movies_creation
American Movie Archives (美國電影檔案)
- Title
- Secure the Blessings
- Year
- 1951
- Abstract
- Shows how American schoolchildren are taught the value of democracy, freedom and good citizenship.
- Notes
-
Produced: Affiliated Film Producers
Sponsor: National Education Association
Run Time: 23:44
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W - Keyword
- Citizenship;Society: Education;Cold War;Society: Education;Cold War
- Theme
- De-mocracy through education
- Review
-
This film stands out from most pro-America short films of its era because instead of rabid pro-capitalist and/or anti-communist hysteria, we get a look at how Americans solve shared problems by education, discussion, objective thought, and consensus. Produced by the National Education Association, it tells us that education is the key to the future of democracy and suggests regimentation and authoritarian teaching are anti-democractic. No mention of evil communists, instead rundown schools, crowded classrooms, and overworked teachers are the dangers to democracy. Yet it is still a viewpoint that demands obedient kids in the classrooms and senators who, although they must represent public opinion, have the duty to "mold that opinion" by what they say.
(Reviewer: Steve Nordby) - Location
- A/V room, 2/F