2. Discuss each characters relevance in the story.
3. Why do you think Rick, the District Attorney, wanted to cover upthe fact that his car was stolen by two black men? Were his ideasfor handling the situation appropriate? Why or why not?
4. Should Tommy (police officer) have done anything differently tostop Officer John Ryan from treating the Thayer's the way he didwhen he pulled them over? What should he have done?
5. Name the different stereotypes you heard in this movie? Are theyones you have heard before? Is stereotyping a bad practice? Whatare the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyonestereotype?
6. Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel?
7. Where do you think Officer John Ryan's feelings about black peoplecame from?
8. What do you think pushed Officer John Ryan to risk his own life to save Mrs. Thayer?
9. What were the benefits to detective Graham Waters taking the DA's offer to lie in exchange for cleaning up hisbrother's police record? What were the consequences of his decision?
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; youembarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives?
11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, whatstipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun?
12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her housekeeper,Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along?
13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them tofreedom?
14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons.
15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid beingarrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not?
16. This movie is set in Los Angeles, a city rich in diversity? Do you think that an area with such diversity would bemore open or close minded about differences? Why?
17. Is it appropriate to ask someone their ethnic background? Why or why not? Would you prefer to have someoneask you about your background or assume it?
18. What do you think caused Anthony to be so defensive about being black?
19. What lessons, if any, did each of the characters learn? What lessons in life do you think teach people to bemore accepting of others differences?
20. Which character was the most unethical? Why? Which character was the most ethical? Why?
21. Do you think that opinions like Officer John Ryan can be changed? How?
22. Which connection(s) between characters was most interesting? Please share your thoughts.
23. What character(s) did you like the least? Why? What character(s) did you like the most? Why?
24. How did language barriers create problems in this film? How can we help to prevent such misunderstandings?
25. How does each character's struggle with their own thoughts on racism, morality, and justice connect to theirstruggles with each other?
26. Is anyone in the movie truly innocent or guilty? Why? Why not?
27. In his review, Roger Ebert says, One thing that happens, again and again [in the film], is that peoples'assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person standing before them (rogerebert.com). Chooseone scene and point out the specific assumptions that prevent one character from seeing another characteras an actual person standing before [him/her].
28. Argue how the score in one scene creates a specific mood/tone.
29. Is there a character in this film with whom it is impossible for us to sympathize? Who? Why? Use specificexamples from the film and keep in mind each characters arc as you create your argument.
30. Why is it important for the script and filmed dialogue to include so many different languages, and, moreimportantly, why is it that these languages are almost always not translated for the viewer into English subtitleson the screen? Create a clear, argumentative statement that answers both questions and offer evidence fromthe film to support your claims.
31. Recall the opening lines of the film: It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brushpast people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. Ithink we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something. At severalpoints in the movie, we witness crashes between people. Discuss first the connotation of the word crash.Then, discuss whether or not the violence in crashing promotes a positive change in those who literally orfiguratively slam into one another.
32. Choose one character and outline how (or if) s/he is redeemed.
33. At the end of the film, we are presented with several shots that cut from character to character. Eachcharacter in these shots is gazing into the night from behind glass. What might the directors/editors be arguingabout the themes of connectedness and/or disconnectedness in these shots? Create a clear argument inyour topic sentence and back it up with evidence from this portion of the film.
1. The movie was great. I liked it especially because of the unorthodox storyline and how it examines the racial tensions that are still alive today.
2. Detective Waters works for the LAPD alongside his partner, both professionally and personally, Ria. Waters is disconnected from his family, which comprises of his ailing mother, and criminal brother, the latter of which has a record of committing felonious crimes. Waters brother, Peter, is himself a partner in crime with Anthony, and extremely dignified African American. Both engage in the car robbery of LAs white DA, Rick Cabot, and his wife. The matter has affects on both Rick and Jean, his wife. As a result Rick has to prove to his minority voters that he is racially sensitive. His wife grows increasingly paranoid, vehemently declaring to have her house locks changed after a Hispanic locksmith has just finished the job. The locksmith, a humble family man gets into a confrontation with a Persian shop owner, who out of rage mistakenly shoots the locksmiths daughter. Cameron Thayer and his wife are pulled over by Officer Ryan and Hansen. Officer Ryan molests Camerons wife, causing his partner, Hansen, to get another partner and Cameron to reexamine his racial views.
3. Rick wanted to hide the fact that his car was stolen by two black men so that he would keep the votes of his target demographic, minorities. I dont think his intent was inappropriate, but framing a possible innocent man to convey himself in a better light was.
4. Officer Hansen should have done anything to stop Officer Ryans treatment of the Thayers. His voice alone could have prevented the entire assault.
5. Some of the stereotypes I heard in the movie were along the lines of: Asians cannot drive sufficiently, people with dark skin are thieves or hoodlums, people of Middle Eastern descent dont belong in the United States, and all Latinos are from Mexico. I have heard some of these stereotypes before and stereotyping is a bad practice. I think people stereotype because theyre ignorant, they dont know any better. Either that or the like putting others down, they are racially insensitive, or they dont care. Some people stereotype, not all.
6. I cant remember if Ive ever been stereotyped.
7. I think Officer Ryans feelings about black people stem from his fathers business and from his time working for the LAPD.
8. I think Officer Ryans conscience drove him to risk his life to save Mrs. Thayer.
9. By taking the DAs offer, Detective Waters would clear his brothers criminal record. The most eminent consequence of Waters decision was the clearing of Peters record. Another was could be the jailing of a possibly innocent white police officer.
10. I think Thayer meant that Anthonys actions were sullying the name of his entire race.
11. I do believe citizens should be able to purchase firearms. People should be able to protect themselves, especially from those who will get a gun illegally even if they are outlawed. I believe being able to buy a gun, the license fee should be increased, and the duration of the license shortened. Also, the person buying the gun should pass an intense background check, and testing.
12. I think Jeans wealth could have caused her snobby-ness and prejudices towards other races. Marias care for Jean ultimately made her see that Maria was her only friend; Marias color had clouded that vision prior.
13. I think Camerons words to Anthony helped him decide not to sell the refugees. I think he felt compelled to do something right for himself, and his race.
14. I think Officer Hansen was responsible for Peters death. He overreacts to Peters antics and shots him for no reason, especially after Peter tells him he isnt laughing at him.
15. I think Mrs. Thayer was hurt when her husband chose to apologize to the Officers rather than protest. I dont think he made the right decision. He was in a situation in which he knew what was being done was entirely inappropriate and he did nothing to stop it.
16. I think a city like Los Angeles would be more open to differences. I think they would have more exposure to the cultural diversities and more apt to adjust to them.
17. It is appropriate to ask someone about their ethnic background. I believe it is a more efficient method of learning about a person. I would rather someone ask me my ethnic background than assume it.
18. I think the way black culture is perceived in the media and in society is the reason for Anthonys defensiveness about his ethnicity.
19. I think the characters learned to not be so cold and also to be more accepting. I think just dealing with others on a daily basis, taking the time to actually listen to what they say rather than drown out their voice can teach people to be more accepting.
20. I think Jean was the most unethical. In the beginning she made no attempt to mask her prejudices even when the ones she was condemning were near her. She simply didnt care. Peter was the most ethical. He didnt have any grudges or vendettas against other races. He liked hockeyhockey.
21. Opinions like those held by Officer Ryan can be changed with time and exposure to diversity.
22. I think Anthony and Camerons connection was the most interesting. They both had some sort of insecurity with themselves racially, and they were able to relate with one another with just few simple words.
23. I disliked Flanagan the most. He was disgusting. Who I liked the most would probably be Peter, mainly because I empathize his death ad his innocence.
24. Language barriers help to create the division between people. It was just another catalyst for prejudices and the stereotypes. We can prevent that by listening and being patient when a person is not fully assimilated with the language.
25. I think each persons struggles help them to relate with other characters in the film.
26. I think the only people who are truly innocent are Peter and the locksmith. They seem to be the only ones who fail to carry prejudices or make stereotypes about others.
27. The scene in which Farhad is trying to buy ammunition for his firearm is one scene that holds this theme. The shop owner makes it so unnecessarily difficult for Farhad to purchase a weapon, even though hes a legal citizen and speaks English well. His race and color and accent clouded Farhads image as an actual person to the shop owner.
28.
29. I dont think there is a character for which it is impossible for us to sympathize.
30. I think it is important the script to include so many different languages and not be translated because it helps the viewers relate to how actual people feel when they are in discussion with others who dont fluently speak the language, and how this frustration can eventually grow into conflict and the creation of stereotypes.
31. The first use of the word crash suggests it means clash or a conflict. I think the crashing can promote positive change, like it did with Anthony. It can force a person to reflect upon themselves and see the other side of an argument.
32. Anthony redeems himself when he decides not to sell the refugees and instead, releases them in Chinatown.
33. These shots might be proving the point that was made in the very beginning of the film, that theyre always behind this metal and glass. The characters still ultimately feel isolated.
1. Did you like the movie? Why or why not? I like this movie a lot. Its wicked realistic. 2. Discuss each characters relevance in the story. Each character runs into racism , discrimination and stereotypes in some form. Detective Graham Waters: Solving a case involving a corrupt black cop. Takes a bribe to withhold evidence in order to clean his brothers criminal record.Peter Waters: Thief. Has warrant out for his arrest. Pretty much a good kid that is caught in the wrong crowd. Not very judgmental of anyone.Anthony: Sees white people as all racists. Thinks being black means you live in a society where people will never accept you. Lives up to the stereotypes that he mentions. Rick Cabot: District Attorney. His car is stolen by Peter and Anthony. Doesnt want to mention that the thieve were black so he doesnt lose the black vote of the community.Jean Cabot: Ricks wife. Feels unprotected around people of different races. Detective Ria: Graham Waters partner. Not extremely racist, but when she becomes mad, she says things revolving around stereotypes. (car accident)Officer John Ryan: Racist. Has no problem admitting it and saying things to people. He molests Christine Thayer, and later saves her from a burning car. Officer Tom Hansen: New kid, basically. Partners with John Ryan. Dislikes how he treats people and how he judges them by skin color. Ends up killing Peter Waters because he assumed he was going to pull a gun on him.Cameron Thayer: Producer. Layed back, calm, and not very confronting.Christine Thayer: Molested by John Ryan. After Cameron didnt do anything to stop it and just apologized to the officers, she started on him about how he basically doesnt follow the more modern stereotypes, but instead the stereotypes of black men during the times of slavery.Daniel: Latin American locksmith. Very big family man. Accused of defacing a convenience store and was thought by Jean Cabot to sell the copy of her house key to his friends. He is thought to be a gang-banger because he is bald, has tattoos, and wears baggy pants. Farhad: Persian store owner. Pretty much afraid for his own safety. Is refused a purchase of a gun because he was thought to be a terrorist. He accuses Daniel of breaking into his store because he couldnt fix his door, only the lock. He attempts to shoot and kill Daniel, but ends up pulling the trigger at Daniels daughter. Farhads daughter bought Blanks for the gun rather than real bullets.3. Why do you think Rick, the District Attorney, wanted to cover up the fact that his car was stolen by two black men? Were his ideas for handling the situation appropriate? Why or why not? He wanted the black vote for the community, and by mentioning that the thieves were two black men, he would have been portrayed as a racist. I dont think he had to try and cover it up. All he had to do was not mention that it was stolen. Just keep it out of the public eye. 4. Should Tommy (police officer) have done anything differently to stop Officer John Ryan from treating the Thayer's the way he did when he pulled them over? What should he have done? He probably should have tried to stop him. I mean, John Ryan was at a higher ranking than him in the police force, so he was probably intimidated. But he let him molest a woman. 5. Name the different stereotypes you heard in this movie? Are they ones you have heard before? Is stereotyping a bad practice? What are the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyone stereotype? -The Persian man was stereotyped because he wanted to buy a gun and didnt speak good English. Him and his family were assumed to be Arab. -The D.A.s wife was assumed to be frightened when she saw the two black men. She brought herself closer to her husband and they assumed she was scared of black people.-The locksmith was assumed to be in a gang and was accused of ruining the Convenience Store. Jean also assumed he would keep a copy of her house key and sell it to his gang-banger friends.
6. Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel?
Yes, it made me feel like I had no personality. Like all I was, was a piece of skin. Just because I am white, I have been called a racist. I dont know how someone can just assume you are a racist just because you are white. It doesnt make sense.
7. Where do you think Officer John Ryan's feelings about black people came from? I think his father raised him that way. He seemed to be old enough to have been around during the Civil Rights movement. 8. What do you think pushed Officer John Ryan to risk his own life to save Mrs. Thayer? Well, I think he would have done it for anyone. Not just Mrs. Thayer. He was going into the car anyways to pull someone out and was already trying to unhook the belt. Then he looked at her face and convinced her to let him break her free. 9. What were the benefits to detective Graham Waters taking the DA's offer to lie in exchange for cleaning up his brother's police record? What were the consequences of his decision? He wanted his brother to have a clean record. He loved him and didnt want anything bad to happed to him. He lied that makes him a corrupt detective.
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; you embarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives?
Cameron wasnt stereotypical at all. Anthony was. He talked about all of these stereotypes and how white people are all racist and they use the stereotype. He didnt realize that he was actually being seen not just as a bad person, but living up to the stereotype. 11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, what stipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun?I dont think just anyone should have the right to a gun. Thats how shootings happen. Guns should only be used by people whose jobs call for it. Police officers, the military, etc.12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her house keeper, Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along?She may have not had much attention paid to her as a child. She was probably spoiled and when she wanted attention from her parents, they probably just bought her a present to make her happy. Maria was the only one there for her when she fell. She was on the phone with a friend and they didnt even show up to see if she was alright. Maria stayed by her side the whole time. Maybe if she had fell sooner in her life, then her and Maria would have been friends longer. 13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them to freedom?I think he changed after Cameron said he was an embarrassment. 14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons.Tommy was responsible for pulling the trigger. He assumed he had a gun and shot him. 15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid being arrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not?He definitely made the right decision. No one wants to be arrested. He faced a stereotype made by his own wife. Because he is black, he has to be tough. 16. This movie is set in Los Angeles, a city rich in diversity? Do you think that an area with such diversity would be more open or close minded about differences? Why?I think people would be more open minded, but there will still be people who are closed minded. Thats just the way the world works.17. Is it appropriate to ask someone their ethnic background? Why or why not? Would you prefer to have someone ask you about your background or assume it?I would rather have someone ask me if they werent sure of my background. There is always a way to ask questions like that with out offending someone. I think assumptions cause more problems. 18. What do you think caused Anthony to be so defensive about being black?He may have been brought up that way. He could have had a tough childhood and would just put that in a category of him being black, rather than just a person who had to go through tough times. 19. What lessons, if any, did each of the characters learn? What lessons in life do you think teach people to be more accepting of others differences?They learned that its a small world, and if you dont accept others, they wont accept you. 20. Which character was the most unethical? Why? Which character was the most ethical? Why?The most unethical character would be Officer John Ryan because he just has this hatred of other races for no reason. The most ethical would be Daniel. He doesnt do anything wrong and is just a family man.21. Do you think that opinions like Officer John Ryan can be changed? How?Yes I do. I think his opinion did change. He realized that people of other races are just people like him. NO DIFFERENCE. 22. Which connection(s) between characters was most interesting? Please share your thoughts.I would say that the connection between Officer Hansen and Waters brother was the most interesting. Both characters were harmless. But fear and stereotypes caused Hansen to open fire on Waters. 23. What character(s) did you like the least? Why? What character(s) did you like the most? Why?I like the locksmith the most. He was trying to just make a living for his family. He was the only one in the movie that didnt stereotype. I found Officer John Ryan to have the worst judgment on people, but it made him one of the most interesting characters. I liked Anthony the least. All he did was complain that white people are racist. Him saying that, only made him racist. He didnt talk about anyone else being racist. Just white people in general.24. How did language barriers create problems in this film? How can we help to prevent such misunderstandings?Well, at the beginning, the Persian man in the gun store couldnt speak very good English, but he tried. The store owner just assumed he was Arab and that he was a terrorist. There is no way to prevent misunderstandings. If people cant speak English well, then everyone else needs to accept it and try to understand.25. How does each character's struggle with their own thoughts on racism, morality, and justice connect to their struggles with each other?Each characters struggle with their own thoughts causes them to crash into the other characters because of their thoughts. 26. Is anyone in the movie truly innocent or guilty? Why? Why not?I would say Daniel is the most innocent one. He was just a family man going to work and coming home everyday. 27. In his review, Roger Ebert says, One thing that happens, again and again [in the film], is that peoples' assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person standing before them (rogerebert.com). Choose one scene and point out the specific assumptions that prevent one character from seeing another character as an actual person standing before [him/her]. The scene that stood out the most to me was with the D.As wife. She assumed that the locksmith was in a gang and he was going to some back with his friends and steal everything. When he finished, he put the set of keys on the table and went home. Judging by the look on her face after that, she felt bad for saying it.28. Argue how the score in one scene creates a specific mood/tone.When Farhad pulls the trigger at Daniel. His daughter ran to him to protect him with he magic cloak. Just thinking that Farhad was killing over revenge and ended up shooting at an innocent child, was insane. The mood was horrifying and slightly relieving after learning that the bullets were blanks.29. Is there a character in this film with whom it is impossible for us to sympathize? Who? Why? Use specific examples from the film and keep in mind each characters arc as you create your argument.I had the hardest time sympathizing with Anthony because his thoughts of white people being racists, only means that HE is racist. 30. Why is it important for the script and filmed dialogue to include so many different languages, and, more importantly, why is it that these languages are almost always not translated for the viewer into English subtitles on the screen? Create a clear, argumentative statement that answers both questions and offer evidence from the film to support your claims.The different languages are needed because they are a part of culture. I think the reason for not having the subtitles is because when you try and communicate with people who only know a different language, you can always have someone or something translating for you. It makes the viewer put themselves into the other persons shoes. They cant understand English, and you cant understand them.31. Recall the opening lines of the film: It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something. At several points in the movie, we witness crashes between people. Discuss first the connotation of the word crash. Then, discuss whether or not the violence in crashing promotes a positive change in those who literally or figuratively slam into one another.The connotation of the word crash is when peoples lives intertwine unexpectedly. The violence in crashing doesnt always promote a positive change. For example, Officer Hansen and Peters lives crash. But Peter is shot by Tommy. This isnt a positive change.32. Choose one character and outline how (or if) s/he is redeemed.Officer John Ryan seemed to have the most redemption in the movie. He starts as a racist pig, molesting Christine Thayer. He ends up rescuing her from a burning car. He was being pulled out by the firemen and he went back in for her. When they were both out, she grabbed on to him and just broke down in tears. Her worst enemy, became her hero.33. At the end of the film, we are presented with several shots that cut from character to character. Each character in these shots is gazing into the night from behind glass. What might the directors/editors be arguing about the themes of connectedness and/or disconnectedness in these shots? Create a clear argument in your topic sentence and back it up with evidence from this portion of the film.That turns back to the opening statement We are always behind metal and glass.. It shows that people isolate themselves from strangers. Placing labels on them without first understanding who they are. This part of the film expresses that statement. They have allowed themselves to see others through pain and misunderstandings, and then re-isolate themselves.
1. Did you like the movie? Why or why not? i love this movie because it teachs a lesson.
2. Discuss each characters relevance in the story. they all h ave problems in the story that effect and relate to the other peoples stories.
3. Why do you think Rick, the District Attorney, wanted to cover upthe fact that his car was stolen by two black men? Were his ideasfor handling the situation appropriate? Why or why not? He didnt want people to no about the two balck men because he didnt want them to think he was racist. and he would have less votes if he takes down a black person. so he wanted to arrest the white man and make it seem like h ewas defending the black man. even tho it ws the black mans fault. he shouldnt of handled it that way cuz the white man was just doing his job. and the black man was really a foloney.thingy.
4. Should Tommy (police officer) have done anything differently tostop Officer John Ryan from treating the Thayer's the way he did when he pulled them over? What should he have done? he should of told him that wasnt right./ and told the main officer person thingy. even tho it would of made a big scene, that lady should never been touched like that.
5. Name the different stereotypes you heard in this movie? Are theyones you have heard before? Is stereotyping a bad practice? Whatare the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyonestereotype? i herd so manny stereotypes inthis movie. some that just said it outloud and had no reasons to stereotypes. the manthat owned the store thought every one hated him and blamed everytone else for being racist when in a way he was being racist. the only one i thought wasnt racist was the mexican that fixed his lock but not him door (the lockesmen)
6. Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel?yes ive been stereotyped manny of times and i hate it. peoplesay im somthing or someone when im not,at all.
7. Where do you think Officer John Ryan's feelings about black peoplecame from? threw the years of working with the police, i think that he had seen alot more blacks then whites get in trouble. ( gang bangers) and i think that he stereotyped them.
8. What do you think pushed Officer John Ryan to risk his own life to save Mrs. Thayer? because he asaulted her and he felt horrible about what he did.
9. What were the benefits to detective Graham Waters taking the DA's offer to lie in exchange for cleaning up hisbrother's police record? What were the consequences of his decision? the benifits were that his brother record would be clean and the DA would get the votes for the black people.and the consequences of his decision is that he is getting the white man in trouble and its not his fault.
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; youembarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives?
11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, whatstipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun?
12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her housekeeper,Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along?
13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them tofreedom?
14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons.
15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid beingarrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not?
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; youembarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives? his motives were that people thnk that he doesnt show his "black" side that he is a white person on the inside. and people like anthony make a bad name for black people. and he is the reason they j8udge black people.
11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, whatstipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun? i think that you have to be a citizens and a real reason to posses a gun. u have to have a good reason to buy a gun. u cant just buy one for the sake of wanting to feel safe. you would need a reason like " owning a bussines thats been robbed; haven ur house been robbed or somthing of that sort. hunting,birdhuntin deer hunting"
12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her housekeeper,Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along? jeans life was so materialistic and i thinkshe wasnt happy with it and didnt want anyhting ever. i think thats what made her so angry. when jean broke her leg she thought that her bestfriend would come and help her but she was busy getting a manicure or somthing and no one else would help her but her housekeeper.
13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them tofreedom? bcause of what thayer said to him i think made him think of being a better person .
14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons. tommy was responsible. hes the one that pulled the trigger. there is no way that graham was responsible. he was only pulling out a liberty girl thingy. its notlike he was actually pulling out a gun or somthing. tommy shouldnt of assumed anything.
15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid beingarrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not? ithink that any decision would of been a rong decision and a wright decision because it was a tough situation his consequences was that the wife was very madd at him and thought he should of said somthing to him. witch made them get into a big arguement.
16. This movie is set in Los Angeles, a city rich in diversity? Do you think that an area with such diversity would bemore open or close minded about differences? Why? i think that it would be more close minded because people stick to there oppinions and dont have the same personalities.
17. Is it appropriate to ask someone their ethnic background? Why or why not? Would you prefer to have someoneask you about your background or assume it?yes i think its okay to ask someone. if they odnt want to talk about it they will tell you . if they wanted to ask about my background. i would tell them id rather have them ask then assume it.
18. What do you think caused Anthony to be so defensive about being black? because of the history that happend before. from the past and the way white people acted to black people hes searching for attention.
19. What lessons, if any, did each of the characters learn? What lessons in life do you think teach people to bemore accepting of others differences?that not every one is racist. and that maybe they were racisit too., not to judge every one. and that skin color or relgion doesnt always effect ur characteristics.
20. Which character was the most unethical? Why? Which character was the most ethical? Why? i think the most unethical was the store owner. because he only seen pitty to him not to any one else. he only thought it was all about him. i think the most ethical was the locksmith because he never judge any one he was just trying to make a living.
21. Do you think that opinions like Officer John Ryan can be changed? How? i think his opinion was changed because of a dramatic consequence i think that peoploe like him should always have karma come back around to them because they deserve it.
22. Which connection(s) between characters was most interesting? Please share your thoughts. i think the connection between the mr thayer and anthony were most interesting because thayer taught anthony a lesson that i think alot of epople like anthony shouold learn.
23. What character(s) did you like the least? Why? What character(s) did you like the most? Why? i didnt like the one with the cop and everything else because he really had no connection to anything. and he didnt take care of his brother witch for me a lil upset about him.
24. How did language barriers create problems in this film? How can we help to prevent such misunderstandings? the store owner didnt understand anyhting that english people were saying , not because he spoke broken english but because he was too ignorant. i odnt think that there was any lang. problems jjust ignorance.
25. How does each character's struggle with their own thoughts on racism, morality, and justice connect to theirstruggles with each other? there struggles is that they dont see good in any one .. and they dont even try.
26. Is anyone in the movie truly innocent or guilty? Why? Why not? they are all innocent and guilty at the same time depends on what situation . no one should be innocent to murder or mulesting someone. but they could be innoncent to racist because they were never taught the right way.
27. In his review, Roger Ebert says, One thing that happens, again and again [in the film], is that peoples'assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person standing before them (rogerebert.com). Chooseone scene and point out the specific assumptions that prevent one character from seeing another characteras an actual person standing before [him/her]. after Jean and the DA get robbed for there car.. jean gets her locks switched and then wants them switched again because she didnt trust the locksmith ... she didnt nothe locksmith form a hole in the waslll she just decided to judge him.
28. Argue how the score in one scene creates a specific mood/tone.
29. Is there a character in this film with whom it is impossible for us to sympathize? Who? Why? Use specificexamples from the film and keep in mind each characters arc as you create your argument. i do not sympathise the store owner. he puts it on himself that he is like that. i disliked him alot
Sorry, i'm late with these questions and i regret not doing them during april vaction and i been working until close every night since we returned from vacation.i'ma going to start these questions here in class,so i'll just post a segment of it b4 i leave,but i will have them done over the weekend.
1.I very much liked the movie,it's the best movie i seen in a while. It taught me that racism is completly wrong and can hurt people really bad, it also starts lots of violence.
2.Ludacris is always speaking his mind, and thinks that the people of color are the most unfortunate type of people.he is always comparing black people to white people.The lawyer and his wife have their share of problems,they are robbed in the begining of the movie by two black men.And the wife is startled by the fact she had a gun in her face.The detective is dealing with a case about a cop who shot two black men,his mom is very ill,and he hasn't been able to locate his brother.The white cop and his parter tom go through some serious issues throughout the movie.First they pull a black married couple cam and his wife over who was innocent,and was clearly not drunk and the main cop asked him to walk a straight line and put his right finger on his nose,just to be a jerk.his wife then steps out the vechile questioning why her husband his being questioned.The main officer notices that she has had a couple drinks,and then proceeds to search her patting her down and feeling her in a sexual manner.the whole time the officer's parter tom said not a word.The persain family consisted of a husband wife and a daughter,the father tried to buy a gun in the beginning and didn't speak good english, and got into an argrument with the shopowner.The locksmith is mexican and has a wife and a little daughter.he is a very nice man and not a racist,he gives a daughter a fake invisible cloak and explains it'll protect her from harm and bullets. 3.
Sorry, i'm late with these questions and i regret not doing them during april vaction and i been working until close every night since we returned from vacation.i'ma going to start these questions here in class,so i'll just post a segment of it b4 i leave,but i will have them done over the weekend.
1.I very much liked the movie,it's the best movie i seen in a while. It taught me that racism is completly wrong and can hurt people really bad, it also starts lots of violence.
2.Ludacris is always speaking his mind, and thinks that the people of color are the most unfortunate type of people.he is always comparing black people to white people.The lawyer and his wife have their share of problems,they are robbed in the begining of the movie by two black men.And the wife is startled by the fact she had a gun in her face.The detective is dealing with a case about a cop who shot two black men,his mom is very ill,and he hasn't been able to locate his brother.The white cop and his parter tom go through some serious issues throughout the movie.First they pull a black married couple cam and his wife over who was innocent,and was clearly not drunk and the main cop asked him to walk a straight line and put his right finger on his nose,just to be a jerk.his wife then steps out the vechile questioning why her husband his being questioned.The main officer notices that she has had a couple drinks,and then proceeds to search her patting her down and feeling her in a sexual manner.the whole time the officer's parter tom said not a word.The persain family consisted of a husband wife and a daughter,the father tried to buy a gun in the beginning and didn't speak good english, and got into an argrument with the shopowner.The locksmith is mexican and has a wife and a little daughter.he is a very nice man and not a racist,he gives a daughter a fake invisible cloak and explains it'll protect her from harm and bullets. 3.
Sorry, i'm late with these questions and i regret not doing them during april vaction and i been working until close every night since we returned from vacation.i'ma going to start these questions here in class,so i'll just post a segment of it b4 i leave,but i will have them done over the weekend.
1.I very much liked the movie,it's the best movie i seen in a while. It taught me that racism is completly wrong and can hurt people really bad, it also starts lots of violence.
2.Ludacris is always speaking his mind, and thinks that the people of color are the most unfortunate type of people.he is always comparing black people to white people.The lawyer and his wife have their share of problems,they are robbed in the begining of the movie by two black men.And the wife is startled by the fact she had a gun in her face.The detective is dealing with a case about a cop who shot two black men,his mom is very ill,and he hasn't been able to locate his brother.The white cop and his parter tom go through some serious issues throughout the movie.First they pull a black married couple cam and his wife over who was innocent,and was clearly not drunk and the main cop asked him to walk a straight line and put his right finger on his nose,just to be a jerk.his wife then steps out the vechile questioning why her husband his being questioned.The main officer notices that she has had a couple drinks,and then proceeds to search her patting her down and feeling her in a sexual manner.the whole time the officer's parter tom said not a word.The persain family consisted of a husband wife and a daughter,the father tried to buy a gun in the beginning and didn't speak good english, and got into an argrument with the shopowner.The locksmith is mexican and has a wife and a little daughter.he is a very nice man and not a racist,he gives a daughter a fake invisible cloak and explains it'll protect her from harm and bullets. 3.
3.I think rick wanted to hide the fact that the 2 guys were black because of election purposes,i do not agree with this and i lost respect for him. 4.he could've at least said something or done something but he didn't and he should've. i know i would've.It was completely unnesscary for his partner to feel on that women the way he did. 5.asians cant drive well,people of color steal and are considered to be hoodlums,all latinos are from mexico?,I deffinetly think sterotyping people is a bad practice.Not all people do it, but it does indeed exist. 6.yeah, i have. Not too long ago, i got pulled over because of my headlights, and then the officer proceeded to throw me against my car, pat me down and search me,searched my car, and then let me go saying you better get those headlights fixed. 7.i think offiicer ryan opinion towards black people has something to do with his father's past. 8.I honestly don't think he's a cold-hearted person. yes, maybe he can be a jerk at times. But if someone's life is in danger he will do all in his power to rescue them, even if he or she is black. 9.The clearing of peter's record was a significant consequence to pay. 10.Because ludacris didn't stand up for himself like he did, so when he said that, he made him feel less of a man. 11.i believe guns should be sold legally, protection is a necessity. A license should be required along with some info on the person trying to buy one becuase they deffinetly shouldn't be sold to just anyone. A gun in the wrong hands, can be an awful thing. 12.I think she was a little overwhelmed by the fact she had a gun in her face, so she was a bit rude. Then after a while she realized her housekeeper is a very kind and loving individual which made her feel like her best friend. 13.I think sometimes people just wanna do the right thing, maybe he picture himself as one of them, i'm sure he'd like to be free. 14.Officer hansen was responsible, probaly thinking just because the guy was black he was making a threatenning gesture. 15.I think he made the right choice because her avoided further trouble, although his wife didn't seem to agree. 16.I think more open about them, alot of people demand respect and if soething is bothering them they will speak their mind. 17.I don't think it's appropiate to ask someone about their background or race, i find it disrespectful. 18.Perhaps he had it ruff growing up as a black child. 19.I think ludacris learned that everyone is different and that the big windows on buses aren't meant to humiliate the people of color, i think thayer learned that love is powerful since he ended up calling his wife and telling her, i think the dectective learned that you should always stay in touch with your family and take care of them, i think the father of the persain family learnt that angels exist and he displayed a rather calm and shocked personality towards the end of the movie. I think officer ryan learnt thatrascism is wrong along with his partner.20. I think ludacris is the most unetical person,throughout the whole movie all he did was sterotype, and i think the locksmith was the most etical, not once did he displayed any type of hatred. 21.I belived you have to be put in a situation in where you are the one being discriminated on because of your race or background to truly understand how unfair it is, then maybe you'll see others differently. 22.I think the dectective and his mother's relationship was a little strange at times, like when his mom called and he said sorry mom cant talk now,i'm having sex with a white woman.Who talks to their mom that way??? 23.I disliked thayer's wife alot because she was screaming at him and making him feel like crap when he did the right thing.And i like thayer the most cause when he got out the car and talked back to the cops he said things that came to his mind openly as he refused to be bossed around by anyone. 24.Can't people of different races only know how to speak certain ways,if that is trying to be avoided in a film dont give them a speaking role. 25.I belive that the struggle is key to forming a connection with someone else who has been through that same type of struggle. 26.locksmith and peter. 27.When ludacris set the chinamen free, he didn't really care about them, he said things like here take 20$ and buy some chopsuey, and stupid chinamen.Just because they're from china or wateva he assumes their stupid. 28.When the locksmith's daughter appears to be shot he shows a great deal of pain. 29.nah, not really.But i guess it's possible. 30.So, we can see what it's like to have a conservation with someone u dont understand very well, and put ourselves in the shoes of the listener. 31.I think life can somethimes relate to a crash, at times one can feel like the world is throwing everything negative at them and there's no escape, i think ludacris somewhat escaped from that crash during the final moments of the movie, he seemed very different in the way he viewed others. 32.The father of the persain family feels he was in the presence of an angel, and he sorta feels bad things shouldn't happen to be good and innocent people. 33.I think, the characters are thinking of their lives and the decisions they have made, and are not very pleased with those decisions, and i thinking it's time for change for the better. 31.
Did you like the movie? Why or why not? i really liked the movie because it was weird how they all were connected and ended up needing one another at the end 2. Discuss each characters relevance in the story?.the two black boys one was really racist and the other wasnt, One lady was racist against the locksmith because he looked like a gang banger. One guy was an African American director that let a white police officer molest his wife because he didnt want to jeopardize his reputation. The locksmith was just trying to start a fresh new life for his family. One guy was a detective was a busy man and his mother at the end blamed him for his brothers death. Also the Persian family who owned the store, who people thought they were like arabs and terrorists.
3. Why do you think Rick, the District Attorney, wanted to cover up the fact that his car was stolen by two black men? Were his ideas for handling the situation appropriate? Why or why not? because he didnt want the black community to look at him as if hes only doing this because the 2 men were black. No, I dont think they were appropriate because despite the color if they do the crime they need to be charged for him, white, black, asian no matter what.
4. Should Tommy (police officer) have done anything differently tostop Officer John Ryan from treating the Thayer's the way he did when he pulled them over? What should he have done? I thought he was scared, that he never thought that a police officer could actually do that but I think that he should of done something because he had NO RIGHT to pull them over and he did so because they were black and on top of that he molested Mr. Thayers wife.
5. Name the different stereotypes you heard in this movie? Are they ones you have heard before? Is stereotyping a bad practice? What are the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyonestereotype?when the District Attornys wife used racial comments towards the locksmith saying that he looked like a gang banger and he was just doing his job to support his family. When the Persian family tried to buy the gun and the sales guy basically called him a terrorist. People stereotype because they think their better than others who look a little different. And no not everyone stereotypes.
6. Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel? Yes I have I think despite your ethnicity , you mostly likely will be at least once in your life .It made me feel not liked and it hurts your self esteem. And your dignity.
7. Where do you think Officer John Ryan's feelings about black people came from? He mentioned in the movie that his family started a business and had a lot of black employees and they all left him and basically he blames them for his fathers business failing.
8. What do you think pushed Officer John Ryan to risk his own life to save Mrs. Thayer? I think he finally started to realize that despite the color of your skin that were all humans and we all are equally the same. And he finally realized that he needed to save this women despite her race.
9. What were the benefits to detective Graham Waters taking the DA's offer to lie in exchange for cleaning up his brother's police record? What were the consequences of his decision? That he would be on top almost like promoted and hes black so that was suppose to be a big deal because they needed a black man to be on top because it would make them look better.
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; you embarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives? Because hes making them look bad that Anthony is justifying the stereotypes. That hes making there race look bad that hes doing exactly what people say they do. To tell him that not everyone is like that and that show people that there wrong what they think about us.
11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, what stipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun? In ways I do then in ways I dont because you always need protection with you especially if you work in a convience store, but also you might not know it but you can actually accidently sell a gun to a person who is intending to kill someone. And then you wouldnt feel too good if you found that out and that you could of prevented that person from killing another. I think that you should get permission from the government to have a gun.
12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her housekeeper,Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along? That she said that she was always depressed and that she was stressed and she never got the attention from people that mattered in her life to help her so that takes tolls on people. And she never knew it but the person she was the meanest too was always there for her which is her house keeper.
13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them to freedom? I think that was Mr. Thayer told he helped him realize that all people go through stereotyping and that to set a good example and show people that your different then how they think you are.
14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons. Tommy was the one who shot him because he thought he was going to pull out a gun and infact it wasnt it was a little good luck saint like tommys,.But I also think the brother didnt make no effort to find his brother either. He could of prevented all of this.
15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid beingarrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not? he apologized because he didnt want to ruin his reputation by being arrested. And the consequences where his wife got molested and they started fighting. I should of stood up to the cop because his wife needed him more than anything and let it happen.
16. This movie is set in Los Angeles, a city rich in diversity? Do you think that an area with such diversity would bemore open or close minded about differences? Why? It was more segregated than we realize because even though they lived together they all were racist against one another. And thats what made it segregated. They secretly didnt like another.
17. Is it appropriate to ask someone their ethnic background? Why or why not? Would you prefer to have someoneask you about your background or assume it? I ask people, not to descrimiate but to know more about the person. I rather them ask me then assume because if they really want to know it never hurts to ask because assumptions leads to rumors and that leads to racism.
18. What do you think caused Anthony to be so defensive about being black? He thought that all whites were always out to get him.
19. What lessons, if any, did each of the characters learn? What lessons in life do you think teach people to bemore accepting of others differences?they learned that arent always what they seem to be, such as the locksmith looked like a gangster, tattoos, shaved head and he didnt look American . But infact he was just trying to take care of his family, a hardworking father.
20. Which character was the most unethical? Why? Which character was the most ethical? Why? Tommy for killing that kid and towards the end john ryan was the most ethical because he risked his own life to save another person. Even though that incident happened in the beginning he still saved her most people in that situation wouldnt know what to do.
21. Do you think that opinions like Officer John Ryan can be changed? How? Yes because he realized what he did wrong and he tried to fix it and change his ways.
22. Which connection(s) between characters was most interesting? Please share your thoughts. When john ryan saved that lady even though she hated him.
23. What character(s) did you like the least? Why? What character(s) did you like the most? Why? The old man who almost killed the little girl. The locksmith was my favorite character because he was the opposite from what everyone thought about him.
24. How did language barriers create problems in this film? How can we help to prevent such misunderstandings? Just because they spoke a different language people can think different about you like in this movie he was Persian and they made him sound like a terrorist. And the Persian guy tried to kill the locksmith because he couldnt understand that it was the door or the lock
25. How does each character's struggle with their own thoughts on racism, morality, and justice connect to their struggles with each other? Some where more racist then others because it was weird how they all were connected and they didnt even know it. That just goes to show you that you can be going through similar things despite race. That assumptions can change they way you look at someone.
26. Is anyone in the movie truly innocent or guilty? Why? Why not? I think the locksmith was the only one innocent because he really didnt do anything wrong.
27. In his review, Roger Ebert says, One thing that happens, again and again [in the film], is that peoples'assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person standing before them (rogerebert.com). Chooseone scene and point out the specific assumptions that prevent one character from seeing another characteras an actual person standing before [him/her]. When anothony said that the lady was scarred so she grabbed her husband. And that made her racist. But infact she could of just been cold and he just assumed that she was racist.
28. Argue how the score in one scene creates a specific mood/tone. That when the mother blames the D.A also her son for her other sons death. You never would of thought that she would blame him.
29. Is there a character in this film with whom it is impossible for us to sympathize? Who? Why? Use specificexamples from the film and keep in mind each characters arc as you create your argument. The D.A because instead of searching for his brother he was too busy for him and when his brother died and his mother blamed him, its true thats his family he should of done a lot more and if he did his brother might still been alive.
30. Why is it important for the script and filmed dialogue to include so many different languages, and, moreimportantly, why is it that these languages are almost always not translated for the viewer into English subtitleson the screen? Create a clear, argumentative statement that answers both questions and offer evidence fromthe film to support your claims. So people can realize how people can be different but still are they same . that there were so many different races and ethnicties in this movie.
31. Recall the opening lines of the film: It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brushpast people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. Ithink we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something. At severalpoints in the movie, we witness crashes between people. Discuss first the connotation of the word crash.Then, discuss whether or not the violence in crashing promotes a positive change in those who literally orfiguratively slam into one another. I think because when they crashed in the beginnig with the asian lady it already started. Thats when they started, because of that one accident resolved or showed all types of racism.
32. Choose one character and outline how (or if) s/he is redeemed. when officer ryan realized what he did was wrong and that he saved someones life even though he risked his own.i would never have thought that he would do that I thought that he was going to be racist through the whole movie because after that conflict between him and that black lady happened.
33. At the end of the film, we are presented with several shots that cut from character to character. Eachcharacter in these shots is gazing into the night from behind glass. What might the directors/editors be arguingabout the themes of connectedness and/or disconnectedness in these shots? Create a clear argument inyour topic sentence and back it up with evidence from this portion of the film. That people arent what you assume to be and that racism is such a big deal and that its like where watching it through a glass watching ourselves go through this and somethings you would never think it would happen to you until it actually does.
1. I really enjoyed the movie because it showed the cultural differences in people just in a small section of urban environment, and it also shows how different people feel about other races and also how bigoted a race can become even towards their own race. 2. The two black guys that jacked cars, Ludacris was very racist and lorenz tate was very optimistic about life and the way people felt about blacks. The head District Attorney( Brendan Frazier) was very diplomatic about the blacks in the community, i think that he was a little racist but didn't really show it. His wife on the other hand was extremely racist and somewhat nuerotic. The black director was alright in the beginning but towards the end he started coming out because of the incident that happened with his wife. The Spanish locksmith looked like he might have had a shaky backround but was just trying to start over with his family. The detective tried to take care of his mother and he obviously knew what his brother was doing on the streets and basically washed his hands of it. The Arab father was probably the most racist person in the movie, his daughter was probably the most kind-hearted and open-minded person in the movie. 3. Rick the DA probably wanted to cover up the fact that two black men stole his car because he thought he would lose the black vote in his community. 4. i don't think there was anything he could have done there on the spot because he was his superior and even if he tried it wouldn't have worked and he might have lost his job. 5. The DA's wife called the locksmith a gangbanger just because how he dressed and his ethnicity, the gunsmith called the Arab guy Osama because of his race, The two car-jackers made assuptions about white people all the time. People are racist sometimes because it was how they were brought up and sometimes because they are close-minded ignorant people who have a cynical outlook on life. 6. I have been stereotyped before and i still am. It makes me feel angry. 7. He blames blacks for his father's life and how it turned out. 8. It was his job, he may have not liked her because she was black and what not but nonetheless she was a human being and deserved to live. 9. He would be distinguished and be promoted and they needed to promote a balck man due to the theft of the DA's stolen car. 10. He was trying to tell him that he embarrassed himself as a person and a black man in America and he embarrassed him because of his actions made all African Americans look bad. 11. You know what it may seem crazy, but i think after the first year it would work perfectly. I think we should give everbody guns. It should be illegal not to have a gun. People would think twice about robbing someone or shooting them if they knew that they had a gun too and could shoot them. There would be a lot of deaths in the first year from people being trigger happy but ultimately it would work. 12. She could have been just a bitter person always angry for no reason. She realized eventually that Maria was the only person that treated her the same everyday and helped regardless of how she was feeling. 13. Mr. Thayer probably had some influence on that. Maybe Anthony wanted to make a fresh start and this first good thing he's done was maybe his first step in acheiving his goal. 14. None of those choices are responsible, Officer John Ryan is. Officer Ryan corrupted Tommy into thinking in stereotypes and Mr. Thayer had some involvement in this too. They made him feel like he did when he shot Graham's brother 15. He did the right thing when he was there, he was better off doing what he did to prevent him being arrested or even shot. When the situation was over he should have reported it to the police chief. 16. I think people would be more close minded about changes. There are more people there, more people means that it is easier to stereotype a certain group of people. 17. If you did it without malicious intent i think that it is perfectly acceptable to ask someone about their ethnicity. It is learning about the different ethnicities that makes you a smarter and more open-minded person. I would rather have someone ask me what my ethnicity was rather than assume it. 18. He may have been discriminated against a lot in his life or the people around him were. 19. they learned not to judge a book by it's cover. It's sounds cliche but it's true. It's always the hard lessons that teach people the most. 20. Mrs. Thayer was perhaps the most unethical, and Arab daughter was the most ethical in the movie 21. In most cases no they can't be changed but in rare occasions yes they can be changed 22. The connection between the Arab and the locksmith was the most intersting. The Arab learned in the end what his hatred and rage could have done to a family as well as his own when he almost shot the little girl. 23. I dislike the DA's wife the most because she was just a bitter cruel person all the time and whatever she got, she deserved. i Liked the locksmith the most because no matter what happened to him he stayed cool. he didnt over react or throw out racial comments or anything of the sort. He just made a living to support his little girl and his wife. 24. The Arab didn't know what the hell he was doing when he bought the gun and also when he was trying to get his door fixed he couldn't because he though it was the lock. Everybody should learn English to be in the U.S. If we went to another country they would expect us to be able to communicate through their language not ours. Nobody gives a damn about the U.S. yet we have to tend to everyone else's needs and wants. 25. I think each charater hasn't really found themself. They are all bigoted in some way, it may not even have been out in the open but there may have been subtle things they did. All of each characters' bigotry played into eachother. The DA's wife and the locksmith, along with the Arab and the gunsmith and the locksmith, the two cops and the Thayers. The Thayers and the two black jackers. 26. The only innocent was the locksmith, he didn't do anything wrong. 27. The situation in the resturant that we didn't see, when the waitress in the resturant didn't give them coffee and Anthony didn't tip because of the service and she didn't give them coffee because she knew she wasn't going to get a tip. 28. When Graham's mother blames her son for her the death of her other child. 29. Graham was too busy with his own life to try to look for his brother to get his brother off the streets, then his mother blamed him for his death, maybe if he spared a little time for his brother he might still be alive right now. 30-33. I'm really not sure how to answer these questions. i am unsure of their meaning.
I partly liked it but partly hated it. The movie was great in that it fulfilled the directors wishes in making people think but I hated how racist I am and the rest of the world is even though they aren't trying to be racist.
2. Discuss each characters relevance in the story.
Each character was really important in the story. Matt Dillons character seemed to be one of the worst racists in the movie, but he was so right about affirmative action and how his dad was taken out of a job because a black man came in and could take it from him just because he was black. Yes, Matt Dillon should not have sexually assaulted that black woman, but he has seen so much happen on the streets that he doesn't know what to expect with certain black women. It doesn't make him a racist, its just that hes seen so many things when relating to black people that he doesn't know what to believe. Ryan Phillipe, Matt Dillons partner, was probably the most relevant character. You think of him as probably the sweetest white man out there looking to help the ones in need, like the TV director that was having the meltdown and was just about to get himself shot. You also think he is a great guy when he picks up the black hitch hiker off the street. Then all of a sudden, we see him believe that the hitch hiker is taking out a gun and he shoots the guy only to find out that the black man was trying to show him that he had the same figurian as the white cop. Shows people that even though this white man seemed to be the most nicest, non racist guy on the planet, he still had a tiny voice in his head telling him that because this man was black and was a hitch hiker, he must have a gun on him.
4. Should Tommy (police officer) have done anything differently tostop Officer John Ryan from treating the Thayer's the way he didwhen he pulled them over? What should he have done?
Tommy should have called it in and discussed what Matt Dillon was doing to the black woman but you can also see why he didnt becuase he was in a lower position then Matt Dillon and could also believe that that black women may have had something on her that could potentially hurt the officers.
5. Name the different stereotypes you heard in this movie? Are theyones you have heard before? Is stereotyping a bad practice? Whatare the reasons why people use stereotypes? Does everyonestereotype?
Right off the bat there was a fender bender and the mexican girl says to make sure that they put on the report that an asian woman was driving the car that hit hers. She also makes fun of the asian womans accent when she says, "the blake lights". Another time is when Sandra looks at the two black guys on the street thinking that they are somehow going to hurt her even though they are just walking down the street minding their own business. In all honesty, people don't mean to sterotype, but they always do. Its as simple as saying only nurses can be women, or that blondes are dumb. No one means to put a sterotype on someone, but they are always thinking it, even when they dont mean to.
6. Have you ever been stereotyped? How did it make you feel?
I have been sterotyped for being a blonde. My friends think because I am a blonde, I am dumb and because of this, I have moments where I seriously don't try to be dumb, but I mess up one sentence or one line and they jump right on it thinking that me saying that was because I am a blonde.
7. Where do you think Officer John Ryan's feelings about black peoplecame from?
Officer Ryan has been a cop for a while and has seen many things. Most likely, all the bad things hes seen like car jacks and bank robberies have been done by black people. This is why he believes that all black people are bad and are always up to something bad. This does not make him a racist, but it does show you that if you keep seeing one group of people keep doing something bad, even though not all of them are doing it, people will start to believe that the entire group is bad and does bad things.
8. What do you think pushed Officer John Ryan to risk his own life to save Mrs. Thayer?
I actually have no idea. Maybe it was just becuase he needed to save her life becuase she was in a dangerous situation.
9. What were the benefits to detective Graham Waters taking the DA's offer to lie in exchange for cleaning up hisbrother's police record? What were the consequences of his decision?
He did this so that his brother would not have a warrent on him and that he was looking out for his brother. Consequence was that his mother liked the younger son better and believed that it was the detectives fault for not looking for the lost son.
10. Reflect on the statement that television producer Cameron Thayer made to Anthony: you embarrass me; youembarrass yourself. What do you think were Thayer's motives?
He is saying that Ludacris is embaressing him because he is putting a dent on black peoples reputation. If a black person steals a car, it makes many believe that black people are more likely to steal cars then any other race.
11. Do you believe that citizens should be able to purchase and possess guns? Why or why not? If so, whatstipulations do you think there should be on purchasing and possessing a gun?
I understand why the father wanted to buy the gun, but in the end, you saw how dangerous it was that he had one in his possession and I cant answer this question becuaee yes, I think its important to have for self defense, but no, its dangerous and can be used by someone that does not have the right mind set.
12. What could have happened in Jean's life that made her so angry? What made her realize that her housekeeper,Maria, was her best friend? What might have kept her from seeing this and treating her with respect all along?
I think that Jean had so many other races **** in her face and do things to her like steal her cars, money, posessions and maybe even raped her. All of this awful things in her life made her terrified of other races and she couldn't trust anyone. She realized Maria was her best friend becuase Maria was there to care for her and even though she was not white, she was still there for Jean. Jean may not have respected Maria becuase she had 6 previous maids that were the same nationality as Maria and they had all failed her. Jean then thought that Maria must be just like everyone else and did not care for Jean like the other maids didnt.
13. What do you think made Anthony decide not to sell the refugees to the chop shop owner and release them tofreedom?
I think Anthony finally realized that he needed to change his life around to prove to people that black people are not bad guys and they can be good.
14. Who was responsible for the death of Graham Waters' brother? Officer Hansen (Tommy)? Graham? His mother? Himself? Please discuss your reasons.
Really tough question to answer...but I believe half of it was his fault and the other was Tommy. Tommy should not have assumed that Graham had a gun or knife and should have not immediately shot him. Graham, on the other hand, should have not done stupid things in his life like steal cars and make his moms life a living hell. he would have never been in the situation if he hadn't tried to steal a car, get thrown out of the car, and been walking on the road for over an hour hoping someone would stop for him.
15. When the Thayer's were pulled over by Officer John Ryan, Mr. Thayer chose to apologize to avoid beingarrested? What were the consequences? Do you think he made the right decision? Why or why not?
Huge consequences for the tv guy because his wife was mad at him for not standing up for their rights and not proving to them that he could be black enough, This incident nearly ruined their marriage. The sad part is, I think he did make the right decision because if he put up a fight, he could have gotten in a lot more trouble then just a warning.
16. This movie is set in Los Angeles, a city rich in diversity? Do you think that an area with such diversity would bemore open or close minded about differences? Why?
Open about diffrences becuase they have to be open about it. If they kept a closed mind, then theyd all be ****ed becuase there is just so much diversity everywhere they go, they would always be frusturated. They have to look past the skin color and find out moe about the person. Sandra believed that the locksmith was going to give the keys to his gangbang but really he was not even part of a gang and had a daughter and wife waiting for him back at home. Sandra kept a closed mind all the time living in LA and becuase of this, she was always fearing for her life.
17. Is it appropriate to ask someone their ethnic background? Why or why not? Would you prefer to have someoneask you about your background or assume it?
I would be totally fine if someone asked about my background becuase I am not ashamed of who I am. I also think that it is ok to ask someone becuase we genrally don't ask and then later assume they are something they aren't. The detective lady we all assumed was a mexican but then she later explained that both of her parents weren't anywhere near mexico and that she was hispanic. The store guy that bought the gun was assumed to be arrab but actually wasent. So yes, people should ask about their ethnic backgrounds so that they don't be sterotypical towards someone that isn't even that ethnicity.
19. What lessons, if any, did each of the characters learn? What lessons in life do you think teach people to bemore accepting of others differences?
Ludacris learned a huge lesson: that he needs to stop acting like his sterotype and act like someone better then that. We see that as he finally decideds to ride the bus and not be ashamed. Him riding the bus shows that he wants to out grow his sterotype and actually be a man.
20. Which character was the most unethical? Why? Which character was the most ethical? Why?
The most unethical characters was the asian man selling other asians and the car guy that sold stolen car parts. The asian man I couldn't even think about siding with him because selling people is one of the worst crimes to do. The guy selling stolen car parts was also very unethical becuase he was going to give Ludacris 500 dollars for each one of the enslaved asians. Thats just wrong on so many levels. The most ethical character was the locksmith man. He was caring and a loving man to both his wife and kids even though he looked like a gang banger and had several tatoos on his body.
21. Do you think that opinions like Officer John Ryan can be changed? How?
I think people can tell him how not many people of one race are bad, but he will always have that little voice in his head saying to watch out for this certaion race becuase they may do something ilegal at any moment. He may think a little diffrentyl towards a race but never fully trust them again.
22. Which connection(s) between characters was most interesting? Please share your thoughts.
Definetly finding out that Ludacris' friend that stole cars with him was actually the brother of the detective was the biggest connection. It was shocking to find out that the kid that was found dead was his brother and amazing to know how oppositie two brothers can be from one another.
23. What character(s) did you like the least? Why? What character(s) did you like the most? Why?
The asian man and the guy that seals stolen car parts. Both are awful people and you can't justify at all with them because they seem to be ok with buying and selling people!! Thats like the worst crime of all.
24. How did language barriers create problems in this film? How can we help to prevent such misunderstandings?
The store owner did not understand what the locksmith was telling him and because he couldn't speak english that well, he didn't fix his door and later had his store robbed. The tax people then didnt cover him for the damages and this made the man believe that the world was against him. a way to help this out would be to have translators for the people that can't speak english well or even teach english for free to the people that need to learn it to survive in america.
26. Is anyone in the movie truly innocent or guilty? Why? Why not
Most of them are innocent. They all are just brought up in a world where they think diffrent races act diffrent ways and this doesn't make them racists, its just the way they were thought to perceive others.
27. In his review, Roger Ebert says, One thing that happens, again and again [in the film], is that peoples'assumptions prevent them from seeing the actual person standing before them (rogerebert.com). Chooseone scene and point out the specific assumptions that prevent one character from seeing another characteras an actual person standing before [him/her].
when Tommy shot the black hitch hiker. He believed that the black hitch hiker must have a gun becuase he looked like someone with a gun. he immediatly assumed that the black man was going to shoot him and out of self defense, shoots the black man. He then realizes that the black man was going to pull out the same figurian that Tommy had and if Tommy just remained calm and asked what the black man had in his hand, he would have never shot him and he could still be alive.
28. Argue how the score in one scene creates a specific mood/tone.
The music in this film was great. it set the mood to be weary and uncertain in many of the scenes and makes the people watching the movie question whats going to happen next.
29. Is there a character in this film with whom it is impossible for us to sympathize? Who? Why? Use specificexamples from the film and keep in mind each characters arc as you create your argument.
Again, I will never be able to sympathzise with the asian man and the one that sold the parts ffrom stolen cars becuase they both believe it is ok to sell people for money.
32. Choose one character and outline how (or if) s/he is redeemed.
Ludacris is redeemed after talking to the tv director. He is showen that because of what he is doing, he is the reason why many blacks are discrimanted agianst even though they mean no harm to others. He finally in the end is seen to be moving up from where he was first seen as a car jacker and he decides to ride the bus and let the slaved asians free even though he would have made a **** ton of money if he sold them off to the car dealer guy.
