MONA LISA SMILE

My boyfriend and I went out to see the movie "Mona Lisa Smile." 'Twas a great movie. I would say that every woman should see it. It's about empowering women to make them (us) cope with the needs of the times. We are not born to be slaves of men nor be underdogs in a double-standard society...Hey! It isn't true that this is a man's world!!!!

All men and women are created equal. It is true that women can't do all the things that men do. In the same manner, it is true that men can't do all the things that women do. I'm not saying that women overpower men (hey! we do in some instances!) but both genders should live in co-existence. Noone is entitled to claim that one specie is better than the other. Both should live respecting the rights of each other regardless of all aspects that differentiate one from the other. (Sige na nga!)

Another thing I like about the movie is the role of Julia Roberts as Catherine Watson who is a teacher of Art History in an exclusive university for girls. She was a non-conformist type of teacher who deviates from the ultra-conservative course syllabus provided by the school and opened the doors for the students to think independently of how they should perceive life and their roles in the society, overcoming all barriers that hinder them from taking a step towards self-determination. She inspired the students by making them seek for their own individuality. She introduced them to contemporary arts which became a vehicle for the students to change their ways.

Education should be dynamic. It should respond to the needs of an ever-changing world of systems and cultures. The road was too rough for Catherine but she took all risks to change the system. How many Catherines are there in the school system who would be willing to take the challenge of keeping education in touch with reality???? How many would step back and say hey, studes! Education is not confined within the four corners of your classroom. Go out! Live life! That's where the action is! Huwag kayong bookish! Whatever you have learned from this classroom you must apply in the outside world! If you'll be able to survive out there, congratulations! Education has worked well for you!

I thought my boyfriend will sleep on that movie coz it wasn't his cup of tea. Boy! I'm glad he enjoyed it and afterwards we had a short discussion of the values we got from it. And i'm glad he is not a chauvinist who would think that women are just second in rank in all aspects of the society. He recognizes the value of women in the lives of men. (pogie points!)...(Eh di inaway-away ko kaya sya pag di sya umayos ng sagot dun sa gender issues!...lolz!!!!...well, i don't actually do that...I always have an open mind to other people's views ",)

...U might ask if I will take the challenge to the educators myself????...DEFINITELY, I WILL! I don't care if everybody goes against my principles. All I want to do is that when my students leave my classroom, i'll make sure they have learned at least a thing or two that will help them cope with the realities of life...whether they remember me or not...i'll be happy to know they have survived life!