Comparing Philosophies In Freedom Writers And It's All About Color

Freedom Writers

Two quotes that present contrasting life philosophies are “Don't let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group.” and “It’s all about color.” spoken by Mrs. Gruwell and Eva respectively. Gruwell’s quote shows that she is staunchly against racism and discrimination, and it impacts the story by helping to change the minds of the students to feel the same way. Her tone is passionate and powerful, which helps the students know she’s serious. Eva’s quote shows her pack mentality and the instilled idea that one must “protect their own”. This idea was shattered in the courtroom scene when she turned in one of her own people so that the innocent man could go free. Eva’s tone was curt and disrespectful, as

You give them a list of things they likely all have in common, and make them go around the room and find others who share that trait and make them sign their paper. It would be like the line game, but more personal because the students would have to ask each other one-on-one. It would probably take about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the class. You could tell if it worked if the students seemed more warm towards the other groups, or if there was actual conversation during the game between the groups.
Eva is deeply affected by Anne Frank’s story because she sees herself as Anne. She parallels her own situation with the discrimination and group-hatred presented by the Nazis with the gangs, and she wonders that if Anne dies, she might not make it out of her situation as well.
Miep Gies calls the students heroes because of the struggles they go through. She did what she did because she knew it was right, and she sees that these students go through that trouble everyday. She understands the effort they went through to get her there, and the decisions they face in their home

The students were hesitant to trust Erin at first because they had a grudge against the white people who had impacted their own lives, such as the cops that arrested Eva’s father. The students did not accept her because she was “them”. The students also talk about protecting one’s own, and heavily use this to encourage protecting people you know are doing bad things because they are part of “us”.
The boy put the hat on his head after seeing the drawing in order to hide his shame from the rest of the class. He felt disrespected and embarrassed and put on his hat to “hide”.
Erin’s purpose of the “line game” is to show that the students have all gone through the same struggles. She shows them that they’ve all been impacted through these gang wars in the same way.
The literary element present when the students are fighting while there is a peace sign in the back is contrast and irony. The violence of the students starkly contrasts the message of the peace symbol, and also makes the situation almost comically ironic.
My toast at the “Make a toast for change event” would be for free will and making the right decisions.
Freedom