Bamboozled

One of the most powerful movies that I have watched in recent history and one that could be used very effectively in the high school classroom is Spike Lee’s Bamboozled. The film’s website describes the film as, “a blistering satire of network television's pitfalls and prejudices, a humorous look at how race, ratings and the pursuit of power lead to a television writer's stunning rise and tragic downfall”.

There are myriad possibilities for using this film in the classroom. It focuses on the powers at play within the media, so students could analyze how bias and money affect what appears on their television screens. This movie is also very racially charged, students could debate the effectiveness of satire in this context as well as "The Chappelle Show" or "Mind of Mancia". Discussion topics could include intended audience, intended reception, does it work as social commentary or perpetuate stereotypes. Regardless of the direction, the movie is sure to incite a passionate discussion and make students think critically. Because of the film's content, the teacher would have to focus on creating a safe space in the classroom, where students are able to repectfully and thoughtfully speak their minds. .