JUST IGNORE IT - ANTI-RACISM FILM

Summary

This powerful video script follows Ella, a young girl learning about racism, and Ben, a boy influenced by his family's prejudices. The story highlights moments of discrimination in their lives, including hurtful comments and negative experiences. Despite teachers telling Ella to 'ignore it,' the emotional toll is evident as she struggles with her identity. A teacher eventually takes action, challenging Ben’s behavior, encouraging him to rethink his biases. The film emphasizes the importance of addressing racism, even in small incidents, and urges educators and society to take meaningful steps toward change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Racism is learned through the environment, as seen through the character of Ben, who adopts racist views from his father's behavior.
• 😀 Ella, a young girl, experiences racism at school, but her teacher dismisses it, telling her to 'ignore it'.
• 😀 The script emphasizes how deeply personal experiences of racism can shape a person's view of the world, especially for young children.
• 😀 Ella's family faces multiple instances of discrimination, such as being followed in stores and harassed by strangers on the street.
• 😀 The teacher's failure to take immediate action when racism occurs highlights the need for better responses to these situations in schools.
• 😀 Kobi, Ella's brother, is also targeted with racist insults and violence, showing how racism extends beyond the classroom and into the community.
• 😀 Systemic racism is portrayed through subtle and overt actions, such as the lecturer telling Ella's Aunt that her studies 'won’t help you'.
• 😀 The script critiques the media’s portrayal of people of color, from headlines about immigration to films about slavery, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
• 😀 The need for a proactive, clear anti-racism policy in schools is highlighted, encouraging teachers to take action even when incidents seem small.
• 😀 The script stresses the importance of teaching empathy and kindness in schools, urging educators to intervene when they witness racism and educate students on inclusivity.
• 😀 The long-term effect of racism on young minds is portrayed through Ben's eventual realization that his father's beliefs were wrong, illustrating the potential for change through education and empathy.

Q & A

What is the main issue addressed in the script?

The script addresses the issue of racism in schools, particularly the impact of racist behavior on young students and the importance of taking action to prevent and address such incidents.

Who is the protagonist in the story, and what challenges does she face?

The protagonist is Ella, a young girl who faces racism both at school and in the broader society. She experiences bullying from her classmate Ben, as well as instances of racial discrimination in her daily life, such as being followed in a supermarket or hearing offensive language about black people.

What is the significance of Ben's character in the story?

Ben represents the influence of learned prejudices. He repeats the racist behavior of his father, who dislikes black people. Ben’s actions initially harm Ella, but the story shows how he can change when confronted with the truth about racism and its impact on others.

How does the teacher react to the situation between Ella and Ben?

At first, the teacher downplays the incident, advising Ella to 'just ignore it.' However, after reflecting on the situation, the teacher takes action by separating Ella and Ben and confronting Ben about his behavior, explaining that racism is wrong and that everyone deserves respect.

What role does Ella's family play in the story?

Ella's family plays a supportive role. They guide her through experiences of racism, like the incident in the supermarket, and try to instill strength in her. Her brother Kobi also faces racism, and their mother helps him after a confrontation with older kids. The family’s responses highlight how they cope with and resist racial prejudice.

Why does the teacher eventually move Ella to a different table?

The teacher moves Ella to a different table as a way to protect her from further harm and to separate her from Ben, who continues to exhibit racist behavior. This action reflects an attempt to create a safer and more supportive environment for Ella.

What is the importance of the 'policy' mentioned at the end of the script?

The 'policy' is a key part of the message in the film, emphasizing the importance of addressing even small incidents of racism in schools. It encourages teachers to take action, read guidelines, and support students who are victims of racism by intervening when necessary.

How does the script suggest people can contribute to combating racism?

The script suggests that individuals, especially teachers, can help combat racism by taking immediate action when incidents occur, supporting the victims, and promoting positive, inclusive behaviors. It encourages people to learn, speak out, and not tolerate racism.

What is the significance of the recurring themes of 'ice cream,' 'Nans,' and 'phones' in the story?

The recurring themes of 'ice cream,' 'Nans,' and 'phones' are used to emphasize the shared innocence and common experiences of children, regardless of race. These details humanize the characters and show that Ella and Ben, despite their differences, have similar interests and experiences, underscoring the unfairness of racism.

What is the ultimate message the script aims to convey?

The ultimate message of the script is that racism is harmful, and it is crucial to stand up against it, no matter how small the incident may seem. It calls for action, understanding, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.