EDGR_502_ANJEL_MAGEE_MovieCharacterReview
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Concordia University Portland *
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Arts Humanities
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Jan 9, 2024
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Running head: Movie Book Review
1
Anjel Magee
Movie Book Review
Concordia University
EDGR 502: Developing Character through the Curriculum
Running head: Movie Book Review
2
Joe Clark, played as Morgan Freemen, in this true film “Lean on Me” (1989) exemplifies
the characteristics of a strong leader. He was honest, fair, encouraging, loyal and loving. Joe
Clark demonstrated performance & civic characteristics in the sternest, but loving manner. In
order to be as successful in such desperate time he had to bend his moral compass slightly to
retrieve high results. Mr. Clark was opposed by the teachers, school officials, students and
parents for his strong belief in the students and his methods to change the school culture and
academic performance. He knew that before he could fix the failing grades he had to change the
schools character.
In the film Mr. Clark, in his attempts to change the school culture, changed the doors
closed on the school to assist in keeping the negative out & the positive in. This caused major
turmoil for him with all aspects of the school community. His strong values and beliefs in his
reasoning lead to a positive outcome; and, even those who may not have understood his methods
at least respected his perseverance and faith. With my core values in mind I would not have been
able to bend my moral ethics as much as Mr. Clark, but approached the situation with more tact
and care.
This is a great media source to use towards teachers and staff as an example of how
displaying our strong character traits can lead to positive results no matter how grave the
situation. The film teaches others to gain strong performance traits that will lead students to their
highest potential. To become prime examples for others and never waiver from our own moral,
civic and performance values.
"If you don't succeed in life," Clark tells his students, "don't
blame your backgrounds. Don't blame the Establishment. Blame YOURSELVES." (1989) His
message is don't lean on excuses, drugs, crime, or anger. LEAN ON ME...and learn. By doing so
you gain the most amazing results.
Running head: Movie Book Review
3
By showing an excerpt from the film such as Mr. Clarks speech or a scene where the
students make the decision to not allow negative aspects into the school would be a great
example of a text that could be used to teach critical reflection through media literacy.
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Running head: Movie Book Review
4
References
Avildsen, J. G. (Director). (1989).
Lean on Me
[Motion picture on DVD]. USA.
Seider, S. (2012).
Character compass: How powerful school culture can point students towards
success
. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Education Press.