Why you should see "Waiting for Superman"

Back in 2010, the documentary Waiting for Superman was released. Adriana and I were privileged to receive an invitation by OCPA to view a private screening of this film back when we were in Oklahoma. It's a powerful film tracing the lives of young students and their parents, who desperately desire something better for their children educationally.

After it's release, I was surprised that many of my acquaintances in the private and homeschool worlds were not all that interested in it. Their thinking was that their kids were not in public schools, they didn't support public schools, and didn't really care what happened in public schools. It's not that they were antagonistic to the system; they were simply indifferent. Their kids weren't there. What difference does it make?

There are a couple of reasons why those outside of the public schools should see this film.One is that we outside of the public school system realize there is (and have embraced) school choice. We have considered our educational options and have opted for something other than what they are offering. The reason we can do that is because we have the means to pursue those options. The families in the film do not. This has led some in our circles to say, "Well, if they don't like the public schools, they should leave them." This sentiment is simply not rooted in reality.

Because of this, the issue of public education, who is educated and how, is one of the clearest social justice issues of our time. Kids are stuck. They get what they get, depending on where they live and their circumstance. The body of Christ should be leading the way in bringing healing to this aspect of our broken world.

A third reason to see this film is simply (and this is somewhat self-serving) that you will be dealing with these kids someday. They'll be taking your order at the restaurant, they will be fixing your car at the shop, they'll be assisting you when you walk in the store, they will be selling you insurance, they will be running for office in your district, they will be your family doctor, they will be serving in the military, etc. In short, you will be exchanging vocations with them someday. They will serve you and you will serve them. Wouldn't you want that vocational change to be beneficial, for you as well as for them? Don't you long for people to work hard, to work honestly, and to work for reasons outside themselves?

See the film if you haven't already. I still get choked up at the one part at the end.