Perceptual Errors In Freedom Writers

In the film Freedom Writers, a high school teacher, Erin Gruwell, helps her students overcome their violent environment. Her students, conditioned by gang violence and racial segregation, are reluctant to interact with one another and have a limited outlook on life. But, by having them write journals, she makes them set aside their differences and realise that there is more to life than what they have experienced throughout their short lives.

Perceptual errors negatively affect the student’s relationships. During the initial days of school, Eva Benitez confuses facts with inferences. Eva assumes traits about her teacher based on her race. Referring to an earlier instance when her father was arrested by white police officers, Eva says, “You’re white (referring to Mrs. Gruwell), I hate white people, I saw white cops break into my house and take my father because they were white, so I hate white people on sight.” Eva assumes Mrs. Erin has bad intentions, this not only prevents a relationship from establishing, but also inhibits her learning from from lecture. Marcus on the other hand, expects Ms. Gruwell to not understand his situation or at least conceptualize his struggles. He shouts, “Stop acting like you understand our situation.” Marcus implies white have no misfortune and no trouble. This perceptual error deprives Marcus from a …show more content…
It highlights some of the hardships the youth have to deal with. Also, it gives an insight into the train of thought of some of the very unfortunate who have to face death or the prospect of losing their lives on a day to day basis. Very important topics, such as the youth, society, family, race and how bureaucracy may limit some less than fortunate to name a few, are dissected in the film. It gives context and different points of view on a similar subject in order to show the motives behind the actions these young adults had to take in high