?
1360
01:39:16,477 --> 01:39:19,002
I think what you're doing is noble.
1361
01:39:19,613 --> 01:39:23,174
And it's good. And I'm proud of you.
1362
01:39:23,784 --> 01:39:25,081
I am.
1363
01:39:27,421 --> 01:39:30,720
I just want to live my life
and not feel bad about it.
1364
01:39:30,824 --> 01:39:33,987
- I'm not trying to make you feel bad.
- You don't have to try.
1365
01:39:34,094 --> 01:39:36,892
I didn't plan on becoming responsible
for these kids.
1366
01:39:36,997 --> 01:39:39,022
- Well, who asked you to?
- No one asked me to!
1367
01:39:39,133 --> 01:39:40,122
They're not even your kids!
1368
01:39:40,234 --> 01:39:44,034
Why do I have to be asked? Scott...
1369
01:39:48,175 --> 01:39:53,078
I finally realized what I'm
supposed to be doing and I love it.
1370
01:39:53,213 --> 01:39:57,877
When I'm helping these kids
make sense of their lives,
1371
01:39:58,519 --> 01:40:01,352
Everything about my life
makes sense to me.
1372
01:40:04,892 --> 01:40:07,258
How often does a person get that?
1373
01:40:10,564 --> 01:40:14,660
- Then what do you need me for?
- You're my husband.
1374
01:40:14,768 --> 01:40:19,671
Why can't you stand by me and be part
of it, the way wives support husbands?
1375
01:40:19,773 --> 01:40:21,638
Because I can't be your wife.
1376
01:40:28,949 --> 01:40:31,247
I wish I could make that
sound less awful.
1377
01:40:33,420 --> 01:40:34,580
Erin?
1378
01:40:36,190 --> 01:40:38,750
You know,
if you had to choose between us
1379
01:40:40,260 --> 01:40:41,887
And the class,
1380
01:40:43,697 --> 01:40:45,130
Who would you pick?
1381
01:40:47,167 --> 01:40:50,625
If you love me,
how could you ever ask me that?
1382
01:40:51,605 --> 01:40:53,232
Erin, look at me.
1383
01:40:56,744 --> 01:40:58,905
This is all there's ever been to me.
1384
01:40:59,279 --> 01:41:03,648
This is it. I'm not one of those kids.
I don't have any more potential.
1385
01:41:05,486 --> 01:41:07,010
See? You don't want to be here either,
1386
01:41:07,154 --> 01:41:10,487
'cause if you did, would you be
in the classroom every night?
1387
01:41:11,825 --> 01:41:16,455
That's not true. I want to be here.
I love you.
1388
01:41:17,631 --> 01:41:19,599
You love the idea of me.
1389
01:41:25,139 --> 01:41:27,437
But it's such a great idea.
1390
01:41:31,111 --> 01:41:32,408
I know.
1391
01:42:00,474 --> 01:42:02,271
Dad? Hi.
1392
01:42:04,878 --> 01:42:08,075
You know, I was actually trying
to call someone else,
1393
01:42:08,215 --> 01:42:10,183
And I automatically dialed you. I'm sorry.
1394
01:42:10,217 --> 01:42:12,777
Look, I'm gonna call you tomorrow,
okay?
1395
01:42:12,920 --> 01:42:16,219
I need to make this call. I love you.
1396
01:42:29,269 --> 01:42:31,760
Ms. G made us read Twelve Angry Men.
1397
01:42:31,872 --> 01:42:35,509
It's all about how this one juror
helped to turn the hearts of 11 jurors.
1398
01:42:35,544 --> 01:42:37,374
It made me feel hopeful.
1399
01:42:37,911 --> 01:42:41,176
At 2:00 today, my brother
was given a verdict on his own trial.
1400
01:42:41,315 --> 01:42:43,943
No O. J. Dream Team,
just a court-appointed attorney
1401
01:42:44,084 --> 01:42:46,052
who probably thought
his ass was guilty.
1402
01:42:46,186 --> 01:42:49,815
And I realized Twelve Angry Men
was just a book and nothing more.
1403
01:42:50,157 --> 01:42:52,887
My brother got 15 years to life.
1404
01:42:52,993 --> 01:42:55,723
Justice don't mean
the bad guy goes to jail.
1405
01:42:55,829 --> 01:42:58,024
It just means somebody
pays for the crime.
1406
01:43:03,871 --> 01:43:05,395
So, you got time now?
1407
01:43:12,279 --> 01:43:13,871
Anyone know where Andre's been?
1408
01:43:14,014 --> 01:43:15,276
I haven't seen him on the bus.
1409
01:43:15,415 --> 01:43:16,882
Yeah, I haven't talked to him either.
1410
01:43:25,792 --> 01:43:27,316
Ms. G?
1411
01:43:27,694 --> 01:43:30,026
Are we gonna have
this same room next year, again?
1412
01:43:30,130 --> 01:43:33,258
I don't know.
You're gonna be juniors next year.
1413
01:43:34,801 --> 01:43:36,325
What do you mean?
1414
01:43:36,436 --> 01:43:39,132
Well, I teach freshman
and sophomore years.
1415
01:43:39,239 --> 01:43:42,367
You mean,
we're not gonna be with you next year?
1416
01:43:45,078 --> 01:43:46,443
Well, I...
1417
01:43:48,315 --> 01:43:52,046
I don't teach juniors.
I thought you guys understood that.
1418
01:43:52,553 --> 01:43:53,679
What? What are you talking about?
1419
01:43:55,889 --> 01:43:57,516
You don't wanna be our teacher
next year?
1420
01:43:57,624 --> 01:44:00,149
Of course I do. I can't.
1421
01:44:00,260 --> 01:44:02,751
- Why not?
- It's the Board of Ed.
1422
01:44:02,863 --> 01:44:04,797
It's regulations.
1423
01:44:07,534 --> 01:44:10,332
Ms. G hasn't been here long enough
to have seniority.
1424
01:44:10,370 --> 01:44:11,701
Who cares about seniority?
1425
01:44:11,838 --> 01:44:14,398
Shit! They can't do that!
They don't have the right!
1426
01:44:16,510 --> 01:44:19,308
- Ms. G, this is our kick-it spot.
- Yeah.
1427
01:44:19,446 --> 01:44:22,882
Everybody's cool with everybody.
Everybody knows everybody.
1428
01:44:23,016 --> 01:44:26,452
This is the only place
where we really get to be ourselves.
1429
01:44:26,587 --> 01:44:28,612
There's no place like this
out there for us.
1430
01:44:28,889 --> 01:44:30,288
That's true.
1431
01:44:30,791 --> 01:44:33,351
I'm not allowed
to teach junior and seniors.
1432
01:44:33,493 --> 01:44:34,460
You're not allowed?
1433
01:44:36,496 --> 01:44:40,125
Ms. G, we can fight this, you know,
like the Freedom Riders.
1434
01:44:40,234 --> 01:44:41,997
Yeah, yeah,
we'll all drive around on a bus.
1435
01:44:42,102 --> 01:44:44,093
Only this time, they try and bust us up,
1436
01:44:44,204 --> 01:44:46,001
We bust a few of them
board members' heads.
1437
01:44:46,640 --> 01:44:47,629
Marcus.
1438
01:44:47,741 --> 01:44:51,370
Or we can go to the newspapers,
media. That'll get their attention.
1439
01:44:51,612 --> 01:44:53,079
Or we can paint
the administration building
1440
01:44:53,213 --> 01:44:55,681
With the word "assholes"
in various colors.
1441
01:44:57,417 --> 01:44:59,112
Hey, it's something. We can do this.
1442
01:45:04,558 --> 01:45:05,525
What?
1443
01:45:05,626 --> 01:45:09,187
These are my books, not Scott's.
I'm packing the wrong books.
1444
01:45:09,296 --> 01:45:10,991
Honey, take a break.
1445
01:45:14,935 --> 01:45:16,402
Sit down.
1446
01:45:19,573 --> 01:45:22,167
I can't believe I'm getting divorced.
1447
01:45:23,644 --> 01:45:26,078
I never thought this would happen.
1448
01:45:30,050 --> 01:45:32,143
What do I do now?
1449
01:45:33,120 --> 01:45:35,588
Next year, I won't even have my kids.
1450
01:45:35,989 --> 01:45:38,287
You think you should stay with them?
1451
01:45:39,159 --> 01:45:41,457
Or is it better they move on?
1452
01:45:41,795 --> 01:45:43,262
I don't know.
1453
01:45:47,067 --> 01:45:49,535
It's just a job, like you said.
1454
01:45:49,636 --> 01:45:51,263
Yeah, it is.
1455
01:45:52,205 --> 01:45:54,173
But is the job finished?
1456
01:45:56,510 --> 01:45:58,102
Listen to me now.
1457
01:45:58,378 --> 01:46:00,903
What you've done with those kids...
1458
01:46:03,317 --> 01:46:05,615
I don't even have words for it.
1459
01:46:07,354 --> 01:46:12,314
But one thing's for sure,
you are an amazing teacher.
1460
01:46:14,194 --> 01:46:15,559
Special.
1461
01:46:16,330 --> 01:46:20,733
You have been blessed with a burden,
my daughter.
1462
01:46:22,703 --> 01:46:24,671
And I envy you that.
1463
01:46:27,374 --> 01:46:29,001
And I admire you.
1464
01:46:31,511 --> 01:46:35,504
And how many fathers ever get
to say that to their daughters
1465
01:46:35,649 --> 01:46:37,617
And really mean it?
1466
01:46:41,488 --> 01:46:44,582
What she is suggesting
is in violation of our union charter.
1467
01:46:44,691 --> 01:46:47,854
She may not move on with her students
to teach them junior year.
1468
01:46:47,961 --> 01:46:49,952
She's only been here two years.
1469
01:46:50,063 --> 01:46:52,156
There are teachers here
who have tenure,
1470
01:46:52,265 --> 01:46:54,529
Who have worked and committed
themselves for far longer
1471
01:46:54,634 --> 01:46:56,534
To attain a position of seniority.
1472
01:46:56,636 --> 01:47:00,595
Not to mention their experience
in teaching students of a higher caliber.
1473
01:47:00,707 --> 01:47:03,505
The Distinguished Scholars Program
is under our jurisdiction.
1474
01:47:03,677 --> 01:47:06,441
I don't want to replace
the Distinguished Scholars Program.
1475
01:47:06,580 --> 01:47:08,480
I just want to stay
with my kids next year.
1476
01:47:08,582 --> 01:47:10,777
She can't. I have the juniors.
1477
01:47:10,851 --> 01:47:12,876
The Board of Education
will not allow this.
1478
01:47:13,019 --> 01:47:14,953
Teaching rotations will be disrupted,
1479
01:47:15,055 --> 01:47:17,353
Retirement schedules
will be reevaluated,
1480
01:47:17,457 --> 01:47:20,893
Disrespecting teachers
who have earned their way far longer
1481
01:47:20,994 --> 01:47:23,155
And who focus on the classroom,
1482
01:47:23,263 --> 01:47:26,096
Not on public relations
and newspaper articles.
1483
01:47:26,199 --> 01:47:28,190
I didn't ask for those articles
to be written.
1484
01:47:28,301 --> 01:47:29,791
She's in the middle of a divorce.
1485
01:47:29,903 --> 01:47:32,394
Note, they stay late in her class,
they're eating, they're playing games!
1486
01:47:32,506 --> 01:47:35,600
All right, let's all just take a breath here.
All right?
1487
01:47:37,043 --> 01:47:39,136
Now I had hoped
that we could talk this out,
1488
01:47:39,279 --> 01:47:40,974
Maybe come to some kind
of arrangement.
1489
01:47:41,114 --> 01:47:43,582
- There is no arrangement...
- Margaret.
1490
01:47:44,451 --> 01:47:45,918
Carl, look.
1491
01:47:46,520 --> 01:47:49,580
Putting aside all obvious resentments
for the moment,
1492
01:47:49,689 --> 01:47:51,088
Even if an arrangement were made
1493
01:47:51,191 --> 01:47:55,321
And she could teach them as juniors,
there isn't an accredited course
1494
01:47:55,429 --> 01:47:57,795
In the curriculum for her to teach.
1495
01:47:58,432 --> 01:48:02,095
Unless Brian trades one of his
junior classes for a sophomore.
1496
01:48:02,202 --> 01:48:03,260
No.
1497
01:48:05,038 --> 01:48:07,268
Then there's nothing I can do.
1498
01:48:10,811 --> 01:48:12,108
So that's it?
1499
01:48:13,246 --> 01:48:14,713
Believe it or not, Ms. Gruwell,
1500
01:48:14,815 --> 01:48:17,545
There are other capable teachers
in this school.
1501
01:48:17,684 --> 01:48:19,675
If you've made the progress
you say you have,
1502
01:48:19,820 --> 01:48:21,481
Your students should be ready
to move on.
1503
01:48:21,588 --> 01:48:24,250
They might even gain something
from more experienced teachers.
1504
01:48:24,357 --> 01:48:27,622
You can't teach them.
You don't even like them.
1505
01:48:27,727 --> 01:48:29,558
What does that have to do
with teaching?
1506
01:48:29,663 --> 01:48:32,257
I've been an educator for over 30 years.
1507
01:48:32,666 --> 01:48:34,361
I have students that still remain
in touch with me.
1508
01:48:34,468 --> 01:48:36,902
I know what it is to be loved
by a classroom!
1509
01:48:37,003 --> 01:48:39,972
You have no idea
how many battles I've had
1510
01:48:40,073 --> 01:48:41,734
Fighting to be a better teacher,
1511
01:48:41,842 --> 01:48:45,209
And now, what, suddenly I'm incapable
of educating your students?
1512
01:48:45,312 --> 01:48:47,974
You know, if they move on
to our classes and they fail,
1513
01:48:48,114 --> 01:48:50,173
It'll be because they weren't prepared!
1514
01:48:50,317 --> 01:48:53,013
Lt'll be because you failed, not them!
1515
01:49:11,605 --> 01:49:14,267
Andre? Wait a minute before you go in.
1516
01:49:27,521 --> 01:49:29,989
I heard about your brother's conviction.
I'm sorry.
1517
01:49:30,123 --> 01:49:32,318
Is that why you've missed class
so much?
1518
01:49:32,425 --> 01:49:34,222
I had things to do.
1519
01:49:37,497 --> 01:49:39,294
About this.
1520
01:49:39,766 --> 01:49:40,926
The evaluation assignment
1521
01:49:41,034 --> 01:49:42,501
Was to grade yourself
on the work you're doing.
1522
01:49:42,602 --> 01:49:45,036
You gave yourself an F.
What's that about?
1523
01:49:45,438 --> 01:49:48,635
- It's what I feel I deserve. That's all.
- Oh, really?
1524
01:49:50,210 --> 01:49:51,905
You know what this is?
1525
01:49:52,212 --> 01:49:56,205
This is a "Fuck you" to me,
and everyone in this class!
1526
01:49:56,349 --> 01:49:59,614
I don't want excuses.
I know what you're up against.
1527
01:49:59,953 --> 01:50:02,183
We're all of us up against something.
1528
01:50:03,156 --> 01:50:06,523
So you better make up your mind,
because until you have the balls
1529
01:50:06,626 --> 01:50:09,424
To look me straight in the eye
and tell me this is all you deserve,
1530
01:50:09,529 --> 01:50:11,087
I am not letting you fail,
1531
01:50:11,131 --> 01:50:13,190
Even if that means coming
to your house every night
1532
01:50:13,300 --> 01:50:14,995
Until you finish the work.
1533
01:50:15,101 --> 01:50:16,898
I see who you are.
1534
01:50:17,437 --> 01:50:19,564
Do you understand me?
1535
01:50:20,574 --> 01:50:22,542
I can see you.
1536
01:50:24,411 --> 01:50:26,345
And you are not failing.
1537
01:50:29,783 --> 01:50:34,720
So, take a minute.
Pull yourself together and come inside.
1538
01:50:35,255 --> 01:50:37,280
I want a new evaluation.
1539
01:50:42,495 --> 01:50:45,293
An F. What, are you tripping?
1540
01:50:50,971 --> 01:50:54,429
I want you all to know that
Dr. Cohn and I tried very hard.
1541
01:50:57,210 --> 01:51:00,077
But it's been decided we can't continue
with each other junior year.
1542
01:51:00,213 --> 01:51:01,305
- What?
- What?
1543
01:51:02,949 --> 01:51:04,849
You... Wait.
1544
01:51:05,585 --> 01:51:07,553
Wait. Guys. Everyone.
1545
01:51:08,955 --> 01:51:11,423
No! That don't fly, Ma!
1546
01:51:12,993 --> 01:51:16,656
Look, first of all,
I'm not anyone's mother in here, okay?
1547
01:51:16,763 --> 01:51:18,958
No, it doesn't mean mother.
1548
01:51:19,666 --> 01:51:21,998
It's a sign of respect for you.
1549
01:51:36,216 --> 01:51:37,615
Listen to me.
1550
01:51:37,851 --> 01:51:39,148
All of you.
1551
01:51:39,919 --> 01:51:44,549
Don't use me as another excuse
for why you can't make it.
1552
01:51:46,459 --> 01:51:49,758
You made it to your junior year.
1553
01:51:50,563 --> 01:51:53,361
Think about how you did that.
1554
01:51:54,734 --> 01:51:58,397
Everyone in this room
has a chance to graduate.
1555
01:51:59,439 --> 01:52:01,999
For some,
you'll be the first in your family.
1556
01:52:02,108 --> 01:52:04,872
The first with a choice to go to college.
1557
01:52:05,879 --> 01:52:08,677
Some may move faster than others.
1558
01:52:10,283 --> 01:52:12,581
But you'll each have the chance.
1559
01:52:13,653 --> 01:52:16,622
And you did that. Not me.
1560
01:52:23,697 --> 01:52:27,360
Now, I have one
1561
01:52:29,402 --> 01:52:30,994
Final project in mind.
1562
01:52:31,104 --> 01:52:33,299
- Ms. G.
- Yeah?
1563
01:52:35,141 --> 01:52:40,101
Ms. G wanted us to put our diaries
together in a book, just like Anne Frank.
1564
01:52:40,847 --> 01:52:42,872
She got this businessman, John Tu,
1565
01:52:43,016 --> 01:52:45,849
to donate 35 computers
so we could work.
1566
01:52:50,924 --> 01:52:54,325
She told us we have something
to say to people.
1567
01:52:54,494 --> 01:52:55,693
We weren't just kids
in a class anymore.
1568
01:52:55,728 --> 01:52:56,892
We weren't just kids
in a class anymore.
1569
01:52:56,996 --> 01:53:00,693
We were writers with our own voices,
our own stories.
1570
01:53:00,800 --> 01:53:02,859
And even if nobody else read it,
1571
01:53:02,969 --> 01:53:06,564
the book would be something
to leave behind that said we were here,
1572
01:53:07,173 --> 01:53:10,267
this is what happened, we mattered.
1573
01:53:10,744 --> 01:53:15,010
Even if it was just to each other.
And we won't forget.
1574
01:53:16,716 --> 01:53:19,082
Ms. G didn't promise
it would get published or anything,
1575
01:53:19,185 --> 01:53:22,052
but we could get it out there ourselves.
1576
01:53:22,789 --> 01:53:25,019
She asked us to come up with a title,
1577
01:53:25,558 --> 01:53:27,526
something to call ourselves.
1578
01:53:45,311 --> 01:53:47,176
I just received a call
from Karin Polacheck
1579
01:53:47,313 --> 01:53:48,405
At the Board of Education.
1580
01:53:48,548 --> 01:53:50,539
There's to be a meeting
with Dr. Cohn about your classes.
1581
01:53:50,683 --> 01:53:54,119
- Do you know anything about this?
- No.
1582
01:54:01,928 --> 01:54:07,389
These students, this class,
they've become a family.
1583
01:54:08,301 --> 01:54:09,893
To who? To you?
1584
01:54:10,570 --> 01:54:12,197
To each other.
1585
01:54:13,006 --> 01:54:16,339
Room 203 is a kind of a home for them.
1586
01:54:16,876 --> 01:54:20,209
Their trust is all wrapped up
in us being together as a group.
1587
01:54:20,647 --> 01:54:21,773
Once they're out of her class,
1588
01:54:21,915 --> 01:54:24,349
Believe me they'll slip back
into their old habits.
1589
01:54:24,450 --> 01:54:28,409
Their reading scores, their writing
has markedly improved, Ms. Campbell.
1590
01:54:28,555 --> 01:54:32,047
On paper. But what has
she accomplished in reality?
1591
01:54:32,158 --> 01:54:33,785
What about new students
that come in next year?
1592
01:54:33,893 --> 01:54:35,884
Can she repeat
this process every year?
1593
01:54:35,995 --> 01:54:37,394
Her methods are impractical,
1594
01:54:37,497 --> 01:54:40,125
Impossible to implement with regularity.
1595
01:54:40,233 --> 01:54:42,724
What if every teacher
performed in this way?
1596
01:54:43,336 --> 01:54:44,564
We have millions of children
1597
01:54:44,671 --> 01:54:46,400
To get through the education system
in this country,
1598
01:54:46,506 --> 01:54:48,337
And we need a means
of accomplishing that
1599
01:54:48,441 --> 01:54:51,342
Which allows as many students
to benefit as possible,
1600
01:54:51,444 --> 01:54:53,378
Not just special cases.
1601
01:54:54,881 --> 01:54:58,339
And you honestly think you can create
this family in every classroom,
1602
01:54:58,484 --> 01:55:01,453
For every grade,
for every student you teach?
1603
01:55:06,025 --> 01:55:07,492
I don't know.
1604
01:55:13,700 --> 01:55:15,031
Thank you.
1605
01:55:35,421 --> 01:55:38,322
Hey, there go Ms. G.
Hey, there go Ms. G!
1606
01:55:47,233 --> 01:55:48,632
What happened?
1607
01:55:49,435 --> 01:55:53,235
So? Are we gonna be together
for junior year?
1608
01:55:59,078 --> 01:56:00,375
No.
1609
01:56:01,314 --> 01:56:03,179
- What?
- What?
1610
01:56:07,787 --> 01:56:11,154
We're gonna be together junior
and senior year.
1611
01:56:12,592 --> 01:56:13,650
Yes!
1612
01:56:16,370 --> 01:56:18,330
I can't get involved
in inner school policy.
1613
01:56:18,410 --> 01:56:20,610
My principal only listens
to my department head,
1614
01:56:20,770 --> 01:56:22,730
And she's not very supportive.
1615
01:56:22,810 --> 01:56:24,570
You'll have to find a way to deal with it.
1616
01:56:24,650 --> 01:56:27,450
No, I'd rather just deal directly
with someone in power.
1617
01:56:27,570 --> 01:56:29,690
Ms. Gruwell, there's a system in place
1618
01:56:29,810 --> 01:56:32,610
Based on years of running
an educational facility.
1619
01:56:32,810 --> 01:56:35,890
- You have to follow that system.
- No. I won't.
1620
01:56:36,930 --> 01:56:39,890
Look, I'm just trying to do my job here.
1621
01:56:39,970 --> 01:56:42,890
What's the point
of a voluntary integration program
1622
01:56:42,970 --> 01:56:45,770
If the kids making it to high school
have a 5th grade reading level?
1623
01:56:45,890 --> 01:56:47,690
I enforced that program.
1624
01:56:47,770 --> 01:56:48,890
With all due respect,
1625
01:56:48,970 --> 01:56:51,330
All that program is doing
is warehousing these kids
1626
01:56:51,490 --> 01:56:52,890
Until they're old enough to disappear.
1627
01:56:52,970 --> 01:56:54,610
Look, I appreciate your intentions,
1628
01:56:54,770 --> 01:56:57,330
But there's nothing I can do
on a class-by-class basis.
1629
01:56:57,450 --> 01:57:00,970
Dr. Cohn, why should they waste
their time showing up
1630
01:57:01,090 --> 01:57:03,810
When they know
we're wasting our time teaching them?
1631
01:57:03,890 --> 01:57:06,610
We tell them, "Go to school.
Get an education. "
1632
01:57:06,730 --> 01:57:10,850
And then we say, "Well, they can't learn,
so let's not waste resources. "
1633
01:57:11,210 --> 01:57:12,690
I'm thinking trips.
1634
01:57:12,810 --> 01:57:15,690
Most of them have never
been outside of Long Beach.
1635
01:57:15,770 --> 01:57:18,250
They haven't been given the opportunity
1636
01:57:18,370 --> 01:57:20,890
To expand their thinking
about what's out there for them.
1637
01:57:20,970 --> 01:57:22,370
And they're hungry for it. I know it.
1638
01:57:22,490 --> 01:57:24,610
And it's purely a reward system.
1639
01:57:24,770 --> 01:57:26,530
They won't get anything
they haven't earned
1640
01:57:26,690 --> 01:57:28,770
By doing their work
and upping their grades.
1641
01:57:28,930 --> 01:57:30,210
But if Ms. Campbell
won't give you books
1642
01:57:30,330 --> 01:57:31,370
Because of budget restrictions,
1643
01:57:31,530 --> 01:57:32,650
She's not gonna approve school trips.
1644
01:57:32,810 --> 01:57:34,210
I'll raise the money.
1645
01:57:34,330 --> 01:57:36,970
I just need to know
I won't meet resistance.
1646
01:57:37,370 --> 01:57:39,450
See, I can't promise them anything
I can't deliver.
1647
01:57:39,570 --> 01:57:42,010
It only proves what they already believe.
1648
01:57:43,930 --> 01:57:47,770
All I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell
doesn't need to be bothered.
1649
01:57:51,290 --> 01:57:53,050
You're a concierge at the Marriott?
1650
01:57:53,170 --> 01:57:54,290
It's just weekends.
1651
01:57:54,410 --> 01:57:56,330
You play tennis with Evan on Saturdays.
1652
01:57:56,490 --> 01:57:58,370
And you can play golf
with my dad on Sundays.
1653
01:57:58,490 --> 01:57:59,490
You want me to play golf?
1654
01:57:59,650 --> 01:58:01,930
And the bonus is I get employee rates
1655
01:58:02,010 --> 01:58:04,290
On Marriott hotel rooms
all over the world.
1656
01:58:04,410 --> 01:58:05,370
I've heard a lot of hyphenates,
1657
01:58:05,530 --> 01:58:08,970
But a bra-selling-English-teacher-
hotel-concierge has gotta be a new one.
1658
01:58:09,090 --> 01:58:11,570
You told me your part-time job
was temporary.
1659
01:58:11,690 --> 01:58:14,050
It is. I just don't know for how long.
1660
01:58:14,770 --> 01:58:16,690
- What if I said no?
- No, what?
1661
01:58:19,330 --> 01:58:21,370
- But I can make it work, Scott.
- No, that's not the point.
1662
01:58:21,490 --> 01:58:23,890
You can do anything!
We know that already.
1663
01:58:23,970 --> 01:58:27,010
It's just that I... You...
1664
01:58:27,690 --> 01:58:29,450
You didn't even ask me.
1665
01:58:30,570 --> 01:58:33,970
- I'm just trying to do my job, Scott.
- By getting two more jobs?
1666
01:58:34,770 --> 01:58:36,450
I don't understand, Erin.
1667
01:58:37,570 --> 01:58:40,130
Scott, this is our time
to go after what we want,
1668
01:58:40,210 --> 01:58:43,530
When we're young,
before we have a family.
1669
01:58:43,770 --> 01:58:45,970
Maybe this is the perfect time
for you to go back to school,
1670
01:58:46,050 --> 01:58:48,210
Get your architect's degree.
1671
01:58:48,290 --> 01:58:50,210
Wouldn't that be great?
1672
01:58:53,290 --> 01:58:54,730
What?
1673
01:58:56,410 --> 01:58:57,690
Nothing.
1674
01:59:04,490 --> 01:59:06,370
So, I'll call you with a list of venues.
1675
01:59:06,490 --> 01:59:08,570
I've scheduled a PTA board meeting
for next week.
1676
01:59:08,730 --> 01:59:09,730
So, it should be no problem.
1677
01:59:09,850 --> 01:59:10,930
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.
1678
01:59:10,940 --> 01:59:11,580
I can't get involved
in inner school policy.
1679
01:59:11,590 --> 01:59:12,270
My principal only listens
to my department head,
1680
01:59:12,280 --> 01:59:12,780
And she's not very supportive.
1681
01:59:12,790 --> 01:59:13,410
You'll have to find a way to deal with it.
1682
01:59:13,420 --> 01:59:14,180
No, I'd rather just deal directly
with someone in power.
1683
01:59:14,190 --> 01:59:14,770
Ms. Gruwell, there's a system in place
1684
01:59:14,780 --> 01:59:15,480
Based on years of running
an educational facility.
1685
01:59:15,490 --> 01:59:16,170
- You have to follow that system.
- No. I won't.
1686
01:59:16,180 --> 01:59:16,780
Look, I'm just trying to do my job here.
1687
01:59:16,790 --> 01:59:17,500
What's the point
of a voluntary integration program
1688
01:59:17,510 --> 01:59:18,390
If the kids making it to high school
have a 5th grade reading level?
1689
01:59:18,400 --> 01:59:18,840
I enforced that program.
1690
01:59:18,850 --> 01:59:19,260
With all due respect,
1691
01:59:19,270 --> 01:59:19,980
All that program is doing
is warehousing these kids
1692
01:59:19,990 --> 01:59:20,570
Until they're old enough to disappear.
1693
01:59:20,580 --> 01:59:21,130
Look, I appreciate your intentions,
1694
01:59:21,140 --> 01:59:21,890
But there's nothing I can do
on a class-by-class basis.
1695
01:59:21,900 --> 01:59:22,630
Dr. Cohn, why should they waste
their time showing up
1696
01:59:22,640 --> 01:59:23,360
When they know
we're wasting our time teaching them?
1697
01:59:23,370 --> 01:59:24,050
We tell them, "Go to school.
Get an education. "
1698
01:59:24,060 --> 01:59:24,990
And then we say, "Well, they can't learn,
so let's not waste resources. "
1699
01:59:25,000 --> 01:59:25,390
I'm thinking trips.
1700
01:59:25,400 --> 01:59:26,110
Most of them have never
been outside of Long Beach.
1701
01:59:26,120 --> 01:59:26,710
They haven't been given the opportunity
1702
01:59:26,720 --> 01:59:27,490
To expand their thinking
about what's out there for them.
1703
01:59:27,500 --> 01:59:28,070
And they're hungry for it. I know it.
1704
01:59:28,080 --> 01:59:28,600
And it's purely a reward system.
1705
01:59:28,610 --> 01:59:29,240
They won't get anything
they haven't earned
1706
01:59:29,250 --> 01:59:29,890
By doing their work
and upping their grades.
1707
01:59:29,900 --> 01:59:30,500
But if Ms. Campbell
won't give you books
1708
01:59:30,510 --> 01:59:31,020
Because of budget restrictions,
1709
01:59:31,030 --> 01:59:31,600
She's not gonna approve school trips.
1710
01:59:31,610 --> 01:59:32,020
I'll raise the money.
1711
01:59:32,030 --> 01:59:32,670
I just need to know
I won't meet resistance.
1712
01:59:32,680 --> 01:59:33,390
See, I can't promise them anything
I can't deliver.
1713
01:59:33,400 --> 01:59:34,010
It only proves what they already believe.
1714
01:59:34,020 --> 01:59:34,820
All I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell
doesn't need to be bothered.
1715
01:59:34,830 --> 01:59:35,380
You're a concierge at the Marriott?
1716
01:59:35,390 --> 01:59:35,780
It's just weekends.
1717
01:59:35,790 --> 01:59:36,380
You play tennis with Evan on Saturdays.
1718
01:59:36,390 --> 01:59:37,040
And you can play golf
with my dad on Sundays.
1719
01:59:37,050 --> 01:59:37,500
You want me to play golf?
1720
01:59:37,510 --> 01:59:38,080
And the bonus is I get employee rates
1721
01:59:38,090 --> 01:59:38,720
On Marriott hotel rooms
all over the world.
1722
01:59:38,730 --> 01:59:39,240
I've heard a lot of hyphenates,
1723
01:59:39,250 --> 01:59:40,190
But a bra-selling-English-teacher-
hotel-concierge has gotta be a new one.
1724
01:59:40,200 --> 01:59:40,850
You told me your part-time job
was temporary.
1725
01:59:40,860 --> 01:59:41,440
It is. I just don't know for how long.
1726
01:59:41,450 --> 01:59:41,970
- What if I said no?
- No, what?
1727
01:59:41,980 --> 01:59:42,780
- But I can make it work, Scott.
- No, that's not the point.
1728
01:59:42,790 --> 01:59:43,410
You can do anything!
We know that already.
1729
01:59:43,420 --> 01:59:43,880
It's just that I... You...
1730
01:59:43,890 --> 01:59:44,320
You didn't even ask me.
1731
01:59:44,330 --> 01:59:45,190
- I'm just trying to do my job, Scott.
- By getting two more jobs?
1732
01:59:45,200 --> 01:59:45,650
I don't understand, Erin.
1733
01:59:45,660 --> 01:59:46,350
Scott, this is our time
to go after what we want,
1734
01:59:46,360 --> 01:59:46,980
When we're young,
before we have a family.
1735
01:59:46,990 --> 01:59:47,790
Maybe this is the perfect time
for you to go back to school,
1736
01:59:47,800 --> 01:59:48,280
Get your architect's degree.
1737
01:59:48,290 --> 01:59:48,720
Wouldn't that be great?
1738
01:59:48,730 --> 01:59:48,980
What?
1739
01:59:48,990 --> 01:59:49,270
Nothing.
1740
01:59:49,280 --> 01:59:49,880
So, I'll call you with a list of venues.
1741
01:59:49,890 --> 01:59:50,580
I've scheduled a PTA board meeting
for next week.
1742
01:59:50,590 --> 01:59:51,070
So, it should be no problem.
1743
01:59:51,080 --> 01:59:51,660
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome.
1744
01:59:51,670 --> 01:59:52,380
- Lovely to see you, Paula.
- Good to see you, too.
1745
01:59:52,390 --> 01:59:52,730
- Hi.
- Hello.
1746
01:59:52,740 --> 01:59:53,620
Principal Banning received a call
from Dr. Cohn at the school board.
1747
01:59:53,630 --> 01:59:54,320
Apparently you're taking your students
on a trip?
1748
01:59:54,330 --> 01:59:55,230
Yes, but it's over the weekend,
so it won't affect any test schedules.
1749
01:59:55,240 --> 01:59:55,680
I know how busy you are,
1750
01:59:55,690 --> 01:59:56,530
And since I'm paying for it myself,
I didn't want to bother you.
1751
01:59:56,540 --> 01:59:56,930
I'll be right back.
1752
01:59:56,940 --> 01:59:57,390
Oh, no. No, no, no. Erin?
1753
01:59:57,400 --> 01:59:58,971
- Get back in the car.
- Dad, he lives right here.
1754
01:59:59,073 --> 02:00:02,099
I'll get him.
Get back in the car and lock your door.
1755
02:00:04,244 --> 02:00:06,735
- What's his name?
- Andre Bryant.
1756
02:00:06,847 --> 02:00:07,814
Andre.
1757
02:00:11,752 --> 02:00:15,916
Since my pop split, my mom can't even
look at me, 'cause I look like my dad.
1758
02:00:16,423 --> 02:00:18,220
And with my brother in jail,
1759
02:00:18,325 --> 02:00:21,294
she looks at me and thinks
that's where I'm going, too.
1760
02:00:21,628 --> 02:00:23,255
She doesn't see me.
1761
02:00:23,864 --> 02:00:25,889
She doesn't see me at all.
1762
02:00:30,504 --> 02:00:31,994
I'm going out.
1763
02:00:37,444 --> 02:00:38,468
- What up?
- Hey.
1764
02:00:38,579 --> 02:00:40,479
Where you going? I need you.
1765
02:00:40,948 --> 02:00:43,883
No, man, I can't now.
I got something to do.
1766
02:00:44,018 --> 02:00:45,610
Tonight. I'll do it tonight.
1767
02:00:45,753 --> 02:00:48,847
I gotta go do something,
and I can't carry that around with me.
1768
02:00:49,256 --> 02:00:51,087
Forget it, man, I'll get somebody else.
1769
02:00:51,191 --> 02:00:53,250
I can't be waiting all day on you.
1770
02:00:53,894 --> 02:00:54,986
Hey.
1771
02:00:56,463 --> 02:00:59,864
Sorry about your brother, man.
I hear he going away for life.
1772
02:01:00,167 --> 02:01:02,601
They won't get it.
The guy he was with confessed.
1773
02:01:02,703 --> 02:01:04,830
To who? Your brother?
1774
02:01:05,539 --> 02:01:07,939
Hey. You Andre?
1775
02:01:19,420 --> 02:01:20,887
- What up?
- Hey.
1776
02:01:26,760 --> 02:01:29,160
- What?
- Put on your seat belt.
1777
02:01:32,533 --> 02:01:34,330
You, too, young lady.
1778
02:01:37,805 --> 02:01:40,365
You kids ever been
to Newport Beach before?
1779
02:01:40,574 --> 02:01:44,203
What? We went there last year
on our way to Paris.
1780
02:01:50,484 --> 02:01:51,951
Paris.
1781
02:01:56,356 --> 02:01:57,323
It's good.
1782
02:01:57,658 --> 02:01:59,319
I brought you something.
1783
02:02:03,430 --> 02:02:06,058
It's a good book. I read it in school.
1784
02:02:06,166 --> 02:02:09,966
It's about a gang kid,
and I thought you might like to read it.
1785
02:02:18,178 --> 02:02:21,011
He told me what I had to say
when I'm on the stand.
1786
02:03:16,837 --> 02:03:20,898
At the beginning of the tour, they give
you a card with a child's picture on it.
1787
02:03:21,074 --> 02:03:24,237
You could find out who they were
and what camp they were sent to.
1788
02:03:24,344 --> 02:03:28,144
And at the end of the tour,
you could find out if they survived.
1789
02:03:29,016 --> 02:03:31,280
I got a little girl from Italy.
1790
02:03:45,599 --> 02:03:47,726
Tito, your hat.
1791
02:04:17,698 --> 02:04:21,327
Kristallnacht, they called it.
The Night of Broken Glass.
1792
02:04:21,435 --> 02:04:23,767
Hundreds of synagogues
looted and burned.
1793
02:04:23,870 --> 02:04:26,634
More than 7,000
Jewish stores destroyed.
1794
02:04:26,740 --> 02:04:28,833
Over 100 Jews killed.
1795
02:04:41,622 --> 02:04:47,026
A small center for children in Isieux
in the French province of Ain.
1796
02:04:47,728 --> 02:04:50,629
Among the children deported that day
to Birkenau
1797
02:04:50,731 --> 02:04:54,098
was 11-year-old Liliane Berenstein,
1798
02:04:54,201 --> 02:04:58,103
who, before leaving,
left behind a letter to God.
1799
02:05:03,944 --> 02:05:08,574
My little boy died.
He got off the train and they killed him.
1800
02:05:09,082 --> 02:05:11,243
I don't know why
it bothered me so much.
1801
02:05:11,385 --> 02:05:13,512
I've seen death all my life.
1802
02:05:13,787 --> 02:05:18,451
But this little boy was only five.
1803
02:05:39,346 --> 02:05:42,873
Ms. G had a beautiful dinner for us
at the hotel where she works.
1804
02:05:43,583 --> 02:05:47,542
She invited real Holocaust survivors
from the museum to meet us.
1805
02:05:48,722 --> 02:05:50,519
There was Elisabeth Mann.
1806
02:05:50,624 --> 02:05:55,162
I had my parents,
my sister, my two brothers.
1807
02:05:55,462 --> 02:05:56,929
Gloria Ungar.
1808
02:05:57,030 --> 02:05:59,624
If any of you have seen someone
with a number on their arm,
1809
02:05:59,733 --> 02:06:01,724
These were the lucky people.
1810
02:06:01,835 --> 02:06:04,269
The people who,
when we came to Auschwitz,
1811
02:06:04,371 --> 02:06:08,171
When they tattooed the people
they took us to do the slave work.
1812
02:06:08,275 --> 02:06:11,904
Not the others,
and that included many of my family.
1813
02:06:12,012 --> 02:06:14,276
So, we ran away,
some of the young kids.
1814
02:06:14,381 --> 02:06:16,815
I was at that time
11-and-a-half years old.
1815
02:06:16,917 --> 02:06:17,941
Eddie llam.
1816
02:06:18,085 --> 02:06:20,053
And where to go, I didn't know,
1817
02:06:20,153 --> 02:06:23,884
But I remember one place
where I used to live.
1818
02:06:23,990 --> 02:06:26,356
So when I ran there,
there was not one Jew left.
1819
02:06:26,460 --> 02:06:29,657
I was in the worst camp.
I was in Auschwitz.
1820
02:06:29,763 --> 02:06:31,230
And Renee Firestone.
1821
02:06:31,331 --> 02:06:35,233
When I arrived, my parents were
immediately taken away from me.
1822
02:06:35,669 --> 02:06:38,968
My little sister,
who was then 14 years old,
1823
02:06:39,005 --> 02:06:41,735
Stayed with me for a little while.
1824
02:06:42,209 --> 02:06:45,406
And then later on,
I was separated from her also.
1825
02:06:45,512 --> 02:06:48,140
She lost her whole family at the camps.
1826
02:06:48,982 --> 02:06:53,078
She came to this country with $4
in her pocket and a newborn baby.
1827
02:06:54,154 --> 02:06:56,315
I'll never forget these people.
1828
02:06:56,456 --> 02:06:59,254
And then she was killed
because they didn't want...
1829
02:06:59,359 --> 02:07:02,260
I can't believe Ms. G did all of this
for us.
1830
02:07:09,803 --> 02:07:11,395
Hi, honey, it's me.
1831
02:07:11,505 --> 02:07:14,099
Look, we're still at the restaurant,
if you wanted to drop by.
1832
02:07:14,207 --> 02:07:15,834
We haven't even ordered dessert yet,
1833
02:07:15,942 --> 02:07:18,308
and the kids are having
such an incredible time.
1834
02:07:18,412 --> 02:07:20,175
You have to see them.
1835
02:07:20,280 --> 02:07:23,340
If you get in soon, come by.
It's only 9:30 now.
1836
02:07:24,751 --> 02:07:29,188
Okay, I'll see you later. Love you. Bye.
1837
02:08:00,720 --> 02:08:02,654
How many times
I gotta tell your ass again?
1838
02:08:02,756 --> 02:08:04,883
Get your butt in here!
1839
02:08:37,190 --> 02:08:39,658
So, you had all summer
to read and consider this book.
1840
02:08:43,797 --> 02:08:47,563
And you know,
I thought it would be most valuable
1841
02:08:48,268 --> 02:08:53,672
To begin with Victoria
to give us the black perspective.
1842
02:08:55,242 --> 02:08:56,539
Victoria?
1843
02:08:57,344 --> 02:08:59,335
Do I have a stamp
on my forehead that says,
1844
02:08:59,446 --> 02:09:02,006
"The National Spokesperson
for the Plight of Black People"?
1845
02:09:02,249 --> 02:09:05,412
How the hell should I know the black
perspective on The Color Purple?
1846
02:09:05,552 --> 02:09:08,988
That's it, if I don't change classes,
I'm gonna hurt this fool.
1847
02:09:09,089 --> 02:09:11,148
Teachers treat me like
I'm some kind of Rosetta stone
1848
02:09:11,291 --> 02:09:12,724
for African-Americans.
1849
02:09:12,826 --> 02:09:14,589
What? Black people learn how to read,
1850
02:09:14,694 --> 02:09:17,390
and we all miraculously come
to the same conclusion?
1851
02:09:17,497 --> 02:09:21,092
At that point, I decided to check out
my friend Brandy's English class.
1852
02:09:21,201 --> 02:09:22,668
- Good to see you, man.
- Hey, yeah.
1853
02:09:22,769 --> 02:09:24,828
- How was your summer?
- Great.
1854
02:09:29,342 --> 02:09:31,310
You're still white, I see.
1855
02:09:31,945 --> 02:09:33,810
Okay, everybody. Ready?
1856
02:09:33,980 --> 02:09:35,106
- Hey, Ms. G.
- Hi.
1857
02:09:35,215 --> 02:09:36,546
- Hi, Ms. G.
- Hi.
1858
02:09:45,992 --> 02:09:49,484
Okay, guys, gals, listen up!
This is what I want you to do.
1859
02:09:49,729 --> 02:09:53,825
I want each of you to step forward
and take one of these Borders bags,
1860
02:09:53,934 --> 02:09:56,835
Which contain the four books
we're gonna read this semester.
1861
02:09:56,937 --> 02:09:58,165
All right!
1862
02:09:58,905 --> 02:10:01,203
They're very special books,
1863
02:10:01,308 --> 02:10:05,768
And they each remind me,
in some way, of each of you.
1864
02:10:09,683 --> 02:10:12,948
But, before you take the books,
1865
02:10:13,587 --> 02:10:17,387
I want you to take one of these glasses
of sparkling cider,
1866
02:10:17,490 --> 02:10:21,290
And I want each of you to make a toast.
1867
02:10:22,596 --> 02:10:26,088
We're each gonna make
a toast for change.
1868
02:10:26,533 --> 02:10:31,095
And what that means is,
from this moment on
1869
02:10:31,671 --> 02:10:37,007
Every voice that told you
"You can't" is silenced.
1870
02:10:38,144 --> 02:10:43,411
Every reason that tells you things
will never change, disappears.
1871
02:10:44,951 --> 02:10:48,419
And the person you were
before this moment,
1872
02:10:48,454 --> 02:10:51,888
That person's turn is over.
Now it's your turn.
1873
02:10:52,826 --> 02:10:54,123
Okay?
1874
02:10:55,228 --> 02:10:59,187
Okay, you ready to get
this party going on?
1875
02:11:02,168 --> 02:11:03,795
- What?
- Stop doing that, man.
1876
02:11:03,903 --> 02:11:05,461
What's the dealio?
1877
02:11:13,713 --> 02:11:16,739
Man, I've had boyfriends since I was,
like, 11, you know.
1878
02:11:17,450 --> 02:11:20,214
- I believe you.
- Shut up.
1879
02:11:20,620 --> 02:11:23,748
Okay, well, I was always the person
1880
02:11:23,890 --> 02:11:27,326
That was gonna get pregnant
before I turned 16 and drop out.
1881
02:11:28,228 --> 02:11:29,593
Like my mom.
1882
02:11:33,566 --> 02:11:34,999
Ain't gonna happen.
1883
02:11:35,235 --> 02:11:37,430
Nobody ever listens to a teenager.
1884
02:11:38,171 --> 02:11:41,800
Everybody thinks you should be happy
just because you're young.
1885
02:11:41,908 --> 02:11:44,934
They don't see the wars
that we fight every single day.
1886
02:11:45,712 --> 02:11:47,543
And one day, my war will end.
1887
02:11:48,014 --> 02:11:49,777
And I will not die.
1888
02:11:51,251 --> 02:11:54,687
And I will not tolerate abuse
from anyone.
1889
02:11:58,224 --> 02:11:59,555
I am strong.
1890
02:11:59,659 --> 02:12:02,890
My moms kicked me out
when I got jumped into the gang life.
1891
02:12:04,064 --> 02:12:06,362
But I'd like her to see me graduate.
1892
02:12:07,967 --> 02:12:09,764
I'd like to be 18.
1893
02:12:14,074 --> 02:12:17,601
Ms. G?
Can I read something from my diary?
1894
02:12:17,711 --> 02:12:19,178
That'd be great.
1895
02:12:23,149 --> 02:12:24,810
Who is he?
1896
02:12:24,951 --> 02:12:27,044
Man, he's been with us
from freshman year, fool.
1897
02:12:27,187 --> 02:12:30,088
- What's his name?
- I don't know.
1898
02:12:31,658 --> 02:12:36,118
"This summer was the worst summer
in my short 14 years of life.
1899
02:12:36,830 --> 02:12:39,025
"It all started with a phone call.
1900
02:12:39,466 --> 02:12:41,900
"My mother was crying and begging,
1901
02:12:42,001 --> 02:12:46,961
"asking for more time as if she were
gasping for her last breath of air.
1902
02:12:47,974 --> 02:12:51,034
"She held me as tight
as she could and cried.
1903
02:12:51,144 --> 02:12:56,582
"Her tears hit my shirt like bullets
and told me we were being evicted.
1904
02:12:56,983 --> 02:13:00,942
"She kept apologizing to me.
I thought, 'I have no home.
1905
02:13:01,054 --> 02:13:04,854
"'I should have asked for something
less expensive at Christmas. '
1906
02:13:04,958 --> 02:13:08,826
"On the morning of the eviction,
a hard knock on the door woke me up.
1907
02:13:08,928 --> 02:13:11,556
"The sheriff was there to do his job.
1908
02:13:12,465 --> 02:13:15,992
"I looked up at the sky,
waiting for something to happen.
1909
02:13:17,837 --> 02:13:21,398
"My mother has no family to lean on,
no money coming in.
1910
02:13:21,975 --> 02:13:25,638
"Why bother coming to school
or getting good grades if I'm homeless?
1911
02:13:26,279 --> 02:13:30,147
"The bus stops in front of the school.
I feel like throwing up.
1912
02:13:30,250 --> 02:13:35,017
"I'm wearing clothes from last year,
some old shoes and no new haircut.
1913
02:13:35,755 --> 02:13:38,087
"I kept thinking I'd get laughed at.
1914
02:13:38,124 --> 02:13:40,592
"Instead, I'm greeted
by a couple of friends
1915
02:13:40,693 --> 02:13:43,025
"who were in my English class last year.
1916
02:13:43,129 --> 02:13:46,030
"And it hits me, Mrs. Gruwell,
1917
02:13:46,132 --> 02:13:48,396
"my crazy English teacher
from last year,
1918
02:13:48,501 --> 02:13:51,163
"is the only person
that made me think of hope.
1919
02:13:52,238 --> 02:13:55,696
"Talking with friends
about last year's English and our trips,
1920
02:13:55,809 --> 02:13:57,834
"I began to feel better.
1921
02:13:58,444 --> 02:14:03,404
"I receive my schedule and the first
teacher is Mrs. Gruwell in Room 203.
1922
02:14:03,750 --> 02:14:06,851
"I walk into the room and feel as though
1923
02:14:06,886 --> 02:14:10,515
"all the problems in life
are not so important anymore.
1924
02:14:11,157 --> 02:14:12,624
"I am home. "
1925
02:14:14,627 --> 02:14:16,094
Yes, you are.
1926
02:14:36,716 --> 02:14:38,547
But you're an honors student.
1927
02:14:38,618 --> 02:14:40,210
If you transfer to Ms. Gruwell's class,
1928
02:14:40,353 --> 02:14:42,378
Think how that will reflect
on your records.
1929
02:14:42,522 --> 02:14:45,719
It doesn't matter to me.
My grades will still be the same.
1930
02:14:46,025 --> 02:14:47,890
Look, Ms. Campbell.
1931
02:14:47,994 --> 02:14:51,589
When I first transferred to the school,
I had a 4.0 average.
1932
02:14:51,931 --> 02:14:55,389
But when I applied for advanced
placement at English and Math,
1933
02:14:55,501 --> 02:14:58,436
I was told it would be better for me
to be in a class with my own kind.
1934
02:14:58,538 --> 02:15:01,473
Now, when I did get in, my teacher said,
1935
02:15:01,574 --> 02:15:05,203
"Victoria, it's not every day one finds
an African-American student
1936
02:15:05,311 --> 02:15:09,179
"in A. P. And honors courses. "
As if I didn't notice.
1937
02:15:09,282 --> 02:15:11,682
And when I asked
another honors teacher
1938
02:15:11,818 --> 02:15:14,446
Why we don't read more
black literature, she said,
1939
02:15:14,721 --> 02:15:16,689
"We don't read black literature
because of all the sex,
1940
02:15:16,823 --> 02:15:18,984
"drugs, cussing and fornication!"
1941
02:15:21,127 --> 02:15:25,757
I thought a simple "It's inappropriate"
would have sufficed.
1942
02:15:29,969 --> 02:15:31,903
Erin can't do that!
1943
02:15:32,171 --> 02:15:34,571
Distinguished Honor Students are mine.
1944
02:15:35,174 --> 02:15:37,665
She's not allowed to teach them.
She's only been here a year.
1945
02:15:37,710 --> 02:15:39,302
The student requested it.
1946
02:15:39,412 --> 02:15:42,006
And Gruwell has got Cohn
in her back pocket.
1947
02:15:43,283 --> 02:15:48,220
What gets me is they're violent, they
break laws, they destroy school property
1948
02:15:48,454 --> 02:15:53,493
And in the end we make them special.
We reward them like...
1949
02:15:53,528 --> 02:15:55,859
I just don't see what that teaches them.
1950
02:15:56,596 --> 02:15:58,996
Hi! Sorry I'm late.
1951
02:15:59,365 --> 02:16:01,458
Did you eat? I'm ordering in.
Are you hungry?
1952
02:16:01,567 --> 02:16:03,432
What question do you want me
to answer first?
1953
02:16:03,536 --> 02:16:06,437
Did I eat or am I hungry?
I ate. I'm not hungry.
1954
02:16:06,539 --> 02:16:09,804
Something really cool happened today.
I got an honors student.
1955
02:16:09,909 --> 02:16:11,809
- Congratulations.
- Isn't that great?
1956
02:16:11,911 --> 02:16:13,845
She actually requested my class.
1957
02:16:13,947 --> 02:16:15,915
Can you teach an honors student?
1958
02:16:16,282 --> 02:16:17,306
What do you mean?
1959
02:16:17,417 --> 02:16:20,215
Well, I mean, you're used
to teaching your kind of kids.
1960
02:16:20,353 --> 02:16:22,821
Can you teach somebody who's smart?
1961
02:16:23,456 --> 02:16:24,616
Of course I can.
1962
02:16:24,757 --> 02:16:26,622
Yeah, but it's not like you have, right?
1963
02:16:26,726 --> 02:16:29,957
I mean, you don't really teach
what everybody else teaches.
1964
02:16:31,531 --> 02:16:33,226
My kids' grades are up to B's.
1965
02:16:33,399 --> 02:16:35,833
Yeah, but the point is,
that's according to you.
1966
02:16:35,935 --> 02:16:38,733
It's not like they're really learning
what normal kids have to learn.
1967
02:16:38,771 --> 02:16:40,636
Normal kids? Yes, they are.
1968
02:16:40,740 --> 02:16:42,230
They're reading
The Diary of Anne Frank.
1969
02:16:42,342 --> 02:16:44,708
They're learning vocabulary,
grammar, writing, poetry.
1970
02:16:44,811 --> 02:16:47,109
All right. Okay, I apologize. Sorry.
1971
02:16:48,047 --> 02:16:49,605
Congratulations.
1972
02:16:57,690 --> 02:16:58,748
What is wrong with you?
1973
02:16:58,891 --> 02:17:00,882
You know, at Deb's party,
I heard you telling people
1974
02:17:01,027 --> 02:17:03,393
That I was an architect
and that my job was temporary.
1975
02:17:03,496 --> 02:17:06,522
I want you to stop that, all right?
I like my job.
1976
02:17:06,632 --> 02:17:07,724
Fine.
1977
02:17:08,701 --> 02:17:10,794
You're the one who said
you were gonna be an architect.
1978
02:17:10,903 --> 02:17:12,928
Yeah, four years ago,
before we got married.
1979
02:17:13,039 --> 02:17:14,631
What, I'm gonna go back to school now
1980
02:17:14,741 --> 02:17:16,641
For two years and intern for three?
1981
02:17:16,743 --> 02:17:18,233
I'll be over 40.
1982
02:17:18,344 --> 02:17:20,369
All right. I thought you still wanted it.
1983
02:17:20,480 --> 02:17:24,507
It doesn't matter if I want it, Erin.
It doesn't mean it's going to happen.
1984
02:17:26,686 --> 02:17:27,948
Why not?
1985
02:17:37,163 --> 02:17:41,156
"Writing in a diary is a really strange
experience for someone like me.
1986
02:17:41,300 --> 02:17:44,030
"I mean, not only because
I've never written anything before,
1987
02:17:44,170 --> 02:17:46,468
"but also because
it seems to me that later on,
1988
02:17:46,572 --> 02:17:49,370
"neither I nor anyone else
will be interested
1989
02:17:49,475 --> 02:17:51,306
"in the musings
of a 13-year-old schoolgirl. "
1990
02:17:51,411 --> 02:17:53,345
"Terrible things are happening outside.
1991
02:17:53,446 --> 02:17:54,845
"At any time of day,
1992
02:17:54,947 --> 02:17:57,415
"poor helpless people
are being dragged out of their homes.
1993
02:17:57,517 --> 02:17:58,541
"Families are torn apart. "
1994
02:17:58,651 --> 02:18:01,415
"If only I can be myself, I'll be satisfied.
1995
02:18:01,521 --> 02:18:03,250
"I know that I'm a woman
with inner strength
1996
02:18:03,356 --> 02:18:05,119
"and a great deal of courage.
1997
02:18:05,224 --> 02:18:08,853
"If God lets me live,
I'll achieve more than Mother ever did. "
1998
02:18:08,961 --> 02:18:12,021
"Anti-Jewish decrees followed
in quick succession.
1999
02:18:12,532 --> 02:18:16,832
"Jews must wear a yellow star.
Jews must hand in bicycles.
2000
02:18:17,403 --> 02:18:20,065
"Jews are banned from trams
and forbidden to drive. "
2001
02:18:20,206 --> 02:18:22,106
"Jews are forbidden to visit theaters,
2002
02:18:22,208 --> 02:18:24,233
"cinemas and other places
of entertainment. "
2003
02:18:24,343 --> 02:18:26,436
"Jews may not take part
in public sports.
2004
02:18:26,546 --> 02:18:29,276
"Swimming baths,
tennis courts, hockey fields
2005
02:18:29,382 --> 02:18:31,976
"and other sports grounds
are all prohibited. "
2006
02:18:33,019 --> 02:18:37,353
"I can't tell you how oppressive it is
never to be able to go outdoors.
2007
02:18:38,157 --> 02:18:42,856
"Also, I'm very afraid
that we will be discovered and be shot. "
2008
02:18:44,297 --> 02:18:48,597
"No one can keep out of the conflict.
The entire world is at war.
2009
02:18:48,801 --> 02:18:50,962
"And even though the Allies
are doing better,
2010
02:18:51,104 --> 02:18:52,731
"the end is nowhere in sight. "
2011
02:18:54,941 --> 02:18:55,908
Hi.
2012
02:18:57,076 --> 02:18:59,340
When is Anne gonna smoke Hitler?
2013
02:18:59,946 --> 02:19:03,006
- What?
- You know. Take him out?
2014
02:19:03,116 --> 02:19:07,712
Eva, this is The Diary of Anne Frank,
not Die Hard.
2015
02:19:08,588 --> 02:19:10,055
Keep reading.
2016
02:19:12,592 --> 02:19:14,787
"We talked about
the most private things,
2017
02:19:14,894 --> 02:19:18,295
"but we haven't yet touched upon
the things closest to my heart.
2018
02:19:18,397 --> 02:19:20,922
"I still can't make heads
or tails of Peter.
2019
02:19:21,033 --> 02:19:22,796
"Is he superficial?
2020
02:19:22,935 --> 02:19:26,336
"Or is it shyness that holds him back,
even with me?"
2021
02:19:31,978 --> 02:19:35,573
- Are Anne and Peter gonna hook up?
- I'm not telling you.
2022
02:19:36,949 --> 02:19:40,009
"It's utterly impossible for me
to build my life on a foundation
2023
02:19:40,052 --> 02:19:42,919
"of chaos, suffering and death.
2024
02:19:43,723 --> 02:19:47,352
"I see the world being
slowly transformed into a wilderness.
2025
02:19:47,460 --> 02:19:51,260
"I feel the suffering of millions,
and yet when I look up at the sky
2026
02:19:51,631 --> 02:19:55,362
"I somehow feel that everything
will change for the better. "
2027
02:20:00,239 --> 02:20:03,606
- Eva, what's wrong?
- Why didn't you tell me she dies?
2028
02:20:03,876 --> 02:20:06,140
Why you didn't tell me she gets caught
in the end?
2029
02:20:06,546 --> 02:20:08,673
I hate you and I hate this book.
2030
02:20:08,781 --> 02:20:09,748
Eva.
2031
02:20:09,849 --> 02:20:14,081
If she dies, then what about me?
What are you saying about that?
2032
02:20:15,288 --> 02:20:17,916
- Anne Frank died, but she...
- I can't believe they got her!
2033
02:20:18,024 --> 02:20:20,652
That ain't supposed to happen
in the story! That ain't right!
2034
02:20:20,760 --> 02:20:22,489
- 'Cause it's true?
- I ain't talking to you!
2035
02:20:22,595 --> 02:20:25,291
You're talking around me.
That's the same thing.
2036
02:20:25,398 --> 02:20:27,229
See, to me, she ain't dead at all.
2037
02:20:27,333 --> 02:20:30,029
How many friends did you know
that are dead now that got killed?
2038
02:20:30,169 --> 02:20:31,500
Too many to count.
2039
02:20:31,604 --> 02:20:34,038
How many have you read a book about?
2040
02:20:34,307 --> 02:20:37,276
Have you seen them on TV
or even in the newspaper?
2041
02:20:37,343 --> 02:20:38,970
That's why this story's dope.
2042
02:20:39,078 --> 02:20:40,841
She was our age, man.
2043
02:20:40,980 --> 02:20:44,472
Anne Frank understands our situation,
my situation.
2044
02:20:44,584 --> 02:20:47,519
And that Miep Gies lady,
the one that helped hide them?
2045
02:20:47,620 --> 02:20:48,848
I like her.
2046
02:20:48,955 --> 02:20:51,389
I got all these other books
about her from the library.
2047
02:20:51,490 --> 02:20:54,357
Wow. You used your library card?
2048
02:20:56,295 --> 02:20:57,353
No.
2049
02:20:59,632 --> 02:21:04,399
Okay, listen up.
Marcus has given me an idea.
2050
02:21:04,904 --> 02:21:08,396
Instead of doing a book report on
The Diary of Anne Frank,
2051
02:21:08,541 --> 02:21:12,477
For our assignment I want you
to write a letter to Miep Gies,
2052
02:21:12,578 --> 02:21:14,842
The woman who helped shelter
the Franks.
2053
02:21:14,947 --> 02:21:18,405
She's still alive and she lives in Europe.
2054
02:21:18,517 --> 02:21:21,281
In the letter, I want you to tell her
how you feel about the book.
2055
02:21:21,387 --> 02:21:23,878
Tell her about your own experiences.
Tell her anything you like.
2056
02:21:23,990 --> 02:21:26,151
But I want the letters to be perfect,
2057
02:21:26,259 --> 02:21:28,693
So be prepared to do more
than one draft, okay?
2058
02:21:28,794 --> 02:21:30,261
Is she gonna read the letters?
2059
02:21:30,363 --> 02:21:32,763
Well, right now it's
a writing assignment. I'll read them.
2060
02:21:32,932 --> 02:21:34,490
We should get her to read them.
2061
02:21:34,634 --> 02:21:37,694
- Yeah, you can do that, right, Ms. G?
- Well, I don't know.
2062
02:21:37,770 --> 02:21:39,135
Maybe we should get her
to come and speak.
2063
02:21:39,238 --> 02:21:41,069
Yeah, and have a big dinner again.
2064
02:21:42,842 --> 02:21:44,673
Wait. Guys.
2065
02:21:47,880 --> 02:21:51,475
Guys! Everyone! Listen! She's elderly!
2066
02:21:51,584 --> 02:21:54,052
I don't know how to contact her.
I don't even know if she travels.
2067
02:21:54,153 --> 02:21:55,780
And it would be really expensive.
2068
02:21:55,888 --> 02:21:57,583
We could raise the money.
2069
02:21:58,524 --> 02:21:59,582
Ms. G?
2070
02:21:59,692 --> 02:22:03,651
When Miep Gies come,
can I, like, be the one to escort her in?
2071
02:22:23,516 --> 02:22:24,813
Five.
2072
02:22:38,230 --> 02:22:39,629
Hi, I'm trying to get the number
2073
02:22:39,732 --> 02:22:42,223
For the Anne Frank Foundation
in Basel, Switzerland.
2074
02:23:57,009 --> 02:23:58,567
Come in, Margaret.
2075
02:24:45,191 --> 02:24:47,989
Ms. G sent our letters all the way
to Amsterdam
2076
02:24:48,093 --> 02:24:49,890
to Miep Gies, herself.
2077
02:24:50,095 --> 02:24:52,290
When Ms. G made up her mind
about something,
2078
02:24:52,398 --> 02:24:54,889
there was no stopping her,
man, for real.
2079
02:25:02,208 --> 02:25:06,338
And after we raised the money to bring
her to Long Beach, there she was.
2080
02:25:08,747 --> 02:25:12,547
But, damn,
I didn't expect her to be so small.
2081
02:25:31,203 --> 02:25:34,730
The bounty on a Jew was about $2.
2082
02:25:35,608 --> 02:25:38,873
Someone desperate for money
told the Gestapo.
2083
02:25:38,911 --> 02:25:42,779
On August 4th,
they stormed into my office,
2084
02:25:43,482 --> 02:25:49,853
And a man pointed a gun at
me and said, "Not a sound.
2085
02:25:50,356 --> 02:25:51,983
"Not one word. "
2086
02:25:53,125 --> 02:25:55,753
And then they went straight upstairs
to the attic.
2087
02:25:56,295 --> 02:25:58,729
I felt so helpless.
2088
02:25:58,831 --> 02:26:01,391
I could hear Anne screaming,
objects being thrown around.
2089
02:26:01,534 --> 02:26:04,264
So, I ran back to my house.
2090
02:26:04,403 --> 02:26:07,133
I looked for an earring
or knick-knacks, you know,
2091
02:26:07,239 --> 02:26:10,003
Anything I could take back with me
to bribe them.
2092
02:26:10,142 --> 02:26:13,441
So I took this back with me,
all these things,
2093
02:26:13,546 --> 02:26:17,846
And the soldier there took out his gun
2094
02:26:18,484 --> 02:26:20,679
And put it against my head.
2095
02:26:25,257 --> 02:26:29,853
You could be shot for hiding a Jew
or go to a camp.
2096
02:26:30,563 --> 02:26:34,522
So, another soldier
recognized my accent.
2097
02:26:34,733 --> 02:26:38,430
He was Austrian, and so was I,
2098
02:26:38,871 --> 02:26:41,635
But I had been adopted
by a Dutch family.
2099
02:26:41,740 --> 02:26:45,540
So, he told the soldier with the gun
to let me go.
2100
02:26:47,446 --> 02:26:51,974
There isn't a day
that I don't remember August 4th
2101
02:26:53,285 --> 02:26:57,119
And I think about Anne Frank.
2102
02:26:59,692 --> 02:27:00,784
Yes?
2103
02:27:08,667 --> 02:27:10,760
I've never had a hero before.
2104
02:27:11,670 --> 02:27:13,137
But you are my hero.
2105
02:27:13,606 --> 02:27:17,303
Oh, no. No, no, young man, no.
2106
02:27:17,409 --> 02:27:20,105
I am not a hero. No.
2107
02:27:20,212 --> 02:27:26,742
I did what I had to do,
because it was the right thing to do.
2108
02:27:27,152 --> 02:27:28,551
That is all.
2109
02:27:30,589 --> 02:27:33,422
You know, we are all ordinary people.
2110
02:27:34,126 --> 02:27:40,964
But even an ordinary secretary
or a housewife or a teenager
2111
02:27:42,368 --> 02:27:48,273
Can, within their own small ways,
turn on a small light
2112
02:27:50,776 --> 02:27:52,573
In a dark room.
2113
02:27:53,145 --> 02:27:54,305
Ja?
2114
02:27:58,517 --> 02:28:02,078
I have read your letters,
2115
02:28:02,187 --> 02:28:06,954
And your teacher has been telling me
many things about your experiences.
2116
02:28:09,094 --> 02:28:11,892
You are the heroes.
2117
02:28:13,198 --> 02:28:16,827
You are heroes every day.
2118
02:28:23,709 --> 02:28:27,145
Your faces are engraved in my heart.
2119
02:28:46,832 --> 02:28:48,197
You hungry?
2120
02:28:52,638 --> 02:28:55,402
You know what you're gonna say
in that courtroom?
2121
02:28:56,041 --> 02:28:58,009
I know what I have to say.
2122
02:28:59,712 --> 02:29:00,804
Yeah.
2123
02:29:01,480 --> 02:29:03,744
- You know how that is.
- I know.
2124
02:29:05,117 --> 02:29:07,745
And that man that put your father
in prison,
2125
02:29:07,853 --> 02:29:10,515
He knew he was sending
an innocent man.
2126
02:29:10,889 --> 02:29:12,186
But, you know,
2127
02:29:14,126 --> 02:29:15,718
He was just
2128
02:29:17,796 --> 02:29:19,525
Protecting his own.
2129
02:29:25,738 --> 02:29:28,434
What the hell does everybody
want from me?
2130
02:29:55,234 --> 02:29:57,202
Hey, Mama. Mama.
2131
02:30:02,808 --> 02:30:05,208
What the hell are you doing here?
2132
02:30:11,517 --> 02:30:15,453
I want to come home.
I don't want to be in the streets no more.
2133
02:30:15,554 --> 02:30:16,851
I'm sorry.
2134
02:30:19,358 --> 02:30:22,486
I want to change. I can't do it alone.
2135
02:30:24,396 --> 02:30:26,023
I need you, Mama.
2136
02:30:27,833 --> 02:30:29,300
I need you.
2137
02:31:06,972 --> 02:31:08,735
And what time was that?
2138
02:31:09,608 --> 02:31:11,906
I told you, 9:00, 9:30.
2139
02:31:12,578 --> 02:31:14,045
And you had a clear view
of the defendant,
2140
02:31:14,146 --> 02:31:16,011
Grant Rice, in the store?
2141
02:31:17,216 --> 02:31:19,582
I told you he was playing
the video game.
2142
02:31:20,185 --> 02:31:22,653
Then what happened?
What did you see?
2143
02:31:23,088 --> 02:31:25,181
Well, he got all whacked
because he lost the game,
2144
02:31:25,324 --> 02:31:28,919
And then he started shouting and all,
threatening everybody.
2145
02:31:29,027 --> 02:31:32,224
He threatened everyone?
He threatened you?
2146
02:31:33,332 --> 02:31:35,766
No. The guy who ran the store.
2147
02:31:35,901 --> 02:31:37,926
He wanted his money back
for the game.
2148
02:31:37,970 --> 02:31:39,995
And what did the store owner do?
2149
02:31:40,839 --> 02:31:44,138
He shouted back.
And they were fighting.
2150
02:31:44,409 --> 02:31:48,675
Then he, the defendant, knocked
something over and left the store.
2151
02:31:49,248 --> 02:31:51,739
And then what happened?
What did you see?
2152
02:31:55,921 --> 02:31:57,548
I saw...
2153
02:32:09,735 --> 02:32:11,202
I saw...
2154
02:32:26,485 --> 02:32:27,952
Paco did it.
2155
02:32:32,124 --> 02:32:33,853
Paco killed the guy.
2156
02:33:59,478 --> 02:34:01,969
My father won't talk to me anymore.
2157
02:34:04,349 --> 02:34:09,719
And I have to lay low for a little while
because there's word out to jump me.
2158
02:34:11,123 --> 02:34:13,421
So I'm gonna be living with my aunt.
2159
02:34:14,893 --> 02:34:19,853
See, my aunt lives even further away,
2160
02:34:21,933 --> 02:34:26,233
So I was just wondering if I could, like,
2161
02:34:29,374 --> 02:34:31,158
Stay here late with you
2162
02:34:31,193 --> 02:34:32,943
Stay here late with you
2163
02:34:34,813 --> 02:34:39,307
So I can get my homework done,
'cause it's late by the time I get home.
2164
02:34:41,787 --> 02:34:44,756
You can stay as late as you want.
2165
02:34:46,124 --> 02:34:50,083
And I can even drive you to your aunt's,
if it gets too late.
2166
02:34:53,331 --> 02:34:55,162
Ms. G, let's not get nuts.
2167
02:35:30,936 --> 02:35:32,870
I think I got your color.
2168
02:36:19,551 --> 02:36:21,542
Just come by the concierge
on your way out,
2169
02:36:21,653 --> 02:36:24,417
I'll have the directions for you.
Yep, that's fine.
2170
02:36:31,463 --> 02:36:35,263
Stop! That's it! Now, now! Hey!
2171
02:36:37,002 --> 02:36:39,470
You get an extra three seconds. Go!
2172
02:36:45,644 --> 02:36:47,908
... enraged them and provoked them
into acts of violence.
2173
02:36:48,013 --> 02:36:52,279
In 1961, an interracial civil rights group
traveled by bus through the South
2174
02:36:52,384 --> 02:36:54,113
to challenge segregation.
2175
02:36:54,219 --> 02:36:57,086
Blacks sat in the front,
whites in the back.
2176
02:36:57,556 --> 02:37:01,083
They were attacked, firebombed,
but they kept going.
2177
02:37:01,693 --> 02:37:05,857
In Montgomery, Alabama, Jim Zwerg
offered to be the first off the bus,
2178
02:37:05,964 --> 02:37:08,330
knowing there was a mob
waiting for them.
2179
02:37:08,466 --> 02:37:11,435
He was almost beaten to death
so the others could get away.
2180
02:37:11,536 --> 02:37:15,028
That kind of courage
is unbelievable to me.
2181
02:37:15,173 --> 02:37:18,540
I was afraid of just being in this class,
and I was ashamed
2182
02:37:18,643 --> 02:37:22,409
because I've always been the dumb kid
in school, even with my friends.
2183
02:37:22,581 --> 02:37:23,946
But not anymore.
2184
02:37:24,115 --> 02:37:25,639
And I must have some kind of courage,
2185
02:37:25,750 --> 02:37:29,481
because I could have lied
to get out of here, but I stayed.
2186
02:37:30,555 --> 02:37:31,852
I stayed.
2187
02:37:32,290 --> 02:37:33,587
Hi, I'm home!
2188
02:37:34,192 --> 02:37:39,129
Sorry, it got late. I drove the kids home.
I didn't want them taking buses.
2189
02:37:39,664 --> 02:37:42,030
You're never gonna believe
what happened.
2190
02:37:43,401 --> 02:37:45,062
I'm so tired.
2191
02:37:45,570 --> 02:37:48,437
It's so cute, though.
They never want to go home.
2192
02:37:49,107 --> 02:37:52,338
We have such a good time together.
I'm gonna take a shower.
2193
02:38:11,963 --> 02:38:15,057
If you have another glass,
you're gonna have a headache.
2194
02:38:15,834 --> 02:38:20,237
Your bags are packed and you think
the wine's gonna give me a headache?
2195
02:38:22,240 --> 02:38:24,003
Why are you doing this?
2196
02:38:24,109 --> 02:38:27,374
Because I don't
pay enough attention to you?
2197
02:38:27,479 --> 02:38:29,447
No. That's not it.
2198
02:38:31,816 --> 02:38:35,877
I just... I feel like I'm living a life
I just did not agree to.
2199
02:38:38,223 --> 02:38:39,850
Erin, it's just...
2200
02:38:41,092 --> 02:38:42,582
It's too hard.
2201
02:38:43,194 --> 02:38:45,355
Your life is too hard?
2202
02:38:45,864 --> 02:38:48,389
I think what you're doing is noble.
2203
02:38:49,000 --> 02:38:52,561
And it's good. And I'm proud of you.
2204
02:38:53,171 --> 02:38:54,468
I am.
2205
02:38:56,808 --> 02:39:00,107
I just want to live my life
and not feel bad about it.
2206
02:39:00,211 --> 02:39:03,374
- I'm not trying to make you feel bad.
- You don't have to try.
2207
02:39:03,481 --> 02:39:06,279
I didn't plan on becoming responsible
for these kids.
2208
02:39:06,384 --> 02:39:08,409
- Well, who asked you to?
- No one asked me to!
2209
02:39:08,520 --> 02:39:09,509
They're not even your kids!
2210
02:39:09,621 --> 02:39:13,421
Why do I have to be asked? Scott...
2211
02:39:17,562 --> 02:39:22,465
I finally realized what I'm
supposed to be doing and I love it.
2212
02:39:22,600 --> 02:39:27,264
When I'm helping these kids
make sense of their lives,
2213
02:39:27,906 --> 02:39:30,739
Everything about my life
makes sense to me.
2214
02:39:34,279 --> 02:39:36,645
How often does a person get that?
2215
02:39:39,951 --> 02:39:44,047
- Then what do you need me for?
- You're my husband.
2216
02:39:44,155 --> 02:39:49,058
Why can't you stand by me and be part
of it, the way wives support husbands?
2217
02:39:49,160 --> 02:39:51,025
Because I can't be your wife.
2218
02:39:58,336 --> 02:40:00,634
I wish I could make that
sound less awful.
2219
02:40:02,807 --> 02:40:03,967
Erin?
2220
02:40:05,577 --> 02:40:08,137
You know,
if you had to choose between us
2221
02:40:09,647 --> 02:40:11,274
And the class,
2222
02:40:13,084 --> 02:40:14,517
Who would you pick?
2223
02:40:16,554 --> 02:40:20,012
If you love me,
how could you ever ask me that?
2224
02:40:20,992 --> 02:40:22,619
Erin, look at me.
2225
02:40:26,131 --> 02:40:28,292
This is all there's ever been to me.
2226
02:40:28,666 --> 02:40:33,035
This is it. I'm not one of those kids.
I don't have any more potential.
2227
02:40:34,873 --> 02:40:36,397
See? You don't want to be here either,
2228
02:40:36,541 --> 02:40:39,874
'cause if you did, would you be
in the classroom every night?
2229
02:40:41,212 --> 02:40:45,842
That's not true. I want to be here.
I love you.
2230
02:40:47,018 --> 02:40:48,986
You love the idea of me.
2231
02:40:54,526 --> 02:40:56,824
But it's such a great idea.
2232
02:41:00,498 --> 02:41:01,795
I know.
2233
02:41:29,861 --> 02:41:31,658
Dad? Hi.
2234
02:41:34,265 --> 02:41:37,462
You know, I was actually trying
to call someone else,
2235
02:41:37,602 --> 02:41:39,570
And I automatically dialed you. I'm sorry.
2236
02:41:39,604 --> 02:41:42,164
Look, I'm gonna call you tomorrow,
okay?
2237
02:41:42,307 --> 02:41:45,606
I need to make this call. I love you.
2238
02:41:58,656 --> 02:42:01,147
Ms. G made us read Twelve Angry Men.
2239
02:42:01,259 --> 02:42:04,896
It's all about how this one juror
helped to turn the hearts of 11 jurors.
2240
02:42:04,931 --> 02:42:06,761
It made me feel hopeful.
2241
02:42:07,298 --> 02:42:10,563
At 2:00 today, my brother
was given a verdict on his own trial.
2242
02:42:10,702 --> 02:42:13,330
No O. J. Dream Team,
just a court-appointed attorney
2243
02:42:13,471 --> 02:42:15,439
who probably thought
his ass was guilty.
2244
02:42:15,573 --> 02:42:19,202
And I realized Twelve Angry Men
was just a book and nothing more.
2245
02:42:19,544 --> 02:42:22,274
My brother got 15 years to life.
2246
02:42:22,380 --> 02:42:25,110
Justice don't mean
the bad guy goes to jail.
2247
02:42:25,216 --> 02:42:27,411
It just means somebody
pays for the crime.
2248
02:42:33,258 --> 02:42:34,782
So, you got time now?
2249
02:42:41,666 --> 02:42:43,258
Anyone know where Andre's been?
2250
02:42:43,401 --> 02:42:44,663
I haven't seen him on the bus.
2251
02:42:44,802 --> 02:42:46,269
Yeah, I haven't talked to him either.
2252
02:42:55,179 --> 02:42:56,703
Ms. G?
2253
02:42:57,081 --> 02:42:59,413
Are we gonna have
this same room next year, again?
2254
02:42:59,517 --> 02:43:02,645
I don't know.
You're gonna be juniors next year.
2255
02:43:04,188 --> 02:43:05,712
What do you mean?
2256
02:43:05,823 --> 02:43:08,519
Well, I teach freshman
and sophomore years.
2257
02:43:08,626 --> 02:43:11,754
You mean,
we're not gonna be with you next year?
2258
02:43:14,465 --> 02:43:15,830
Well, I...
2259
02:43:17,702 --> 02:43:21,433
I don't teach juniors.
I thought you guys understood that.
2260
02:43:21,940 --> 02:43:23,066
What? What are you talking about?
2261
02:43:25,276 --> 02:43:26,903
You don't wanna be our teacher
next year?
2262
02:43:27,011 --> 02:43:29,536
Of course I do. I can't.
2263
02:43:29,647 --> 02:43:32,138
- Why not?
- It's the Board of Ed.
2264
02:43:32,250 --> 02:43:34,184
It's regulations.
2265
02:43:36,921 --> 02:43:39,719
Ms. G hasn't been here long enough
to have seniority.
2266
02:43:39,757 --> 02:43:41,088
Who cares about seniority?
2267
02:43:41,225 --> 02:43:43,785
Shit! They can't do that!
They don't have the right!
2268
02:43:45,897 --> 02:43:48,695
- Ms. G, this is our kick-it spot.
- Yeah.
2269
02:43:48,833 --> 02:43:52,269
Everybody's cool with everybody.
Everybody knows everybody.
2270
02:43:52,403 --> 02:43:55,839
This is the only place
where we really get to be ourselves.
2271
02:43:55,974 --> 02:43:57,999
There's no place like this
out there for us.
2272
02:43:58,276 --> 02:43:59,675
That's true.
2273
02:44:00,178 --> 02:44:02,738
I'm not allowed
to teach junior and seniors.
2274
02:44:02,880 --> 02:44:03,847
You're not allowed?
2275
02:44:05,883 --> 02:44:09,512
Ms. G, we can fight this, you know,
like the Freedom Riders.
2276
02:44:09,621 --> 02:44:11,384
Yeah, yeah,
we'll all drive around on a bus.
2277
02:44:11,489 --> 02:44:13,480
Only this time, they try and bust us up,
2278
02:44:13,591 --> 02:44:15,388
We bust a few of them
board members' heads.
2279
02:44:16,027 --> 02:44:17,016
Marcus.
2280
02:44:17,128 --> 02:44:20,757
Or we can go to the newspapers,
media. That'll get their attention.
2281
02:44:20,999 --> 02:44:22,466
Or we can paint
the administration building
2282
02:44:22,600 --> 02:44:25,068
With the word "assholes"
in various colors.
2283
02:44:26,804 --> 02:44:28,499
Hey, it's something. We can do this.
2284
02:44:33,945 --> 02:44:34,912
What?
2285
02:44:35,013 --> 02:44:38,574
These are my books, not Scott's.
I'm packing the wrong books.
2286
02:44:38,683 --> 02:44:40,378
Honey, take a break.
2287
02:44:44,322 --> 02:44:45,789
Sit down.
2288
02:44:48,960 --> 02:44:51,554
I can't believe I'm getting divorced.
2289
02:44:53,031 --> 02:44:55,465
I never thought this would happen.
2290
02:44:59,437 --> 02:45:01,530
What do I do now?
2291
02:45:02,507 --> 02:45:04,975
Next year, I won't even have my kids.
2292
02:45:05,376 --> 02:45:07,674
You think you should stay with them?
2293
02:45:08,546 --> 02:45:10,844
Or is it better they move on?
2294
02:45:11,182 --> 02:45:12,649
I don't know.
2295
02:45:16,454 --> 02:45:18,922
It's just a job, like you said.
2296
02:45:19,023 --> 02:45:20,650
Yeah, it is.
2297
02:45:21,592 --> 02:45:23,560
But is the job finished?
2298
02:45:25,897 --> 02:45:27,489
Listen to me now.
2299
02:45:27,765 --> 02:45:30,290
What you've done with those kids...
2300
02:45:32,704 --> 02:45:35,002
I don't even have words for it.
2301
02:45:36,741 --> 02:45:41,701
But one thing's for sure,
you are an amazing teacher.
2302
02:45:43,581 --> 02:45:44,946
Special.
2303
02:45:45,717 --> 02:45:50,120
You have been blessed with a burden,
my daughter.
2304
02:45:52,090 --> 02:45:54,058
And I envy you that.
2305
02:45:56,761 --> 02:45:58,388
And I admire you.
2306
02:46:00,898 --> 02:46:04,891
And how many fathers ever get
to say that to their daughters
2307
02:46:05,036 --> 02:46:07,004
And really mean it?
2308
02:46:10,875 --> 02:46:13,969
What she is suggesting
is in violation of our union charter.
2309
02:46:14,078 --> 02:46:17,241
She may not move on with her students
to teach them junior year.
2310
02:46:17,348 --> 02:46:19,339
She's only been here two years.
2311
02:46:19,450 --> 02:46:21,543
There are teachers here
who have tenure,
2312
02:46:21,652 --> 02:46:23,916
Who have worked and committed
themselves for far longer
2313
02:46:24,021 --> 02:46:25,921
To attain a position of seniority.
2314
02:46:26,023 --> 02:46:29,982
Not to mention their experience
in teaching students of a higher caliber.
2315
02:46:30,094 --> 02:46:32,892
The Distinguished Scholars Program
is under our jurisdiction.
2316
02:46:33,064 --> 02:46:35,828
I don't want to replace
the Distinguished Scholars Program.
2317
02:46:35,967 --> 02:46:37,867
I just want to stay
with my kids next year.
2318
02:46:37,969 --> 02:46:40,164
She can't. I have the juniors.
2319
02:46:40,238 --> 02:46:42,263
The Board of Education
will not allow this.
2320
02:46:42,406 --> 02:46:44,340
Teaching rotations will be disrupted,
2321
02:46:44,442 --> 02:46:46,740
Retirement schedules
will be reevaluated,
2322
02:46:46,844 --> 02:46:50,280
Disrespecting teachers
who have earned their way far longer
2323
02:46:50,381 --> 02:46:52,542
And who focus on the classroom,
2324
02:46:52,650 --> 02:46:55,483
Not on public relations
and newspaper articles.
2325
02:46:55,586 --> 02:46:57,577
I didn't ask for those articles
to be written.
2326
02:46:57,688 --> 02:46:59,178
She's in the middle of a divorce.
2327
02:46:59,290 --> 02:47:01,781
Note, they stay late in her class,
they're eating, they're playing games!
2328
02:47:01,893 --> 02:47:04,987
All right, let's all just take a breath here.
All right?
2329
02:47:06,430 --> 02:47:08,523
Now I had hoped
that we could talk this out,
2330
02:47:08,666 --> 02:47:10,361
Maybe come to some kind
of arrangement.
2331
02:47:10,501 --> 02:47:12,969
- There is no arrangement...
- Margaret.
2332
02:47:13,838 --> 02:47:15,305
Carl, look.
2333
02:47:15,907 --> 02:47:18,967
Putting aside all obvious resentments
for the moment,
2334
02:47:19,076 --> 02:47:20,475
Even if an arrangement were made
2335
02:47:20,578 --> 02:47:24,708
And she could teach them as juniors,
there isn't an accredited course
2336
02:47:24,816 --> 02:47:27,182
In the curriculum for her to teach.
2337
02:47:27,819 --> 02:47:31,482
Unless Brian trades one of his
junior classes for a sophomore.
2338
02:47:31,589 --> 02:47:32,647
No.
2339
02:47:34,425 --> 02:47:36,655
Then there's nothing I can do.
2340
02:47:40,198 --> 02:47:41,495
So that's it?
2341
02:47:42,633 --> 02:47:44,100
Believe it or not, Ms. Gruwell,
2342
02:47:44,202 --> 02:47:46,932
There are other capable teachers
in this school.
2343
02:47:47,071 --> 02:47:49,062
If you've made the progress
you say you have,
2344
02:47:49,207 --> 02:47:50,868
Your students should be ready
to move on.
2345
02:47:50,975 --> 02:47:53,637
They might even gain something
from more experienced teachers.
2346
02:47:53,744 --> 02:47:57,009
You can't teach them.
You don't even like them.
2347
02:47:57,114 --> 02:47:58,945
What does that have to do
with teaching?
2348
02:47:59,050 --> 02:48:01,644
I've been an educator for over 30 years.
2349
02:48:02,053 --> 02:48:03,748
I have students that still remain
in touch with me.
2350
02:48:03,855 --> 02:48:06,289
I know what it is to be loved
by a classroom!
2351
02:48:06,390 --> 02:48:09,359
You have no idea
how many battles I've had
2352
02:48:09,460 --> 02:48:11,121
Fighting to be a better teacher,
2353
02:48:11,229 --> 02:48:14,596
And now, what, suddenly I'm incapable
of educating your students?
2354
02:48:14,699 --> 02:48:17,361
You know, if they move on
to our classes and they fail,
2355
02:48:17,501 --> 02:48:19,560
It'll be because they weren't prepared!
2356
02:48:19,704 --> 02:48:22,400
Lt'll be because you failed, not them!
2357
02:48:40,992 --> 02:48:43,654
Andre? Wait a minute before you go in.
2358
02:48:56,908 --> 02:48:59,376
I heard about your brother's conviction.
I'm sorry.
2359
02:48:59,510 --> 02:49:01,705
Is that why you've missed class
so much?
2360
02:49:01,812 --> 02:49:03,609
I had things to do.
2361
02:49:06,884 --> 02:49:08,681
About this.
2362
02:49:09,153 --> 02:49:10,313
The evaluation assignment
2363
02:49:10,421 --> 02:49:11,888
Was to grade yourself
on the work you're doing.
2364
02:49:11,989 --> 02:49:14,423
You gave yourself an F.
What's that about?
2365
02:49:14,825 --> 02:49:18,022
- It's what I feel I deserve. That's all.
- Oh, really?
2366
02:49:19,597 --> 02:49:21,292
You know what this is?
2367
02:49:21,599 --> 02:49:25,592
This is a "Fuck you" to me,
and everyone in this class!
2368
02:49:25,736 --> 02:49:29,001
I don't want excuses.
I know what you're up against.
2369
02:49:29,340 --> 02:49:31,570
We're all of us up against something.
2370
02:49:32,543 --> 02:49:35,910
So you better make up your mind,
because until you have the balls
2371
02:49:36,013 --> 02:49:38,811
To look me straight in the eye
and tell me this is all you deserve,
2372
02:49:38,916 --> 02:49:40,474
I am not letting you fail,
2373
02:49:40,518 --> 02:49:42,577
Even if that means coming
to your house every night
2374
02:49:42,687 --> 02:49:44,382
Until you finish the work.
2375
02:49:44,488 --> 02:49:46,285
I see who you are.
2376
02:49:46,824 --> 02:49:48,951
Do you understand me?
2377
02:49:49,961 --> 02:49:51,929
I can see you.
2378
02:49:53,798 --> 02:49:55,732
And you are not failing.
2379
02:49:59,170 --> 02:50:04,107
So, take a minute.
Pull yourself together and come inside.
2380
02:50:04,642 --> 02:50:06,667
I want a new evaluation.
2381
02:50:11,882 --> 02:50:14,680
An F. What, are you tripping?
2382
02:50:20,358 --> 02:50:23,816
I want you all to know that
Dr. Cohn and I tried very hard.
2383
02:50:26,597 --> 02:50:29,464
But it's been decided we can't continue
with each other junior year.
2384
02:50:29,600 --> 02:50:30,692
- What?
- What?
2385
02:50:32,336 --> 02:50:34,236
You... Wait.
2386
02:50:34,972 --> 02:50:36,940
Wait. Guys. Everyone.
2387
02:50:38,342 --> 02:50:40,810
No! That don't fly, Ma!
2388
02:50:42,380 --> 02:50:46,043
Look, first of all,
I'm not anyone's mother in here, okay?
2389
02:50:46,150 --> 02:50:48,345
No, it doesn't mean mother.
2390
02:50:49,053 --> 02:50:51,385
It's a sign of respect for you.
2391
02:51:05,603 --> 02:51:07,002
Listen to me.
2392
02:51:07,238 --> 02:51:08,535
All of you.
2393
02:51:09,306 --> 02:51:13,936
Don't use me as another excuse
for why you can't make it.
2394
02:51:15,846 --> 02:51:19,145
You made it to your junior year.
2395
02:51:19,950 --> 02:51:22,748
Think about how you did that.
2396
02:51:24,121 --> 02:51:27,784
Everyone in this room
has a chance to graduate.
2397
02:51:28,826 --> 02:51:31,386
For some,
you'll be the first in your family.
2398
02:51:31,495 --> 02:51:34,259
The first with a choice to go to college.
2399
02:51:35,266 --> 02:51:38,064
Some may move faster than others.
2400
02:51:39,670 --> 02:51:41,968
But you'll each have the chance.
2401
02:51:43,040 --> 02:51:46,009
And you did that. Not me.
2402
02:51:53,084 --> 02:51:56,747
Now, I have one
2403
02:51:58,789 --> 02:52:00,381
Final project in mind.
2404
02:52:00,491 --> 02:52:02,686
- Ms. G.
- Yeah?
2405
02:52:04,528 --> 02:52:09,488
Ms. G wanted us to put our diaries
together in a book, just like Anne Frank.
2406
02:52:10,234 --> 02:52:12,259
She got this businessman, John Tu,
2407
02:52:12,403 --> 02:52:15,236
to donate 35 computers
so we could work.
2408
02:52:20,311 --> 02:52:23,712
She told us we have something
to say to people.
2409
02:52:23,881 --> 02:52:25,080
We weren't just kids
in a class anymore.
2410
02:52:25,115 --> 02:52:26,279
We weren't just kids
in a class anymore.
2411
02:52:26,383 --> 02:52:30,080
We were writers with our own voices,
our own stories.
2412
02:52:30,187 --> 02:52:32,246
And even if nobody else read it,
2413
02:52:32,356 --> 02:52:35,951
the book would be something
to leave behind that said we were here,
2414
02:52:36,560 --> 02:52:39,654
this is what happened, we mattered.
2415
02:52:40,131 --> 02:52:44,397
Even if it was just to each other.
And we won't forget.
2416
02:52:46,103 --> 02:52:48,469
Ms. G didn't promise
it would get published or anything,
2417
02:52:48,572 --> 02:52:51,439
but we could get it out there ourselves.
2418
02:52:52,176 --> 02:52:54,406
She asked us to come up with a title,
2419
02:52:54,945 --> 02:52:56,913
something to call ourselves.
2420
02:53:14,698 --> 02:53:16,563
I just received a call
from Karin Polacheck
2421
02:53:16,700 --> 02:53:17,792
At the Board of Education.
2422
02:53:17,935 --> 02:53:19,926
There's to be a meeting
with Dr. Cohn about your classes.
2423
02:53:20,070 --> 02:53:23,506
- Do you know anything about this?
- No.
2424
02:53:31,315 --> 02:53:36,776
These students, this class,
they've become a family.
2425
02:53:37,688 --> 02:53:39,280
To who? To you?
2426
02:53:39,957 --> 02:53:41,584
To each other.
2427
02:53:42,393 --> 02:53:45,726
Room 203 is a kind of a home for them.
2428
02:53:46,263 --> 02:53:49,596
Their trust is all wrapped up
in us being together as a group.
2429
02:53:50,034 --> 02:53:51,160
Once they're out of her class,
2430
02:53:51,302 --> 02:53:53,736
Believe me they'll slip back
into their old habits.
2431
02:53:53,837 --> 02:53:57,796
Their reading scores, their writing
has markedly improved, Ms. Campbell.
2432
02:53:57,942 --> 02:54:01,434
On paper. But what has
she accomplished in reality?
2433
02:54:01,545 --> 02:54:03,172
What about new students
that come in next year?
2434
02:54:03,280 --> 02:54:05,271
Can she repeat
this process every year?
2435
02:54:05,382 --> 02:54:06,781
Her methods are impractical,
2436
02:54:06,884 --> 02:54:09,512
Impossible to implement with regularity.
2437
02:54:09,620 --> 02:54:12,111
What if every teacher
performed in this way?
2438
02:54:12,723 --> 02:54:13,951
We have millions of children
2439
02:54:14,058 --> 02:54:15,787
To get through the education system
in this country,
2440
02:54:15,893 --> 02:54:17,724
And we need a means
of accomplishing that
2441
02:54:17,828 --> 02:54:20,729
Which allows as many students
to benefit as possible,
2442
02:54:20,831 --> 02:54:22,765
Not just special cases.
2443
02:54:24,268 --> 02:54:27,726
And you honestly think you can create
this family in every classroom,
2444
02:54:27,871 --> 02:54:30,840
For every grade,
for every student you teach?
2445
02:54:35,412 --> 02:54:36,879
I don't know.
2446
02:54:43,087 --> 02:54:44,418
Thank you.
2447
02:55:04,808 --> 02:55:07,709
Hey, there go Ms. G.
Hey, there go Ms. G!
2448
02:55:16,620 --> 02:55:18,019
What happened?
2449
02:55:18,822 --> 02:55:22,622
So? Are we gonna be together
for junior year?
2450
02:55:28,465 --> 02:55:29,762
No.
2451
02:55:30,701 --> 02:55:32,566
- What?
- What?
2452
02:55:37,174 --> 02:55:40,541
We're gonna be together junior
and senior year.
2453
02:55:41,979 --> 02:55:43,037
Yes!