Message from egonzalez

[Anonymous]

Please Vote for Me is a documentary directed by Wiejun Chen. The film is set in Wuhan, Central China at Evergreen Primary School. Mrs. Zhang's third grade class is given the chance to do something that is considered strange in China: vote. The class of about 40 students must decide between three candidates: Luo Lei, Cheng Cheng, or Xu Xiaofei. The candidates must prove themselves through a talent show, a debate, and finally a speech. This was an interesting documentary that delivers a taste of the home life and school life of young Chinese students.

As a third grade teacher, I believe that my students would benefit most from watching the first couple of minutes of the documentary. They will get to see the way they salute their flag, the beautiful straight lines in which the entire school stand in, and the roles that student leaders play in their morning business. I was really impressed by the students leading in the chant and raising the flag all by themselves. Also, students will get to see the students chanting Communist praises on their way out of school. I think they will be most surprised at the fact that students don't know what a democracy is, or even what it means to vote. There is another clip near the end of the film that is key for young students to watch, the one in which the classroom teacher talks about the meaning of voting. She states, "voting is a sacred matter".
I think these clips would lead to a great discussion about the duties of citizens under a democracy, including that of being an informed voter. I think it will be an eye-opening experience for them.

The rest of the film would be better for an older audience. Although my students can probably relate to the issues and struggles of the young protagonists, I think that most of the meaning would be lost. I also don't think they would be able to handle seeing the young candidate repeatedly walking around in his underwear (in scenes that show him at home).

Older students would be able to discuss the family dynamics depicted in the documentary, highlighting the involvement of the parents in making sure their children succeed. They could also discuss something that Cheng Cheng brings up from time to time, releasing the chi from your belly. In Chinese culture this is a life-giving energy that is believed to unite the body,mind, and spirit. Lastly, they could discuss the pros and cons of democracy, and how the candidates are willing to risk it all for a little power.

I found the documentary on http://documentarystorm.com/please-vote-for-me/