In 1955, Metro Goldwyn Mayer had gone through some polarizing changes: it had lost money for the first time in its history, it had to compete for its audience against television and most importantly, it’s founder Louis B. Mayer, had been forced out in favor of RKO Radio Pictures producer, Dore Schary simply because he couldn’t be flexible enough to cope with the changing times.
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Glenn Ford as Richard Dadier in “Blackboard Jungle” (1955)
Yes, it was a polarizing time in society in the years after World War II and a representation of that time period was reflected in the film “Blackboard Jungle” (1955), considered by many as a culturally significant film not just by its social issues, but also because it gives us a look into an educational environmental that is not exactly a respectable location.
The reason I strongly admire this film is because the school that is chosen is an inner-city school, which is the most challenging environment to be in and it shows through the course of the film.
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Sidney Poitier as Gregory Miller and Glenn Ford as Richard Dadier in “Blackboard Jungle” (1955)
Well, this made me wonder about one thing, should parents of special education schools watch this film and get an idea of what their child is going to be heading into? Many factors go into selecting a school for a special education student: environment, culture, activity all of which is displayed in this film clear as day.
I mean, look at the characters in this film. Are they the types of people that the special education student wants to be around? Many of the students that are featured are punks and bullies. Hell, there is even a scene with a boy crying after being bullied in the “First Day of School” scene.
As you watch that scene, ask yourself one question, “Would I want to see my child in that position?”
Naturally, the answer would be no.
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Artie West (Vic Morrow) vs. Richard Dadier (Glenn Ford) in “Blackboard Jungle” (1955)
During my time in Seekonk Public Schools, I was subjected to being in very tense environments whether it was the noise of the cafeteria, the teachers trying to demand silence out of a misbehaving classroom, you name it.
All this was all part of the school’s culture and in the 1950’s, it was no exception.
I mean, look at how the other teachers in the film are portrayed. Especially pay close attention to the character of History Teacher Jim Murdock (Louis Calhoun) as he is a representation of a teacher who is not only burnt out with his job, but he also displays a warning type of attitude for students to avoid a school where they are subjected to such behaviors from other students.
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When you watch “Blackboard Jungle,” both parents and teachers should look at this film and think to themselves if they want a special education student in a specific environment that is suitable for them and what happens if the student is put in an environment that is not safe.
Think to yourself, “Would I want my child to be put in somewhere like an inner-city school where they are subjected to daily sensory overloads, bullying, etc.?” For some families that live in the inner city, inner-city schools are the only option. The same holds true for families that live in a public school setting.
But there are options like a private school, a religious cultured school or a specialized school that can help the student succeed with as many little distractions as possible.
In conclusion, all we want is for students, especially Special Education students, to get the education that they need to succeed in life after they get their passport to the real world…a high school diploma. “Blackboard Jungle” is sort of like a “what if?” scenario that I think can benefit not just both the parent and the teacher, but the student as well.
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Catch you all later!!
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