Thirteen

In this entry, I wanted to quickly discuss the issues presented in the movie Thirteen. In summary, the movie was about a13 year old girl names Tracy, and her transition from innocent and fun loving, to a sexually promiscuous drug and alcohol abuser. I had seen this movie multiple times. Prior to seeing it in class I had watched it more for entertainment. But through the lens of a teacher, the movie is disconcerting. Tracy was so easily influenced by her peers, especially those in the spotlight. In one scene the popular girls are shoplifting. Tracy backs off at first, but then turns around and pickpockets out of a ladies purse. Her shift in behavior happens so quickly. As a teacher I have been trying to think of ways to prevent this in my classroom and school. I think it is the responsibility of adults to be the enforcers. It is on our shoulders to be role models and teach kids responsibility for their own actions. In the movie, Tracy’s mom seemed to act like more of a friend than an authority “mom” figure. Also, in all the scenes filmed at the school, there are no teachers, aids, or hall monitors present anywhere. The kids seemed free to roam and do whatever they like. Without any kind of accountability at home or at school, Tracy was easily pulled into a destructive lifestyle. Teachers must take responsibility for the important job of molding students not only academically, but also into dependable and conscientious people. It is our job to be there guiding students in the right direction. In this movie, I really think that Tracy’s dysfunctional home life as well as her lack of teacher authority made her feel as if she could do anything she wanted. She had no responsibilities and no one to hold her accountable. Teachers must take the time to get to know their students so that when we see someone beginning to struggle, we can take the problem head on and deal with these issues as they come. Ignoring the issue and not taking any of the blame as teachers and parents would be irresponsible. Having an open door where students can feel free to talk about their feelings and hardships is one of the most valuable tools any teacher can provide for his or her students.