Comments on: Does Hollywood Rewrite History, And If So Does It Pose A Real Threat To Our Children’s Education?

By: Xamanato

Xamanato — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:08:09 +0000

So what? So did Shakespeare.
It’s up to you to show them the difference between history and entertainment – aided by children not being as dumb as you think.

By: CHEZ

CHEZ — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:03:26 +0000

The days of watching unaltered history films are over. In general the information we have about history is too general making it a boring, non-blockbuster, low budget film. Adding the basic (Sex and Violence along with special affects) keep the movie goers interested. To watch unaltered history watch the history channel on TV.
Don’t use Hollywood to teach your children history. The only history they can learn from hollywood is “hollywood history”.
They can learn that hollywood and reality are 2 totally different views. Hollywood is Fiction. Movies based on real historical events are just that; “BASED ON” actual events.

By: Rowan

Rowan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:08:33 +0000

Well, Hollywood makes it’s own version of history. But if you use an oppurtunirty like that to show kids what really happened during that time, take Troy for an example. Depending on how old the kid is, read them the myths of Troy, whether from the Odyssey or other sources.
I’m homeschooled and have always had an interest in history, so the movies haven’t changed my view on history, but for kids who don’t know what really happened….take them to a bookstore.

By: cmdruser

cmdruser — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:55:06 +0000

It’s called “Poetic License” and “Dramatization”
They get the main facts right (usually) and them fluff it up to thrill people.

By: ANIMAL

ANIMAL — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:21:53 +0000

I hope to God that our schools don’t ever resort to watching Hollywood movies for educational purposes. As long as they don’t, we should be fine.
Ever watch Flags of our Fathers? WoW! Talking about Hollywood liberalism at it’s best. They totally rewrote the true facts behind the flag raising event at Iwo Jima.

By: john_kie

john_kie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:15:04 +0000

No Hollywood does not re-write history. It entertains, our problem is is that we are too lazy to read and research on our own. So instead we sit in front of a television or movie screen and accept the fictional version of some holllywood director whose only job is to make entertaining and sensational films, that create enough interest in the form of dollars so that, they can do it all over again.
Hollywood is not interested in enlightening the public mind, or rewriting history.. Their singular interest is the generation of cash flow and the making of money.
My suggestion is go to the movies, rent your videos, enjoy them. Remember, they are nothing more than entertainment. When you need to check historical facts, use the library not your video store.

By: Scotty Doesnt Know

Scotty Doesnt Know — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:50:55 +0000

It’s a good question.
I would argue that anytime a war is fought, the victor rewrites history. Disney admittedly took some dark fairy tales and rewrote them so they’d fit the “happily ever after” model that they’re so famous for. Hollywood often does the “inspired by true events” thing, which in reality, is nothing more than their disclaimer that, “This might not be the way it ACTUALLY happened, but it’s a smashing good story now.”
The only time I would be critical and scrutinizing is if the film claimed to be a historically accurate picture. For example, the movie “Luther” was a 2003 movie that did claim to be historically accurate about the German reformation of the church. I would expect it to be accurate and would be critical if it wasn’t. However, the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith, while based on a true story, does NOT claim to be accurate.
My point: I think that history is rewritten by many more influences than just Hollywood, so we shouldn’t single them out and complain. In the words of George Lucas, speaking through one of his created characters, Obi-Wan Kenobi, “You’ll find that most of the truths we cling to depend on having a certain point of view.”

By: Thomas G.

Thomas G. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:08:57 +0000

In all honesty, it should not come as a surprise that Hollywood would rewrite history to fit their program. Seriously, it’s not much different with the authors of today’s history books. They don’t intend to write accurate objective history. In such books, their program is stated. For example, the book called “The Battle of Salamis – The Naval Encounter that saved Greece – and Western Civilization” sounds more romantic than an actual historical depiction. Barry Strauss, the author, in facts fashions the Battle of Salamis to express his support for the current Wars.
Basically, that Hollywood changes history is not surprising. It is all acceptable as long as history is not used to justify the killing of innocent people, something which today’s history books seem to do (not all, mind you, but the majority).

By: erinn83b

erinn83b — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:14:08 +0000

Yes, it does rewrite history. However, as long as parents teach their children how to differentiate between fact and fiction, their won’t be a problem. I think it is best to remember that few movies declare themselves largely historically accurate. We have to remember that unless it is a documentary, the likelihood of the events being skewed is very high.
The problem is that many of our children aren’t being taught that fiction is not real. Movies seem like reality, and are being used as a replacement for the actual events. If we watch a movie like Troy, then discuss this version of history as opposed to what we read in history books, or accounts in literature, they will then be able to see the same unevenness in other events.
As adults we are able to understand that movies don’t have to be real/true/accurate, but, if we are showing these films to our children, we do have to explain it. On our own, we can just enjoy it for what it is.

By: erin_fos

erin_fos — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:20:58 +0000

In my opinion….Hollywood definitly has a way of sprucing up historical events…… movies are just for fun……. it is important that kids know that movies aren’t real……… they are just entertainment……..not a source for learning…….as long as they study history, and know not to trust movies for knowledge.they should be okay……after all…..it is up to the folks not Hollywood producers…..