The Freedom Writers and their readings

1. Why did Ms Gruwell have the Freedom Writers study the Holocaust and meet Holocaust survivors ?

In diary 21, we learn Renee Firestone is a Holocaust survivor. She lost everything in the Holocaust (including her family). Later she came to America and became a successful clothing designer. Ms Gruwell wants to show to her students, that their life can be better. If they want, they can change their future, like this Holocaust survivor.
First the Freedom Writers didn't know what was the Holocaust. After Ms Gruwell's course, they were interested in the life of other people. They learned in Europe there were racist wars too.


2. How did the Freedom Writers relate to Anne Frank ? Give examples.

In diary 36, the student wasn't happy to read Anne Frank's diary, because he/she hated reading. In the movie, at the end, the Latino Girl was interested about Anne Frank's diary, because Anne Frank was like these students today, she saw her friends die and she had the same age and teenage tears.


3. In what way Zlata Filipovic impacted the students’ lives? Give examples from several writers. What really surprised the Freedom writers?

Zlata Filipovic gave hope to the students. After they read her diary, they had hope for their future and they had new perspectives. They learned Tolerance. They met Zlata Filipovic and they learned : like them, she saw her friends die. She was a courageous lady.
Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic impacted the student's lives. The Freedom writers were surprised because they had a lot of similarities with Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic : same age, alienation and teenage tears. They were in similar situation. In diary 37, the student says "I'm beginning to realize that Anne Frank, Zlata Filipovic, and I have a lot in common".


4.In diary 47, the writer says: ”Now if you ask me what race I am, like Zlata, I’ll simply say, “I’m a human being.””How could you explain that quote? Do you relate to it?

If we ask to Zlata "What race are you ?", she answers "I'm a human being". It means that, for her, race doesn't exist. And now this student understood that. Racism is stupid. Everyone is a human being, our colour isn't important.