XXXXVIII. Reel Democracy: Cinema's Lessons in Civics

With the weather change, nature provides the air conditioning with the windows open. There is nothing I enjoy more than to hear the cardinals and wrens waking up as well. On my way to work, I saw a mom and her child walking to school, and it made me nostalgic for those simple, precious moments. Those strolls, open windows, hearing the morning serenade? They hold more value than economic models credit.

It's important to make such moments as easy as possible for communities. There's a lot of stress and negativity around us right now, with people quick to point out a myriad of things that are wrong without acknowledging the many things that are right. The current Republican nominee’s final game plan is to push a theme of chaos and disarray. He has stolen the concept of freedom for many people by describing it in terms of loss.

It’s a lie.

The truth is, our country has continued to progress, which is why we've thrived freely for so long. It’s why we can typically depend on laws and protections that work equally for most of us, clean water from the tap, roads that get us where we need to go, or receiving the goods and services that we pay for. Of course, there's always room for improvement. We have problems in every one of these areas, and that's a big part of why I write this newsletter.

Civics teaches us that democracy gets better when we all do our part. It's about improving things without hurting others. It’s doing what is required of us, to keep the whole system functioning for the greatest good.

Movies can be a fantastic tool to teach civics responsibility. They have the power to inspire, educate, and spark meaningful conversations in ways that other methods might not. This fall, I encourage you to make time to watch some films with your family that promote civic duty and awareness. There are lots to choose from, but here’s a few to consider.

Selma (2014)

MLK, Jr. remains one of the greatest Americans who has ever lived. What he accomplished in his brief life is hard to imagine, even more so with the outright hate and danger he had to face, ultimately giving it all for a greater cause. This film chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. King Jr. It shows the power of peaceful protest and the fight for civil rights, and provides historical context and inspiration for civic engagement and social justice. And if you take a drive through the South, include places like Selma on your way to Disney.

Lincoln (2012)

My sons really enjoyed this one. It was a slice of the Lincoln presidency that doesn’t get focused on enough, his efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. It shows the complexities of political negotiation and the importance of leadership in enacting change. The film illustrates the significance of political will and moral courage in shaping policy, something in short supply today. And it’s a reminder of the tribal mindset that continues to plague progress.

All the President’s Men (1976)

This movie is more powerful today than ever. The number of real journalists has not only been diminished, there are active media outlets masquerading as news providers. If Fox News had been around back then, we may have never known the depth of Nixon’s bizarre behavior, nor would the country have agreed on how wrong the President was.

This movie highlights the critical role of a free press in holding government accountable. It underscores the necessity of investigative journalism in a democratic society. Leaders worth their merit understand how important freedom of the press and getting to the truth is.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

About two years ago, I watched this film that depicted the last day in the life of Oscar Grant, a young African American man who was tragically killed by police in Oakland, California.

The narrative is crafted in such a way that it not only tells Oscar Grant's story but also serves as a broader commentary on the systemic injustices faced by many African Americans. It delves into the harsh realities of racial discrimination and the often devastating impact of the choice of lethal force in the bag of civic protection options.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

This movie provides a sincere exploration of the life and impact of Fred Rogers, the beloved TV host famous for his innovative work on the children's show “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.”

I chose this because it encourages young people to embody civic virtues and foster positive relationships within their communities, and that being a man is about much more than looking tough. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have by living a life of service. I thought of including the well-regarded documentary, but I think families would enjoy the movie more. As America struggles with the false “strong man” model of leadership, consider what Mr. Rogers would do.

Green Book (2018)

I consider myself more informed than the average citizen, especially when it comes to history. "Green Book" left me puzzled because I had never heard of this shameful forced arrangement. It is a compelling film that delves deeply into the complex themes of racial discrimination and the power of friendship that transcends cultural expectations. Through its narrative, "Green Book" offers valuable civics lessons that illuminate the history of segregation, highlighting the systemic barriers that African Americans faced during this tumultuous period. The film underscores the importance of challenging deeply ingrained prejudices and societal norms that perpetuate inequality. Many times while we wait for someone else to risk, we are the people that have the obligation to act.

Suffragette (2015)

"Suffragette" portrays the women's movement in early 20th century Britain, a pivotal period in history when women fought tirelessly for their right to vote, including in the United States. The movie offers profound and powerful civics lessons, shedding light on the long and arduous struggle for voting rights that many women endured. It delves into the strategic use of civil disobedience as a tool in the pursuit of justice, highlighting how these courageous women employed nonviolent resistance and protest to challenge the status quo and demand equality. You’ll see a constant theme of progress in the world when such movements gain strength.

The narrative also emphasizes the significant personal sacrifices made by these women in service of a larger, noble cause. Many suffragettes faced imprisonment, social ostracism, and even violence, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to freedoms we take for granted today. As with many of these films, the events and outcomes are really not that old. Rights are still taking root.

It's a reminder that the lethargy of complacency does not guarantee anything. Taking more routine civil actions like this would address many of the problems that plague us today.

High Noon (1952)

Even though this film depicts a violent end, I sense something new every time I see it. High Noon, though set in the Old West, offers timeless civics lessons about moral courage and standing up for one's principles even when it's difficult. It explores themes of civic duty, the role of law enforcement in society, and the importance of community involvement in upholding justice. The underlying message is that true leadership sometimes means taking an unpopular stand for what's right, even in the face of adversity or lack of support. This is a powerful film for recognizing that doing the right thing is both an individual and community responsibility. Where civic duty is dependent only upon law enforcement, there is no community.

In closing, there are many more great teaching films out there. Together, they can provide a comprehensive education in civic responsibility, covering themes from political integrity and civil rights to media literacy and local governance. While I’m a big believer in reading for more insight, sometimes film can make the right impact to the right person.

And you can still get the time with family.

• Our friends at Open Culture packaged the Howard Stern Interview of Kamala Harris. This is how interviews should be done.

• Being civic minded is appreciating and understanding the science of prevention. Here’s the link to get your public service provided home covid test kits.

• The lack of appreciation for science is becoming more detrimental to good public policy.

I've always felt like I should have gone to film school. Whenever I write fiction, I picture it as much on the big screen as I do on the page. Movies have always been a big deal in my family, and I have some amazing memories tied to watching certain films at different stages of my life. My dad and I spent countless hours at the theater, a tradition that's now passed on to the next generation.

One of the funniest movie memories with my dad was when we saw Porky’s. To add a twist, my dad was a minister, and I'm pretty sure he had no clue what the movie was about. I think he thought it was a 1950s comedy, a time he knew well. Despite its raunchy nature, my fondest memory is seeing my very conservative dad laughing uncontrollably at some of the scenes.

Another memorable movie experience was watching the film Saving Mr. Banks. It’s actually the story of the author of Mary Poppins. The scenes with the father, a man struggling with pain and alcohol, hit me so hard that I found myself quite emotional and trying not to disturb my kids. A great film captures something profound about the human experience. Much like a good book, movies can stir emotions, create lasting memories, and leave a lasting impression.

This issue always disturbs me. On one hand, I have a low tolerance for crime, especially violent crime. I've always supported the death penalty in cases of heinous crimes, although I also recognize that it has been used in a racist manner. In this case, if you have a system that serves justice and the person is released, I don’t see how you don’t restore their ability to act as a citizen. After all, isn’t that the whole purpose of crime and punishment? That you support a system that gets people back to a level of involvement? This is a calculated power play to limit perceived democratic votes. It is completely un-American.

This section is essential reading in this week’s newsletter. It narrates the story of an exceptional public servant at the IRS, presented like a crime story. If you're a public servant, it will fill you with pride. Despite the agency's intentional neglect by conservative members of congress, he and his team succeeded remarkably in bringing really bad actors to justice. They dismantled networks of corrupt officials, crypto money launderers, and pedophiles. The next time you hear someone complaining about government, send them this article.

I recently completed an insightful book, first published in 2015 and updated in 2017, that offers brilliant observations on the norms we accept. It’s a collection of her essays published over time, but it includes a final epilogue on the rise of Trump, which remains as relevant today as when it was written seven years ago.

Our systemic issues require nuanced solutions, not the blunt approaches that created them. We must take responsibility for our choices and those we support. The author acknowledges the validity of people's frustrations and grievances. "The promotion of information has replaced the pursuit of knowledge." Or, “Adaptation is a form of survival. But adaptation is a form of abandonment as well.” I've witnessed this in public service countless times.

Once we realize we are the ones who need to change, we'll embrace the challenges we face. (Note: If you would like this book, the first reader that leaves a comment on the Porcupine website, I’ll mail my copy to them free of charge.)

And Now….

Hope to see you next time. Keep reading, practice your gratefulness, and remember to be a good neighbor in your work and your community.