MovieChat Forums > O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001) Discussion > Appropriate for 7th Graders?

Appropriate for 7th Graders?

posted 15 years ago by aallen86
25 replies | jump to latest

Hello all,

So I teach middle school and I'm wrapping up a unit on "The Odyssey" with my 7th grade class. Since there doesn't seem to be any major motion picture (that I can get my hands on) I was thinking of showing this to my class and have them look at the parallels between the two stories. I teach at a gifted school (typically the curriculum is 2 grades ahead), but I know that doesn't have much to do with maturity level. Do you think this is appropriate to show to 7th graders? I always send a permission slip home, but wondering if I should even broach the subject. Maybe you all can tell me if there are really any inappropriate parts? (I will obviously screen it first myself). Thanks!

[–] don savant 15 years ago

Absolutely! You can even give them a homework assignment on it. The only thing is that you may have to explain about the evils of the KKK to your class. They make a comical appearance. Maybe you should view it first.

[–] Neuro-4 11 years ago

A lot of people don't catch it but when the Klan is marching their chant is "Einy Meiny Miney Moe". Make ya laugh next time ya see it.

[–] giverny98 10 years ago

Oh lordy, I never noticed that! I'm watching it now and will surely look for it.

[–] Stoneylarue09 15 years ago

The language is pretty bad for a movie shown by a teacher, but less than what the kids hear in the hallways. Some slight sensuality/innuendo but not really anything that they'll catch. It's really a very tame movie compared to what kids think is good nowadays. I'd let the parents know about the language, that's about it.

She had...man hands.

[–] socialbutterfly1192 15 years ago

In 9th grade the teacher showed us Schindler's List after we read Night by Elie Wiesel. This movie is nothing like that, it should be fine.

[–] StarMerchant 14 years ago

You might consider passing out cold towels to the boys after the siren scene...

[–] TooSlim 13 years ago

Depends on the school, although I can't see anything wrong it. But then again, back in the 70's, I remember seeing "The Pawnbroker" with Rod Steiger in a high school English class (can't remember what grade)...that had sex, violence and nudity and I can't see ANY school showing that now! Freer times....

[–] JDioon 13 years ago

You Americans all seem to be so sensitive to 'coarse language', nudity and other things. It's like Americans like shielding their youngsters from reality until they reach a certain age and then it all comes falling down upon them. I could stretch this to a political statement, but I don't feel much for politics anyway.

Just show those kids of yours this movie. It's fun. Words are words, it's up to the parents to indoctrinate them with their sense of right and wrong. As a teacher you should not feel obligated to comply to their measures of raising kids. So...

I'm from the Netherlands and one teacher showed us American History X when we were 13. Uhuh.

[–] violynn31 13 years ago

You are absolutely right, JDioon. We incredibly prudish when it comes to swearing and possible sexual situations. Where I used to teach, a 7th grade teacher had a radio on during some class time - a station that plays "popular music" (granted, I can't stand the stuff, but it's what lots of middle school age kids like). Anyway, all it took was one incredibly uptight parent to bitch to the principal and the station was banned from the entire school. This is what the OP is trying to avoid. And most schools require approval before you show the movie anyway. When I first started teaching, I showed Disney's Fantasia to my class. One of the scenes (Rite of Spring) includes evolution (you can see where that might be headed); later (A Night on Bald Mountain) there are brief scenes with female creatures (flying centaurs, I think) that showed their nipples. This is the stupid SH!T we Americans worry about.

"Ready?" "Ready, Freddy." "Dorothy, they know." RIP BA and LN.

[–] outofideas555 10 years ago

You nordic countries seem to have your ish together. If it wasnt so darn cold I would try to move there. This country has made big money of fanaticism, religion, politics, drugs etc. and this country is only about the big money.

{oo)==V==(oo} -Christine

[–] HowYaLikeDemApplesWill 9 years ago

And yet you subject yourself to all of this oppression...because it ain't so darn cold?

Whose idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have an "S" in it?

[–] Jeni_K 9 years ago

I'm from Canada we watched American history x in school at age 13 as well

[–] Nolegirl97 13 years ago

I watched it in 7th grade as my 9th grader sister watched it in 9th grade. I loved the mythological ties. As far as inappropriate? definitely NOT! It is still one of my favorite movies today, And we are even watching it in 9th grade Lit. tomorrow!

Dare to reply....... I SAID DARE!!!
Made you look

[–] 13 years ago

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