Moments to Movements: Individual and Collective Action
From animated films to real-life movements like #NoKingsDay, this blog explores how individual and collective action can challenge oppression and inspire positive change.
As anyone with a social media account can tell you, June 14 is Donald Trump’s birthday, and there’s a big, expensive military parade planned. That’s not so impressive to pull off, right? If you are the president, then, well, I guess you are allowed to do that, though we haven’t really had a president do so in modern times. But what’s really exciting to watch unfold are two different, but very interesting, responses against the overreach of government, particularly Trump’s regime. I’m giddy watching this play out.
The first is #NoKingsDay, created by Indivisible and a coalition of pro-democracy groups that are mobilizing. The plan is simple, as outlined on nokings.org: “Trump is planning a military parade in DC on June 14, but the biggest story of that day will be the actions we take everywhere else.” The United University Professions (representing State University of New York faculty and professional staff), the United Electrical Workers, the Communications Workers of America, the American Federation of Government Employees and of course the AFT are all labor groups that will be participating, among many other organizations. What’s exciting is the way social media can create a movement with a hashtag and regular people coming together in positive, nonviolent ways.
The second show of nonviolent response is equally fascinating. Pope Leo XIV, the new outspoken and distinctly American pope, has orchestrated quite a day on June 14. The event will be held in Chicago at Rate Field, with the gates opening at 12:30 p.m. CDT, programming beginning at 2:30 p.m., and a mass expected at 4 p.m. According to the Archdiocese of Chicago, 10,000 tickets were sold in the first 15 minutes. And it’s not only Catholics who are looking to the pope to be the voice of reason; many have been pleasantly surprised by his thoroughly modern and inclusive language. In his first homily as pope, he said, “Let us build a church founded on the love of God and a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, that proclaims the word, that allows itself to be unsettled by history, and that becomes a leaven of concord for humanity.” This message of expansion is refreshing in times when sides have become shriveled to pathetic dogma.
One of the perks of having written a book about using movies in the classroom is that people send me clips all the time that they believe would be great to supplement the curriculum. (You can check out Movie Magic here.) A friend of mine sent this clip about solidarity from the movie A Bug’s Life, curatedby Robert Reich, former secretary of labor and current professor at Berkeley. It has me ready to write a second edition!
Resistance, solidarity and resurrection from despair are on the agenda for the United States, and I’m here for it. Here are some great resources that might help you broach the current political climate with your students or family members.
Ideas Are Very Dangerous Things
This is another clip from A Bug’s Life that will resonate with those of us who feel that our individual ability to effect change has been stymied. This clip perfectly captures the intensity with which oppressors can make people feel powerless; we can only change that by recognizing the fact that we can do great things—both individually and together.
Animated Films Exploring Oppression
This is a great resource if you are looking for a wide range of animated films. Particularly, An American Tail feels especially relevant as we prepare for #NoKingsDay. Another thing I like about this resource is that it emphasizes the dark side of animation and allows serious consideration of the more subversive messages that are embedded in children’s films. Having been to every animated movie coming and going in the last 20 years, it is safe to say that the messaging, particularly the humor, is often teed up for the adults.
Zootopia
A perfect example of serious topics wrapped in humor is Zootopia. It is the reason I ever wrote a book about using movies in the classroom. The success I’ve had over the years using this movie to broach topics like racism, sexism and classism is reason enough to consider it. However, at this particular moment, the most impressive message of the film is the fear of “other” that is often a part of cultural clashes.
Political Oppression Theme in Encanto
While I included Encanto in my book, I didn’t fully address the theme of oppression within it. I focused more on mental health, body image and generational trauma. However, the above resource goes a step further and provides the historical context that is again relevant as the United States is living out ICE raids, deportations and questions of immigrant rights.
As we watch #NoKingsDay grow from an idea, to a moment, to a movement, it is important to realize that there is power in numbers, and that hope is found in both individual and collective action. The thing is, if individuals despair and don’t believe their single contribution matters, then the oppression will continue. It is going to take those individuals to step out of their comfort zones to join with the others who are feeling the same way. Not only will our collective action be something positive to see, but I’m also really looking forward to the feeling of community that comes with standing up for ourselves and each other.
Join us this No Kings Day for a powerful town hall!
Stand up for democracy, public schools, and the communities that shape our future. Be part of the conversation—your voice matters!
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Amber Chandler is a National Board Certified middle school ELA teacher in Hamburg, New York with a Master’s Degree in Literature, as well as a School Building Leader certification. She is the 2018 Association for Middle Level Educators’ “Educator of the Year.” Amber has enjoyed a wide variety of... See More
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