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Film Review Of Precious Knowledge : A Critical Review

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The film Precious Knowledge takes a deeper look into the defense and fall of the Ethnic Studies program within the Tucson Unified School District. During the standoff, as Arizona lawmakers bombarded the students and educators with threats and false claims. A major question surrounding the film is whether or not this program’s failure was preventable. Jeff Biggers approaches the situation from a politically centralized point of view, having written for The New York Times, The Nation, and The Washington Post, as well as, working with MSNBC's “All In” with Chris Hayes. Biggers writes the review “Arizona’s Precious Knowledge: Blockbuster New Film Chronicles Ethnic Studies Battle” where he looks at the bureaucracy behind the film rather than …show more content…

This comparison lends a sense of deep and sincere respect and awe for the teacher’s ability to educate their students to their fullest potential. The infallibility of these teachers becomes quickly contrasted against the malevolent legislators who have been targeted throughout the review. Tom Horne, in particular, is attacked for his overbearing and unnecessarily personal barrage against the Ethnic Studies program. His extreme disrespect and willingness to either stretch the facts, or completely invent them, make him a formidable enemy in a war where perception and public rapport are paramount. Horne has “openly lied in the past about his history of bankruptcy and has the unique distinction of being banned forever from the Securities and Exchanges Commission” ultimately showing just how insincere and conniving he truly is (Biggers 2). The legislator's inclination toward personal attacks and deception makes them even more able to dismantle the Ethnic Studies program Acosta had worked so hard to put in place. In a battle where the enemy supremely overpowers the students, changes need to be made. While Biggers focuses on the positive aspects of the teachers, students, and legislators, Wun points out possible improvements that the Ethnic Studies movement should have made to protect themselves and further their goals. Specifically, she discusses two distinct problems with both, how the film portrays the program, as well as the program itself: the complete

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