Ballou High School ​Visual Arts Department
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"Have Courage and Be Kind"

3/27/2015

 

"I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer; have courage and be kind".

     Hello everyone. I hope that you are enjoying spring break. I know that I promised to write over break, but I have been so busy here in DC with very little downtime. I did, however take a break to go see a movie. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I went to see the new Cinderella movie that is showing in the theaters…and no, I didn’t take a kid with me, I went alone with my head held high, Lol!

     Seriously, lets be honest with each other…boys, when those old superhero movies come out you really want to go see them, and girls…we all love a story like Snow White and Cinderella regardless of how old we are. Well, I absolutely loved this movie!

     When I was a little girl, I loved fairy tales. I loved the idea of courageous boys and girls who overcame cruel people. I also am a sucker for happy endings. The theme of good triumphing over evil in life and in the movies gets to me every time! Also, the concept that if you keep believing that your dreams will come true, regardless of how bad it gets, and you do your best to be “courageous and kind” then it will all work out for you in the end.

      The interpersonal themes of this movie are tremendous. There are so many adult lessons in this fairy tale that we could discuss it for a long time. It is about courage, kindness, and forgiveness. It is also about staying true to yourself when evil people set out to harm you. Cinderella never gave up and in all ways she always was kind and loving.  But it is also, about bullying. In the movie, Cinderella is exasperated by her stepmother and stepsister’s cruelty and she finally asks her, “Why are you so cruel?” The stepmother responds, “Because you are so beautiful and still full of goodness, and I am…”

    Hurt people hurt people. As I watched the movie I thought of the people who hurt me in my life. Looking back, I realize now that they were insecure hurting people. They thought that they would hurt me to make themselves feel better, but just like Cinderella did, I continued to show kindness, love and I stayed courageous… and it all worked out for me even more than I could ever imagine or dreamed. 

      The last scene of the movie was the best. It was sweet justice! Cinderella has nothing to offer the Prince but her love. She says that she is a poor country girl with no dowry. He had all the riches that he ever needed, but what he didn’t have was love. He accepted her love and took her by the hand to take her home with him.  But, before she leaves, she turns to face the people who were so cruel to her and simply says the words, “I forgive you” and then walks away to live happily ever after.

    Ok, I admit that I am a softie, but even the hardest heart has to feel some kind of sweet revenge or justice that the beautiful kind girl won over the wicked evil ones…it is my sincere hope that all your lives end up as happy as a fairy tale. My life has! Just remember, when you are faced with cruel, evil people who intend to lie and destroy you, "Have courage and be kind” and you will have victory in the end. Have a great weekend. Love, Ms. B.

 


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    Donna Bonavia

    I am an art educator and  a professional artist. I write this blog to guide my students in  (SEL) social, emotional, and academic development. S.E.L. is the District of Columbia Public School's priority because we believe that we must educate the whole child.


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