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FRONTLINE: SCHOOL COLORS {THIRTEENTH SEASON PREMIERE} (TV)

Summary

One in this documentary series. This program documents the racial tensions at Berkeley High School, in Berkeley, California, which serves as a microcosm for the ethnic diversity in the United States. During this program, students, teachers, and parents discuss the following topics, among others: the problems with tracked classes, the types of books being read in English classes, the attitudes of students and teachers, the expectations of students in various levels of the tracking system, the pros and cons of their African-American studies department, the reasons that African-Americans fail out of school, the importance of proper grammar, the difference in the lifestyles of the have and have-nots, changes made in the teaching staff by principal Jim Henderson, the walk-out by Hispanic students, the power of the word "racist," the importance of participating in a sport, the premeditated thinking that has been embedded in the minds of both students and teachers, the concept of teaching students that they are African and not American, racial fights in the hallways, interracial dating, the need to have different identities at home and at school, the labeling of white people, double standards, the use of affirmative action, the reason why students find it necessary to take independent study instead of attending regular classes, the reasons that black students decide to attack white students, the treatment of teachers by students, and society's responsibility for those who fail in school. Also, a student discusses what it is like to be the only white person in his African-American drama class. In addition, clips of the following are shown: the integration of public schools in Berkeley in 1968, a European psychology class, an African-American drama class, a fight between a "Chicano" and a "Latin" student in the hallway, a student video project about segregation, upper and lower math and English classes, classes in the African-American studies department, a protest held by Hispanic students, eighth-grade parent/teacher night, a Kwanzaa celebration, students getting ready for the Winter Ball, a student video project about interracial dating, a Chinese-American family celebrating the New Year, a Chicano-Latino assembly, a staff meeting of those students who work for the student newspaper, a multi-cultural meeting, a work-out being done by the Crew team, a poetry class, the reunion class of 1958, and football practice. During the program the following individuals speak, among others: math teacher Larry Lee; English teacher David Bye; English teacher Mary Roberts; Geoff Murihia, a member of the African-American studies department; African-American studies teacher Hodari Davis; principal Jim Henderson; vice principal Brad Fox; history teacher Thomasine Wilson; African-American studies teacher Timothy Hood; the first Chicano homecoming queen, Xochitl Rios; Berkeley students Raman "Monxi" Flores, Renato Cazares, Eddie Mezincescu, Peter Adeney, Michael Brown, Faith Blackeney, and Art Yee; and a number of parents.

Other topics discussed include: detracking, the importance of instilling confidence in children, segregation within the classroom, parents' thoughts on detracking, the concept of learning politically correct topics over traditional studies, the controversy over detracking, safety in school, the politics of detracking, the fear felt by students and parents, the source of violence in the school, and how the adults in the community deal with racism. In addition, a teacher is shown explaining how to dress for an interview. Also included are clips of the following: a student video project about fear; detracked classes; the Chicano-Latino graduation; the African-American graduation; and the general Berkeley High School graduation. At the end of the program, viewer mail is read in response to the documentary entitled "Go Back to Mexico." Also included are coming attractions for the next "Frontline" program.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Details

  • NETWORK: PBS
  • DATE: October 18, 1994 9:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 2:22:23
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: T:45461
  • GENRE: Public Affairs/Documentaries
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Education; Ethnic relations; Public Affairs/Documentaries; Race relations; Racism
  • SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1983-
  • COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

  • Sharon Tiller … Executive Producer
  • David Fanning … Executive Producer
  • June Cross … Senior Producer
  • Stephen Olsson … Senior Producer
  • Inez M. Robinson-Odom … Senior Producer
  • Scott Andrews … Senior Producer, Director
  • Tamu Du Ewa … Associate Producer
  • Marilyn Abbink … Associate Producer
  • Rose Arrieta … Researcher
  • Tamara Chuang … Researcher
  • Stephen Levine … Researcher
  • Reven Malkmus … Researcher
  • Lori Olszweski … Reporter
  • Stephen Olsson … Narrator
  • Peter Adeney
  • Faith Blackeney
  • Michael Brown
  • David Bye
  • Renato Cazares
  • Hodari Davis
  • Flores, Ramon "Monxi"
  • Brad Fox
  • Jim Henderson
  • Timothy Hood
  • Larry Lee
  • Eddie Mezincescu
  • Geoff Murihia
  • Xochitl Rios
  • Mary Roberts
  • Thomasine Wilson
  • Art Yee