Movies: A War On Kids? Or Just More Scare Tactics?
I don't know whether to laugh or cry about this. There's a new documentary out called The War On Kids which argues that the current culture of many schools is, in essence, a war on children. But from the trailer, at least, the movie seems pretty over the top, juxtaposing interviews with (mostly white) parents angry about how kids are being treated and footage of (mostly black and brown) kids getting arrested or searched for drugs in school. I'm curious, but I'm not really convinced. Are there enough ridiculous zero tolerance incidents in schools to call it a war on kids? Or are these just incidents of random stupidity as it usually sems, an unfortunate byproduct of a fearful society but not that much more? Reviews here: NYT, Variety. It was the Winner of "Best Educational Documentary" at the NY International Independent Film and Video Festival 2009.