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Tasks: Good Trouble

John Lewis, he is an older Black man. He is bald. He is wearing a blue suit with a tie. There is a younger man and a street sign in the background. The sign says John Lewis Freedom. Photo. — Congressman John Lewis

Understanding the film

Work with a partner, use the notes you took while watching the film Good Trouble, discuss the questions, and write shared answers.

Why was John Lewis an inspiration to many people?
Why did John Lewis become a civil rights activist?
What was it like to be a civil rights activist in the 1960s?
What issues were important to John Lewis in his work as a Congressman?
What did John Lewis mean by 'getting in good trouble'?

Film Analysis

Write an analysis of the documentary.

Remember that you can go back and watch part or all of the documentary again by yourself.

If you want, you can work with a partner, and write a shared answer.

In the expandable box below, you will find a few tips about what to look for when analysing a documentary.

Analysing a documentary

A documentary presents an argument and tries to persuade the audience to view a person, place, or event in a certain way.

What is the main purpose/argument of the film?
Who are the people that the film focuses on?
How does the film establish credibility (ethos)? (E.g. authentic material, first hand accounts etc.)
What cinematic devices are used in telling the story of the film? (E.g. music, lighting, cutting, camera angles etc.)
How is the film structured, and how does the structure contribute to telling the story?
What is the message of the film, and is it convincingly delivered?

Research

The following issues were important to John Lewis. Find out more about them and explain why these are important issues in American politics.

Present your findings in a written report, or in a ten-minute oral presentation.

Voting Rights
Gun Control
Health Care Reform
Immigration

Discuss

Work with at least two partners – choose partners you don't work with that often.

Are there issues that are important enough to get in trouble with the law and the authorities over? If yes, where do you draw the line? What form of action is acceptable?
Are non-violent protests always acceptable?
In a democracy, does it make sense to participate in protests? Isn't it enough that we participate in elections?

Rhetorical analysis

Read the speech John Lewis held during the March on Washington in 1963: John Lewis' speech at the Voices of Democracy website.

Study the speech closely and write a short text where you answer the questions below.

What literary and rhetorical devices do you notice in the text? Explain using examples.
How do the literary and rhetorical devices contribute to conveying the theme and message of the speech?

Minecraft Education Edition has created the computer game 'Lessons in Good Trouble', which teaches you about the Civil Rights Movement and civil rights struggles around the world. Note that you will have to install Minecraft Education Edition to play.

If you haven't played Minecraft before, you may need a little help to get started. Use the search query ‘Minecraft Education Edition: "Lessons in Good Trouble" Walkthrough’ and watch the YouTube video.

Relatert innhald

Good Trouble

John Lewis was a civil rights activist who worked with Dr. King. He went on to become a Congressman.