Regular readers know I’m a big believer and students setting their own goals, and I have a complete lesson plan about it in my book.
I recently found a video clip that I’m wondering if it might be a helpful addition to that lesson plan. In this clip from Cinderella Man (which is a great movie), James Braddock (played by Russell Crowe) is almost knocked-out, but then he flashes back to the reason why he returned to the rink – to win and make money to support his family (he sees images from his family and their hardships). He then becomes re-energized and wins the fight.
The movie is rated PG-13, and the clip is pretty bloody (boys will love it for sure). I’m thinking of showing it and then asking students why they think he came back to win the fight, and then talk about how in the face of adversity having goals and remembering them can help keep us focused. Check out the clip and let me know if you think it would be effective or not.
If YouTube is blocked at your site, you can also find it at Movie Clips.
Hi Larry. I’m afraid that (in my personal opinion) this is a highly inappropriate video to use with kids or even teenagers… Apart from the fact that you would glorify a sport that is extremely cruel and violent; apart from the strong language that prompts the main character to make the other bleed; apart from the “in your face” sound and visual effects that augment the end result of the beating… what is the message? As educators, OUR goal is not just to teach our subject but also to instill some values in our students. Why should that value be to beat somebody into a pulp just because our goal or reasoning behind it is noble? I’m sure there are many boxing fans out there who will argue against me… However, I don’t see the reason why, in an era in which violence is already glorified and rendered “painless” and inconsequential through videogames and films, we should bring a message like this in the classroom. Why not use something more inspiring than violence? I’m sure there’s a movie out there with a doctor trying to find a cure for a disease that a loved one suffered from or something… Maybe it sounds corny, but isn’t it more inspirational than just raw violence? Thanks for reading…
Mary,
Thanks for the feedback. Your points are good, and that’s why I’m asking the question….
Larry