Make Mine Freedom (1948)

[MoonOwl]

Your Social Studies lesson for the day :cool


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVh75ylAUXY&feature=player_embedded

 

[PoopaSwoof]

Fascinating and scary.

 

[Accountable]

I'm definitely downloading this for a class next year.

 

[Minor Axis]

I agree that the U.S.'s development has offered unique opportunities and has great benefits for its citizens. In 1948 we were on top of the world. Remember it was the early 1900's that brought us the new deal, pensions, and unions. It's been a long slide to where we are today.

 

[Accountable]

Slippery slope started from a push by Woodrow Wilson.

 

[Minor Axis]

Slippery slope started from a push by Woodrow Wilson.

The social programs we have can work as long as they are set up properly and are not robbed by politicians. What was done to SS was/is a crime. That program would still be going strong if not for...

I'm definitely downloading this for a class next year.

What do you think this video will illustrate to your kids? I think the basic message "giving up your freedom" is a good starting point for a discussion for a debate class. However the traveling salesperson seems a little transparent to me and the entire notion of all you have to do is sign over all of your freedoms and I'll take care of you seems like it's trying to take a swipe at someone, the communists I imagine.

The good discussion points I see are: How much freedom do we have compared to others? And what level do you want it to function on? Every law that is passed reduces an individual's freedom in some manner. How do you balance the individual's freedom to the need for an orderly society? Or a society that incorporates safety nets for those in need? And how about the pressure to take a way freedoms in the name of security? Remember, freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose.

 

[Accountable]

The social programs we have can work as long as they are set up properly and are not robbed by politicians.

So can freedom, only better.

What was done to SS was/is a crime.

SS was/is a crime.

What do you think this video will illustrate to your kids? I think the basic message "giving up your freedom" is a good starting point for a discussion for a debate class. However the traveling salesperson seems a little transparent to me and the entire notion of all you have to do is sign over all of your freedoms and I'll take care of you seems like it's trying to take a swipe at someone, the communists I imagine.

The good discussion points I see are: How much freedom do we have compared to others? How much can you have and still have a functioning society? And what level do you want it to function on? Every law that is passed reduces an individual's freedom in some manner. How do you balance the individual's freedom to the need for an orderly society? Or a society that incorporates safety nets for those in need? And how about the pressure to take a way freedoms in the name of security? Remember, freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose.

I teach history at the high school level. For some it will simply be a good example of propaganda. We'll analyze & separate fact from opinion, then discuss why those facts were chosen and why opinions were used instead of fact. I might be able to use it for a leaping-off point for the students to create their own propaganda. For the right class I'll point out that the film implies that "isms" are bad, yet the primary example of freedom that the good guy used is capitalism. That will either start a lively & deep discussion or result in 30 blank stares.

I'll pass it on to the Government & Economics teacher as well. I'm sure he can do a lot with it.

 

[Minor Axis]

So can freedom, only better.

SS was/is a crime.

Opinion, opinion. Absolutely nothing wrong with the concept of SS. It's the utilization that been fouled up by our leaders. I realize in this forum I'd probably be out voted, but no matter.