Children of a Lesser God
Movie Review by: Shawn Smallwood, Frederick Community College

This movie was about a teacher that came to a school for deaf students to teach speech. While he made break through progress with most of his students. He was not a typical teacher that taught from a text book. He used music, sports, word cards and topics the students could relate to. Jim Leeds, although worked at all the best schools he was at a disadvantage here because his signing ability wasn't strong and he was so driven to convert these students into speaking that he over looked their culture, until he met Sarah. She was the custodian that was very bright.

did not like the enormous use of the hearing and speaking world. I felt the movie showed the students as handicapped and that needed to helped in order to make it in the real world the hearing one that is. The students were just as intelligent as any other, but couldn't communicate by speaking so they had a problem. Maybe the problem lies with the hearing not willing to adapt to anything that is not like their own culture. I was shocked by the remarks of the principle by stating that they were not trying to change the world just to help a few deaf kids get by. He is the head of the school so if he doesn't expect success why should the students. He made the climate of the school as us vs. them. How can an educator have such a prejudice attitude? I felt that because the students couldn't speak they always would less or just getting by in his opinion. Why did he feel the students had a problem and needed to be helped? Not speaking or hearing is merely a situation that can be adapted too.

As a future teacher I believe it's my duty to bridge ignorance with understanding. Using James Banks multicultural education I may not incorporate all levels but, I would try to do as many as possible. I would invite guess speakers, hold non-speaking classes, and introduce a finger spelling, simple words and phrases unit to the classroom instruction.

My overall review is a good one. I enjoyed the movie it kept me thinking about what if I were deaf. Being deaf and couldn't be heard knowing I have meaningful things to say and contribute to society as a productive member not just as a service worker. I also thought Sarah's character was powerful that she used her silence to go along with status quo and as a power tool to push people away. She did realize she was more than a deaf person and has a lot to offer. The relationship between Jim and Sarah was based on Jim's view of changing everyone to a speaking person, but soon grew into love. Since they were from two cultures they had to overcome obstacles like any other couple of differing backgrounds. Jim was willing to change his views to accept Sarah for where she is and who she is. It was a different movie that I normally wouldn't watch, but I'm glad I did.