Akeelah Anderson is an exceptional student. She accomplishes first place in the national spelling bee through both her own resolution and by having a solid support system surrounding her. Throughout the film, Akeelah learns how to embrace her community and becomes an icon in return. Akeelah and the Bee is a story of how the achievement gap caused by variances in privilege can be combatted through supporting the youth regardless of their external circumstances. Fortunately, Akeelah was pushed and aided in her journey of spelling bees by her school, mentor, and family. At the end of the movie when Akeelah spells her final word, the audience sees how her most important “coaches” spell the word for her. Ending the national spelling bee scene
…show more content…
In the start of the film, Akeelah does not wish to participate in the spelling bee. She fears that if she does well, she will be bullied even worse than she already is for being a “brainiac”. According to the textbook, bullying is now becoming a more prominent topic of conversation in reference to school changes (INTRO TO TEACHING 136). Akeelah suffers both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her peers, at one point in front of the school principal. The audience never witnesses actions being taken to stop Akeelah from being bullied. It is rather assumed that as Akeelah takes pride in herself and ignores the negativity form her classmates that the bullying with cease and be replaced with admiration and respect. Teachers have a responsibility to prevent physical and emotional harm of their students. They also have an accountability to prevent bullies from believing their behaviors are acceptable.
In spite of any fallacies, Akeelah and the Bee is a feel-good movie intended to inspire and promote positive morals. Akeelah is a character that one hopes children will idolize as she rises above her circumstances and demonstrates a resilient and principled personality. Her journey expresses qualities educators must prioritize and is a note of positivity for those who are passionate about the
In the start of the film, Akeelah does not wish to participate in the spelling bee. She fears that if she does well, she will be bullied even worse than she already is for being a “brainiac”. According to the textbook, bullying is now becoming a more prominent topic of conversation in reference to school changes (INTRO TO TEACHING 136). Akeelah suffers both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her peers, at one point in front of the school principal. The audience never witnesses actions being taken to stop Akeelah from being bullied. It is rather assumed that as Akeelah takes pride in herself and ignores the negativity form her classmates that the bullying with cease and be replaced with admiration and respect. Teachers have a responsibility to prevent physical and emotional harm of their students. They also have an accountability to prevent bullies from believing their behaviors are acceptable.
In spite of any fallacies, Akeelah and the Bee is a feel-good movie intended to inspire and promote positive morals. Akeelah is a character that one hopes children will idolize as she rises above her circumstances and demonstrates a resilient and principled personality. Her journey expresses qualities educators must prioritize and is a note of positivity for those who are passionate about the