Free Sociology Essay Sample: Waiting for Superman

Answer 1

The documentary “Waiting for Superman” attempts at investigating several ways of failure of American education system. It has presented an in depth analysis of charter schools, educational reforms and consequent results. Five children Bianca, Emily, Francisco, Daisy and Anthony experience everyday pressures of regular public education. They suggest certain options which could possibly help in improving the US public education system.
The documentary starts with the repercussions of “No Child Left Behind” act, then giving in-depth details of the children who are good at math and general reading in every American state and how the test scores affect the progress of the students. However it failed to highlight the students’ proficiency of charter schools. “Drop out” factories were mentioned regarding the future of the children and Bill also included his own experiences.
The use of personal stories imparts an element of emotionality in the viewer. It clearly demonstrates the pressure a parent has about his child being able to attend school which could change his future. The lotteries at the end however settle the pressure between viewer and the children.

Answer 2

Several claims of “Waiting for Superman” were refuted by Grassroots Education Movement in “The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman”. The documentary starts with the short clips of reaction of different schools and rallies. They tried to explain the ineffectiveness and short comings of charter schools which were proposed as the only solution of improving the system in the “Waiting of Superman”. It highlighted the NYC where the bureaucrats are devastating the schools of public education.
The debate is about the reforms and their impact on the middle class Americans. It is suppressing their voices and creating the segregated schools. They highlighted the fact that public schools should be given more attention if they want improvement in the system in the true sense. They need support of the unions for meeting the educational needs of the students they are meant to serve. The film is based on stories of the students which have been terribly affected by the so called reforms and corporate schools. The primary educator voices in the documentary include Julie Cavanaugh, Brian Jones and New York. The personal stories and struggles move the viewers and make them realize the unfair hardships and totally different side of the story. Countless protest and criticism of the proposed solution i.e. corporate school are the main focus of the theme.

Answer 3

Even though “The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman” is not perfect but it is more enjoyable as compared to “Waiting for Superman”. The counter claims introduce the viewer to a completely different frame of mind and level of perception. Comparing the both sides of the views is extremely interesting and ironic too. But both of them are right in their own way. They present the bitter realities and draw the attention towards the factors in educational system which has been ignored. Ordinary people are often quite naïve about the views of these two sides but there is a need of perhaps another documentary which would include the ideas of both of these parties. The only solution of improving American public education system is to listen to all these voices and devising a plan accordingly. Every opinion counts and it must be valued and considered equally.