I have learned a lot from this class.  I never thought I would be able to sit and write a 2 page essay, yet alone five pages.  I have learned some new tips for writing.  I hope to continue practicing my writing.  It is very rewarding when you sit down and see a finished piece.  I have never been the writer type... if there is a type.  I can really say I grew and learned a lot with the topics chosen in this course.  I saw things through different eyes, from other angles. 

"The House I Live In" was put together showing many different views.  It does not stereotype anyone.  It allows you to examine things, and take away your own opinion.  There is no wrong opinion.  One of the strongest statement in the director's explanation for the film was when he said, "I sought out individuals whose lives were directly and deeply shaped by the War on Drugs, hoping their stories would reveal some of the everyday tragedies left in its wake."  It shows that he wanted to show people the other side of things.  The other forgotten individuals affected by this crisis.

I don't know if this could have been done any different, maybe the jumping from one subject to another could have been less, but I don't know if that would then take away from what was made.  It's  a subject that needs to be discussed and not just pushed aside, and I think that he did a great job to show it.  The amount of incarcerations for drug use cannot be ignored.  And the fact that race is playing a big role in decision making for punishment is unacceptable.

I think the sources used were great, from police officers to the people selling drug on the streets.  The director used a wide range to show how big of an issue the war on drugs have become. It is something that has to be brought to light and not just ignored. 

Most television shows depict life a certain way.  Dad goes to work to provide for his family, mom tends to the children and home.  Usually the children learn lessons after they have made a mistake or done something wrong.  The parent then takes time and sits with them to teach them a lesson, and help them become stronger individuals.

Does real life always happen like this? Not usually.  Moms and dads both have to work, and sometimes don't have enough hours in a day to spend with their children and are not able to teach them these life lessons. 

I know growing up, my life never fit into one of these television shows.  Maybe that is why we watch them, to kind of give us that image of what we wish it should be.  In some way it may have been somewhat similar to some of the ways the Walls children were raised.  I spent a lot of time without my parents, and  although the Walls children had their mother there physically, emotionally she was not there for their children.  If my mom was home, I often felt like we had to fight for her attention, she would be tired from a busy day.

Although not perfect and not what a perfect family should be.  Life lessons can be learned in real life, not just from the way life is portrayed on television.